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T20 World Cup 2023 with Gargi Banerjee: "Good but we need lots of improvement before facing better teams"

Although India defeated West Indies by 6 wickets in their second game of T20 World Cup 2023, former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee feels they have a lot to improve.

Feb 15, 2023, 11:23 PM4 min read

Indian Women's Cricket team defeated the West Indies team by 6 wickets in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2023. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh took the team home with their 73-run stand for the 4th wicket while Deepti Sharma created history by becoming the first Indian to take 100 T20 international wickets. Deepti took 3/15 in the match to restrict the West Indies team to 118. Although it was a good win for India, former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee feels there are lots of things India need to improve if they have to beat better teams further in the tournament.

In our special segment named "T20 World Cup 2023 with Gargi Banerjee", the former Indian cricketer said, "Yes, it is a clean win. But, we need to improve a lot of things to beat better teams." India will face England in their next Group-2 match and India should be at their best to beat them in order to be on top of the group table.

Deepti Sharma creates history | T20 World Cup 2023

Deepti Sharma looked tight in her bowling after a rare "bad match" against Pakistan. The right-arm off-spinner not only took 3 wickets but checked the run flow of the West Indies as well. Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar were also economical in their bowling but lacked control in the middle. Left-arm spinners Radha Yadav and Rajeshwari Gayakwad were not consistent as they went for runs.

Even former India captain Mithali Raj addressed the lack of control in India's bowling in the commentary as well. Mithali said Indian bowlers are giving runs in the middle overs and lacking consistency in their bowling which can be an issue going into the tournament. Gargi Banerjee echoed her thoughts.

"You cannot allow the game to drift away from you after a good start. They are lacking control in line and length and it will hurt them when they play better teams. They will not give you opportunities to make a comeback," she told Sportz Point.

"You need to have a proper plan and bowl according to that. Deepti bowled brilliantly but we are expecting more from Rajeshwari and Radha. Even Renuka and Pooja have a few things to improve as well."

Along with bowling, she feels India can do a lot better in fielding. India missed two run outs opportunities and one catch went begging as well. Although Smriti Mandhana ran out Chinelle Henry to save that point for India.

Read Also: WIPL: The inaugural Women's IPL is likely to be held from March 3 to 26

But everything was overlooked when Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma came to bat. Mandhana, who was making a comeback in the team after missing the last fixture against Pakistan, looked positive from the word go. But, she was out stumped for 7 quite early in the chase. Shafali took it from there while Jemimah failed to continue her form from the last match.

"Richa's promotion has been beneficial. She looked matured:" Gargi Banerjee

After Shafali's dismissal (28), it was Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur who took the charge and took the team home. Richa's promotion in the batting order making her play more balls and giving her a chance to settle before she goes bang bang.

"Richa has been very good. If you can guide her throughout the inning, she can play according to the situation of the team. Harman guided her well. I feel Richa's promotion is giving her more balls to play and it is good that she is utilising that opportunity."

Gargi Banerjee

Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 44 from 32 balls while Harmanpreet had to deaprt for 33 with the team needing just 3 runs.

With two wins in two games, India is now at number 2 on the points table of Group 2. As they prepare to face England, Gargi Banerjee feels they will have a good chance to win if they execute their skills well.

"I believe along with Australia, India have the most balanced side in this T20 World Cup. So, it just a matter of fact that they need to plan well and execute those plans as per the need of the match," she explained.

Scorecard Summary: IND vs WI | T20 World Cup 2023

West Indies: 118/6 (Deepti Sharma 3/15)
India: 119/4 (Richa Ghosh 44*, Harmanpreet Kaur 33)

Next Article

Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Mumbai Indians beats Gujarat Giants by 47 runs to enter its second WPL final

Catch the live updates, news, scores, and commentary of the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants match today in the WPL 2025.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:33 PM1 min read

Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Gujarat Giants 48 needed off 6; GG 166/9

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match in Mumbai at the Brabourne Stadium. 

This is Payal Debnath, with all the LIVE Updates for you from the web desk.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians have dominated this rivalry, boasting an unbeaten 6-0 record against Ashleigh Gardner’s Gujarat Giants across three seasons. They will aim to maintain their streak and knock Gujarat out of the tournament. 

While the Giants have shown significant improvement since last season, they must deliver when it matters most to keep their title hopes alive.

So, sit back and relax as we start the live coverage for you. keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

LIVE Updates

Mar 13, 2025, 5:32 PM

GG all out for 166

Meghna holes out to Sciver-Brunt as Mumbai Indians beats Gujarat Giants by 47 runs to enter its second WPL final!

It will meet Delhi Capitals, a repeat of the WPL 2023 summit clash.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:30 PM

Matthews with the final over

Mar 13, 2025, 5:28 PM

MI just one wicket away

GG 166/9 in 19 overs.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:28 PM

Tanuja Kanwar departs

Kerr and Ismail combine two save a few runs but next ball, Tanuja holes out to Amanjot at point.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:26 PM

GG 163/7 in 18

Meghna hits it over the covers for a FOUR to end Kerr’s impressive spell of two for 28.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:24 PM

Simran departs

Simran went for the big shot but sends it straight up. Harmanpreet comes beneath it, after a bit of running, and takes the catch.

Kerr competing with Matthews for the Purple Cap there.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:22 PM

GG 157/7 in 17

A botched run out attempt and batters take a two.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:18 PM

Amanjot with the ball

Tanuja cheekily reverse-hits it past the short third for a FOUR! And another FOUR! Sanskriti chases after the ball but she’s not able to stop the ball from reaching the boundary.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:16 PM

70 needed off 25

Tanuja Kanwer in at the middle.

GG 145/7 in 16.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:13 PM

Bharti departs

A slow one, just above 70kmph, which rattles Bharti’s stumps as she tries to cut.

Bharti departs scoring 30. 

Mar 13, 2025, 5:08 PM

GG 134/6 in 15

Sciver-Brunt back. Sanskriti lets the ball slip from her hands after she was trying to throw it to a teammate.

And the ball goes for a FOUR! Simran with a powerful pull to find the boundary for a FOUR through square leg.

Simran ends the over with a SIX over mid wicket! Consolation runs now for GG.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:07 PM

GG 115/6 in 14

Kerr with her third over. Brilliant from the Kiwi leggie as she concedes just three runs from it.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:03 PM

Kashvee run out

Kashvee goes for the run but Bharti says no and that’s an easy run out for MI. 

GG 112/6 in 13.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:54 PM

Litchfield departs

Litchfield comes down the crease but misses the ball. Yastika is quick to stump the Australian out. Huge wicket for MI, huge loss for GG.

Kashvee Gautam the newest batter at the crease.

GG 107/5 in 12.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:52 PM

GG 100/4 in 11

Amanjot with the ball. LBW call on Bharti and Harmanpreet takes a review but it’s drifting down leg.

Next ball, she muscles the ball as it sails over long off for a SIX!

Mar 13, 2025, 4:46 PM

Gibson run out

Gibson falls short of her crease and gets run out! Amanjot, who was behind the throw at the striker’s end, has a small celebration.

GG 88/4 in 10. 

Mar 13, 2025, 4:40 PM

Ismail returns for her second spell

Litchfield uses the field well and smacks it over the mid off fielder for a FOUR! Misfield at fine leg as Litchfield swivels and pulls for another FOUR.

Gibson adds another FOUR in this over as she sends the ball to fine leg.

GG 79/3 in 9. 

Mar 13, 2025, 4:36 PM

GG 66/3 in 8

Amelia Kerr with her first over. FOUR! Litchfield uses her feet well and smacks a FOUR down the ground! And then she backs it up with a huge SIX! Good over for GG, a single for Litchfield to retain strike.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:29 PM

GG 54/3 in 7

Gibson swings and sends the ball over long on for a maximum. CLOSE! An inside edge there pinballed off Litchfield’s feet and almost castled her stumps.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:27 PM

Amanjot Kaur into the attack

A single and an lbw appeal so far in the over. Umpire not interested. A review shows an inside edge anyway.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:22 PM

GG 46/3 in 6

Compatriot Phoebe Litchfield replaces Gardner in the middle.

A little fumble there in the deep by Sajana but saves some runs for MI to end the PowerPlay.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:21 PM

Gardner departs

Gardner swings wildly and completely misses. The delivery removes the off stump bail to send the Australian back to the hut.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:19 PM

Harleen run out

Sciver-Brunt returns. SLAP! Tennis-esque smack by Gibson to find the boundary for a FOUR! W hat’s happened there!?

The batters look for a quick single but Sanskriti at point unleashes a sharp throw back at Yastika Bhatia who runs out Harleen. Another wicket lost for the chasing side.

GG 35/2 in 5.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:00 PM

Nat Sciver-Brunt with the ball

Great fielding at fine leg by Sanskriti Gupta who saves a couple of runs. Just four runs from it.

GG 15/1 in 2.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:00 PM

GG 11/1 in 1

Mar 13, 2025, 3:57 PM

Mooney departs

Danielle Gibson and Beth Mooney opening for GG. The openers have work cut out for them. Pace ace Shabnim Ismail with the ball. Cover drive by Mooney but good fielding by Sajana inside the circle.

Just two runs on that ball. FOUR! Mooney makes space for herself and slashes it over the point fielders for GG’s first boundary!

OUT! MOONEY GONE! A thick edge helps the ball fall kindly for Hayley Matthews at first slip. Early breakthrough for MI!

Mar 13, 2025, 3:36 PM

Harmanpreet run out

Harmanpreet on strike here. SIX! Stands and delivers! Launched over long off. SIX more! Opens the bat and powers this over deep cover fence. Wide and a single and it’s the new batter Sajana on strike.

They take a quick single and the skipper is back on strike. Last ball of the innings, OUT! Meghna can’t gather the ball but the ball gets off her wrist and into the stumps. 

MI 213/4 in 20 overs.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:29 PM

Nat Sciver departs

Gibson to bowl out. FOUR! NSB pulls it with ease to an empty deep square region. DROPPED! Gets a leading edge and skies it, Tanuja had plenty of time to track it but lets it go.

FOUR! Goes down the ground this time. OUT! Litchfield makes no mistake at deep midwicket and NSB has to go. 

MI 198/3 in 19.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:27 PM

MI 188/2 in 18

Tossed up wide and Harmanpreet gets a mighty swing at it over cover for SIX! FOUR! Sliced through point and backward point.

Roll it again but it’s a midfield that ends up costly again. FOUR! A single now and NSB on strike. Whipped away to deep midwicket for a run.

SIX! Harmanpreet with plenty of muscle on it, sails over deep midwicket. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:19 PM

MI 166/2 in 17

Harmanpreet Kaur comes. Starts with a full delivery to the skipper. Off the mark on the second, a single to deep cover.

NSB gets down low and goes towards deep midwicket for a run. Close call! Could have been the game for Harmanpreet but Priya’s leap at short mid wicket fielder wasn’t enough to get the ball.

FOUR! Down the ground by NSB to end the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:17 PM

Matthews departs

Kashvee to bowl out. OUT! GG FGETS THE BREAKTHROUGH! It’s a nick to Mooney behind the stumps that brings an end to her incredible knock. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:11 PM

MI 159/1 in 16

Priya to Matthews, SIX! Skips down and launches it over long on. One more SIX! Well over deep extra cover. FOUR now! Between long on and deep midwicket. A single now and NSB on strike. Litchfield does well at deep midwicket fence to slide, dive and save two runs. 19 runs off the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:07 PM

Catch dropped

NSB moves behind and lofts it short of the fielder in the deep. DROPPED! Gardner this time.

Matthews didn’t time it properly but Gardner running in from long on drops an easy one. A direct hit on the last ball was another missed chance.

MI 140/1 in 15.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:04 PM

50 for Nat Sciver

SIX! NSB brings up her fifty in style! Hammered over long on for a maximum.

SIX more! Goes bigger and the ball sails into the stands. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:03 PM

Gibson returns

Gibson returns for her third over.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:02 PM

MI 124/1 in 14

Matthews edges it back into her pads. 6 runs off the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:01 PM

Priya back

Down leg and easily put away by Matthews for FOUR! Stopped by the short third fielder, a single taken.

NSB slices it to point for one run. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:58 PM

MI 118/1 in 13

Bharti at extra cover does well to stop the ball again. NSB blocks it back to Meghna.

She had enough and that’s FOUR! Whacks it between long on and deep midwicket. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:57 PM

Meghns returns

NSB goes far across and tries to scoop it behind but cannot get a good connection. Off her pads.

A single to extra cover and Matthews on strike. Wide. Bharti at extra cover does well to stop the ball again. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:55 PM

MI 111/1 in 12

Kashvee returns. Up and over from NSB but fielder running from deep cover does well to save two.

FOUR! Misfields galore for GG! Simran couldn’t hold on to the ball again and it rolls away to the fence. Has to struggle to complete the double but NSB manages to get back.

A single and Matthews on strike now. A couple of singles to end the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:51 PM

Matthews gets to her fifty

Much tidier over this from the left-arm spinner. SIX! What a way to bring up her 50! Steps to the right and hammers it over deep mid wicket. 

MI 100/1 in 11.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:47 PM

Tanuja back

Fuller and on the stumps, NSB flicks it down to long on. Matthews pulls to deep square leg for a run. One more single. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:46 PM

Good start for Gujarat

NSB starts with a single through Matthews’ legs to long on. Matthews too flicks it to long on for a run

FOUR! NSB with a tidy reverse scoop that beats the wicketkeeper who tracked it well. Misfield and FOUR! The backward point fielder lets it through. But manages to stop the next one.

MI 89/1 in 10.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:42 PM

MI 78/1 in 9

They take a couple of singles and NSB is back on strike. Restricted to a single at deep midwicket area.

FOUR! Edged and runs away to third man ropes. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:40 PM

Meghna Singh into the attack

Meghna Singh into the attack. A single to begin with. FOUR! NSB gets a free boundary.

Fielder in the deep lets it slip through her hands and the ball rolls away to the fence. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:37 PM

MI 65/1 in 8

Priya Mishra handed the ball. FOUR! Googly to start but bowled short, Matthews finds the gap in the deep midwicket region.

FOUR more! Hangs on her bat foot, slices it past backward point to the fence. Tries to go fuller but bowls a full toss, Matthews puts it away to deep backward square leg.

Lithfield does well but ball rolls away to the fence. Two singles follow. Gets the length right and Matthews sticks to a single. 15 runs this over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:33 PM

Back-to-back boundaries

Gibson to Matthews, FOUR! Going down leg and strikes Matthews’ thigh pads, rolls away past the short fine leg fielder to the fence. Four leg byes.

Bowling it wide enough to get Matthews to reach out for a swing at it and miss. Waits it out this time and finds a single on the on side.

FOUR for NSB! Down leg side, NSB picks the line and pulls between deep square leg and fine leg! FOUR more! Whacks it over mid on to end the over. 

MI 50/1 in 7.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:32 PM

MI 37/1 in 6

Tanuja continues. Darts back into NSB who edges it on to her pads. Works the next one to deep midwicket for a run.

Reaches forward to slog sweep but doesn’t connect completely, ball falls short of the deep square leg fielder.

Nudges it to the off side for a single. FOUR to end the over. NSB walked across the stumps and swept it behind to deep square fence. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:24 PM

MI 31/1 in 5

NSB off the mark with a strong single to deep square leg. FOUR! Matthews leans back and targets the deep mid-wicket area. 5 runs, 1 wicket - a good start for Gibson. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:21 PM

Bhatia departs

Debutant Danielle Gibson into the attack. OUT! She strikes in her very second ball.

A shorter ball and Yastika tries to pull but Bharti Fulmali at short mid-wicket takes an easy catch.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:18 PM

Another 10-run over.

Tanuja Kanwer into the attack. FOUR! Tossed up on middle stump, Matthews waited patiently to flick it past mid-wicket.

Gets down and slog sweeps to deep mid wicket for a run. Yastike skips down but is hit on the pads.

Gets back in her crease in time. FOUR! Driven through an empty cover region. Another 10-run over. 

MI 26/0 in 4.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:14 PM

MI 16/0 in 3

Kashvee back, and FOUR! Yastika gets her reverse scoop right and the ball rolls safely to short third fence.

FOUR more! Short and wide, easy picking for Yastika who pierces the gap between point and backward point. Going around the wicket now.

Two dots to the left-hander now. Steps forward and drives it to deep cover for a run. A quick single to mid on and that’s 10 runs this over.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:11 PM

First boundary from Matthews

Skipper Ashleigh Gardner from the other end. FOUR! Plenty of width, Matthews uses the face of the bat to move the ball through point.

Mooney misses a big opportunity! Matthews nicked one behind but the ball bounced off the gloves. Just the boundary off the over. 

MI 6/0 in 2.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:05 PM

MI 2/0 in 1

Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia to open for MI. Kashvee Gautam with the new ball. Starts with a dot, ball staying low and swings away from Yastika. Cuts it to deep point and takes a single.

In-form Matthews on strike. Shapes it back into off stump, Matthews defends. Tucked into the deep square region for a run.

Yastika tried to go the reverse way but her attempt to scoop behind the keeper was to no yield. 2 runs. 

Mar 13, 2025, 1:45 PM

Mumbai Indians Playing XI

Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque.

Mar 13, 2025, 1:44 PM

Gujarat Giants Playing XI

Beth Mooney (wk), Danielle Gibson, Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwer, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra.

Mar 13, 2025, 1:35 PM

Toss Update | Gujarat Giants wins the toss and elects to bowl

Gujarat Giants wins the toss and elects to bowl first.

Deandra Dottin has to sit out this Eliminator as Danielle Gibson steps in as a last moment change, skipper Ashleigh Gardner says at the toss.

One change for MI too. Parunika Sisodia out for Jintimani Kalita.

Mar 13, 2025, 10:46 AM

How to watch the match?

The live telecast of the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Eliminator match will be available on the Sports18 Network in India.

The live streaming will be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Mar 13, 2025, 10:44 AM

Match Details

  • Match: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants
  • Tournament: Women's Premier League 2025 - Eliminator
  • Date: 13 March 2025
  • Time: 7:30 pm IST
  • Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Next Article

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2

Gujarat Giants registered the second biggest win of WPL history to climb up to No. 2 in the points table.

Mar 3, 2025, 5:33 PM3 min read

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2 | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Gujarat Giants registered a huge 81-run win over UP Warriorz for the second biggest win WPL history to move to No. 2 in the points table in WPL 2025. Beth Mooney equalled the record for second highest score in WPL while Tanuja Kanwar and Kashvee Gautam took three wickets each to give Gujarat Giants a huge NRR boost.

Here is everything you need to know from Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

101-run partnership from Deol and Mooney

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2 | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Deepti Sharma won the toss and decided to field first and chase whatever Gujarat Giants put up on the board. Georgia Voll made ther WPL debut as UP handed here the debut cap. UP's plan worked well early as Chinelle Henry dismissed dangerous Dayalan Hemalatha for 2 in the first over. 

But post that first wicket, Beth Mooney and Harleen Deol put up an 101 run partnership to give Gujarat Giants a solid platform to score big in the first inning.

Harleen played a solid 32-ball 45 runs inning, finding the gap easily. However, as she was closing in a solid fifty, she was cleaned up by Sophie Ecclestone. Harleen tried to give her room, but could not adjust to the pace of Ecclestone.

Mooney missed her ton by a whisker

Beth Mooney scored the second highest score in WPL history, UPW vs GG, WPL 2025, 3rd February, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Beth Mooney scored the second highest score in WPL history. Image | BCCI

However, Mooney kept to running hard and post completing her fifty changed her gear. Ashleigh Gardner did not look at her best (11) while Deandra Dottin smacked two boundaries and one six before getting out. 

Mooney though despite playing so well, could not become the first player to score a ton in Women’s Premier League history as she did not get that much of strike in the final few overs. With 17 boundaries, she was unbeaten on 96 from 59 balls as Gujarat Giants scored 186/5 in the first innings.

Horrible start for Gujarat 

Deandra Dottin shows Kiran Navgire where to go after dismissing her, UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants, WPL, Lucknow, March 3, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Deandra Dottin shows Kiran Navgire where to go after dimissing her. Image | BCCI

During the chase, Gujarat’s batting order fell like a house of cards. Kiran, Navgire and Georgia Voll were sent back to the pavilion in the fast over by Deandra Dottin

Young pacer Kashvee Gautam then cleaned up Dinesh Vrinda’s stumps while Deepti Sharma edged one to Mooney off Meghna Singh in the fifth over. At 29/4 after powerplay, Gujarat Giants looked far from the target.

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2 | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

After the strikes from pace bowlers, Gujarat’s spinners continued the momentum. Shweta Sehrawat edged one up while trying to slog Ashleigh Gardner in the eighth over. 

Two overs later, Grace Harris, who was the only UP top-order batter to reach double figure mark, miscued a scoop shot against Tanuja Kanwar. After her dismissal, Giants were at 48/6 and only a miracle could have saved them.

Chinelle Henry tried to do that by hiting a few humongus sixes but she could only hit two of them before getting caught at the deep after 28 from 14 balls.

Sophie Ecclestone added 14 off 10 before they were bundled out for 105. With this win Gujarat Giants now have moved up to No. 2 in the points table. This is the first time this season they have managed to win back-to-back games as well.

Next Article

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season

Sayan Ghosh emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Bengal pacer now looking for his Ranji Trophy return.

Feb 22, 2025, 1:07 AM7 min read

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com

Chakdaha, a very tiny town in the Nadia district of West Bengal, is known to the cricketing world for a very special player. It is Jhulan Goswami, who made Chakdaha famous with fiery spells all around the globe, wearing the Blue jersey of India. 

When Jhulan was breaking records in women's cricket, another speedster from Chakdaha dreamt of breaking stumps and records too. Sayan Ghosh, known as Bengal's Malinga, saw ups and downs from the start of his cricketing career. But, like his swinging yorkers, Sayan never swayed away from his targets. 

Ghosh last played a Ranji Trophy game way back in 2017. In 6 first-class games, he has two five-wicket hauls. Still, he was never called back to the Ranji Trophy, team until this season. The reason is his incredible comeback into the white ball side for Bengal. 

Sayan Ghosh's incredible season in white-ball format

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh celebrating a wicket in SMAT pre-quarters vs Chandigarh. Image | PTI

Sayan was always called the "White Ball" specialist due to his ability to hit yorkers and variations. However, with bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, Ishan Porel and Akash Deep doing well, he found himself out of the side in the last few seasons. But, his will to keep doing well at the club level, helped him make another comeback to the Bengal side. 

This season, Sayan Ghosh was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, he returned with 13 wickets from 7 games at an outstanding economy rate of 6.77.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the stats were even better as he capped off the season with 15 wickets from 7 games which included a five-wicket haul against Kerala. Post, his outstanding white-ball return, Sayan was included in the Ranji Trophy squad for the final two games of the season. 

Read Also | Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers

"Nothing as sweet as a comeback:" Sayan Ghosh

After his remarkable resurgence in domestic cricket, Sportz Point sat with the 32-year-old pacer to sense his thoughts. 

Talking about his return to the Bengal team, Sayan started the conversation by saying, "It is always a pleasure to represent Bengal. And there is nothing as sweet as a comeback when you are down and about to lose. Performing well for the team feels great."

Impact of Bengal Pro T20 League

Sayan feels, along with doing well for Mohun Bagan in the club format, the Bengal Pro T20 League has helped him be in the best form possible. 

"I must say, performance in BPL gave me confidence," Sayan told Sportz Point.

"I didn’t take too much pressure for the whole season because I knew if I did well, I would play. I had belief in myself. Captain Sudip (Gharami), coaches Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da and Maco (Shib Shankar Paul) da gave confidence. So, I didn’t take a lot of pressure."

Focusing on the basics

Sayan Ghosh - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh during a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point

A few seasons back, Sayan had a longer run-up which caused him a few injuries. But, post the 2022 season, he shortened his run-up to avoid such injuries which helped him gain more control. Keeping this in mind, Sportz Point wanted to know if he had done anything special to prepare for this grand comeback. 

However, as per Sayan, he just kept doing the basic things over and over to get better at everything. "I do lots of fitness work and spot bowling. It helps me a lot," Sayan added while answering the question. 

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

"Trust in GOD"

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh ater his 4-wicket haul SMAT 2024. Image | PTI

Regardless of how, for a sportsperson, a comeback is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical battle. Back in 2022, in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point, Sayan shared that "rejections do not deject him." 

But, saying that and actually having that mental strength are two different things altogether. For Sayan, it was all about being present and believing in God. 

"There comes a time in every sportsman's life when they stop worrying about the outcome, trust in God, and fully immerse themselves in the process. So, that was my thinking just to be in the present and wait for my turn," Sayan expressed. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

During tough periods like these, players always get some people clapping and cheering for them. For Sayan, along with his family, there were a few people, who guided and supported him throughout the process. 

"Maco da (Shib Shankar Paul) and Kanchan (Maity) da gave me chances in BPL And Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da helped me and gave me a chance to come back in Bengal Cricket." 

"I must say about Akash da, one of my colleagues in my office, who is a very good bowler himself. He supported me in every aspect of my life. I think without his support, I could not have made the come back like that," Sayan stated.

Age? Not a problem

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh before a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point

But, in this process of being in and out of the team, Sayan has reached an age where most cricketers start to reach the end of their careers. But, not all. 

Cricketers like Scott Boland have proved that, if you can keep putting in the hard work, even as a fast bowler you can debut and play at the highest level even after 30. Sayan believes that too. 

"Hope keeps us alive. I don’t think a lot about the outcome. But, when you have a goal to achieve something big in your professional career, you always stay motivated," the 32-year-old shared. 

"There is nothing as sweet as a comeback, when you are down and about to lose. If you are thinking about a comeback, you have to keep pushing the boundaries. I have small targets to do well in club cricket and give Mohunbagan trophies. I want to make a strong impact in Bengal Cricket in every format."

Read Also | Exclusive | "Felt like my debut:" Bengal pacer Ishan Porel now wants to enjoy his cricket after a solid comeback to first-class cricket

The love for "Red Cherry"

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh bowling in a club match. Image | Sportz Point

Now, after a great white-ball return, Sayan Ghosh wants to don the whites for Bengal again. Amidst all the success around white-ball cricket, his love for red-ball cricket remained the same; like a 10-year-old with a new ball in hand. 

"We are playing well in all formats, especially in the Ranji trophy. It was unfortunate for us not to qualify despite playing well in the group stages. The Bihar match and the Kerala match were gone because of the rain and that was the reason (we could not qualify). 

"The last time I played a Ranji Trophy game was in 2017. I have played 6 matches and got two five-wicket hauls. However, because of certain team combinations, I haven't played red-ball cricket in a long time now. 

"My belief is always there to make a strong comeback in red ball cricket."

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UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2025 Match 6 Report: Delhi hold nerve to register their second win, helped by UP's poor fielding

UP Warriorz fielders dropped two catches in the final over while Delhi Capitals kept their calm under pressure to register a win over UP Warriorz in WPL 2025.

Feb 19, 2025, 6:21 PM4 min read

UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2025 Match 6 Report: Delhi hold their nerve to register their second win, helped by UP's poor fielding | sportzpoint.com
Image | WPL

Delhi Capitals continued the trend of successful chases in WPL 2025 with a seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz on Wednesday in the final game in Vadodara. Annable Sutherland kept her cool under pressure to stitch a 48-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp to chase down 167 with 1 ball to go. 

UP handed debut cap to Chinelle Henry

With the dew in mind, Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning won the toss and decided to field first. Delhi brought in Niki Prasad, the player of the match from their first match against Mumbai Indians, replacing Radha Yadav.

Meantime, UP handed debut cap to West Indian all-rounder Chinelle Henry in place of Alana King. Saima Thakor was replaced by Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

Navgire gave UPW a perfect start

UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2025 Match 6 Report: Kiran Navgire scored a quick-fire fifty | sportzpoint.com
Image | WPL

Meg’s decision to bowl first backfired as Kiran Navgire dismantled their opening bowlers with devastating batting.

Kiran Navgire showcased why she is rated so high in this format after a 27-ball 51 as UP scored 66 in the powerplay. But, the situation changed soon as Delhi struck back with three quick wickets to send back Dinesh Vrinda(16), Kiran Navgire (51) and Tahila McGrath (1). 

Annabel Sutherland dismissed the first two while Jess Jonasen removed Tahila McGrath. UP captain Deepti Sharma could only add 7 as she was stumped by Sarah Bryce off Minnu Mani. 

But young Shweta Sehrawat showed patience to build a partnership with Grace Harris first and then alongside Chinelle Henry. 

Henry impressed on debut

UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2025 Match 6 Report: Debutant Chinelle Henry scored an unbeaten 33 from 15 balls | sportzpoint.com
Henry scored 33 from 15 balls. Image | WPL

Shweta was dismissed on 37 from 33 balls but debutant Henry hit massive sixes to take UP’s total over 160. Henry even hit Shikha Pandey for 22 in four balls in the 17th over. 

Henry hit 3 boundaries and 3 sixes to score an unbeaten 33 from 15 balls as UP reached 166/7 in the first inning. 

Sutherland with 26/2 was the pick of the bowlers for Delhi. 

Lanning and Shafali with a perfect powerplay for DC

UPW vs DC WPL 2025 Match Report: Lanning and Shafali with a perfect powerplay for DC | sportzpoint.com
Meg Lanning scored a quick ffity. Image | WPL

In the second inning, just like UP Warriorz, Delhi also had a devastating start. Openers Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning scored 60 in the powerplay to set up them for an easier chase.

However, it was not all smooth and easy for the Capitals as they struggled to get going after Shafali Verma’s (26) wicket in the sixth over. Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed on a duck in the next over by Sophie Ecclestone. 

Things started moving slowly for them after that, and Meg Lanning’s dismissal on 69 off 49 balls in the 15th over made things tighter.

Poor fielding costs UP the game

UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2025 Match 6 Report: Delhi hold their nerve to register their second win, helped by UP's poor fielding | sportzpoint.com
Sutherland and Kapp stiched an unbeaten 48-run partnership. Image | WPL

Sophie Ecclestone dropped Annabel Sutherland on 23 in the 16th over and then Deepti Sharma dropped Marizanne Kapp in the 19th over to ease things out for Delhi Capitals.

With 11 needed from the final over, Sadar land, heat, and back-to-back boundaries in the second and third ball of the over to take Capital home with one ball remaining.

Sutherland remained unbeaten on 41 from 35 balls while Marizanne Kapp was undefeated on 29 off 17 balls. With this win, Delhi Capitals moved to 2nd place in the points table.

UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals: Match Summary

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DC vs RCB WPL 2025 Match Report: Smriti Mandhana's 81 takes dominating RCB to top of the table

Smriti Mandhana's highest WPL score of 81 off 47 balls helped RCB beat Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets to make it two out of two wins in WPL 2025.

Feb 17, 2025, 5:27 PM4 min read

DC vs RCB WPL 2025 Match Report: Smriti Mandhana's 81 takes dominating RCB to top of the table | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their straight second win of the WPL 2025, as they defeated telecoms by six wickets in Vadodara on Monday. Smriti Mandhana's 81 from 47 and Renuka Singh's three wickets helped them get an easy win to reach the top of the points table. RCB chased down Delhi's 142-run target with 22 balls to go and 8 wickets in hands.

Renuka and Wareham impressed for RCB with the ball

Smriti Mandhana won the toss and decided to bowl first on a wicket that was a little bit damp as per the pitch report. Renuka Singh Thakur, just like the first match, struck early to give moment term to RCB.

The Indian medium pacer dismissed dangerous Shafali Verma on a golden duck. But Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Meg Lanning made sure Delhi Capitals were off to a good start in the first inning. 

Jemimah Rodrigues struck a quick 22-ball 34, Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, WPL 2025, Vadodara, February 17, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Jemimah Rodrigues struck a quick 22-ball 34. Image | BCCI

Though Lanning was steady and slow, Jemimah looked apart with shots around the ground. She hit two sixes one over the cover and one over square leg to prove her range of shots. However, it was her willingness to hit too many kinds of shots, which was the cause of her dismissal.

Despite scoring at more than 150 strike rate, Jemimah decided to play a reverse sweep and was stumped by Richa Ghosh off Georgia Wareham on 34 off 22. 

Renuka Singh took three wickets against Delhi Capitals | sportzpoint.com
Renuka Singh took three wickets against Delhi Capitals. Image | BCCI

It was her wicket that gave the momentum back to RCB as Kim Garth dismissed Meg Lanning with a short ball in the next over. Except for Sarah Bryce’s 23 from 19, no Delhi Capitals batter could get a start and eventually, they were bundled out for 141 in the first inning. 

Renuka Singh won the Purple cap after here 23/3 while Georgia Wareham also took 3 for 24. Kim Garth and Ekta Bisht finished with two wickets each for RCB as well. 

Mandhana show during the chase

Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Smriti Mandhana put up a 101-run partnership for RCB vs Delhi Capitals | sportzpoint.com
Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Smriti Mandhana put up a 107-run partnership for RCB vs Delhi Capitals. Image | BCCI

In the second innings, RCB captain Smirti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge gave the defending champions a solid opening start which enabled them to chase down the total easily. Their powerplay score of 57/0 gave them a solid platform to finish well. 

In a small tournament like the Women’s Premier League, where matches are less, net run rate is something every team wants to have in their kitty. RCB after a great start also wanted to have a higher net run rate against Delhi Capitals. 

Smriti Mandhana completed her first fifty of the season in 27 balls while Danni Wyatt-Hodge kept on supporting her from the other end. Soon, their partnership crossed 100 in just 62 balls to stamp their authority. 

Danni (42 off 33) was dismissed while going for a big shot against Arundhati Reddy but Mandhana kept on striking at her best to ensure RCB managed an easy win.

DC vs RCB WPL 2025 Match Report: Smriti Mandhana's 81 takes dominating RCB to top of the table | sportzpoint.com
Mandhana was out after her highest WPL score of 81 off 47. Image | BCCI

Delhi could have made a comeback in the match but just like last match Ellyse Perry was dropped on 1 off Jess Jonassen. They finally struck back but it was already too late for them. Shikha Pandey dismissed Mandhana while playing a scoop on 81 from 47, her highest in WPL career. However, only 9 were needed at that time. 

In the end, Richa Ghosh ended the game with a huge six to take RCB to the top of the points table with 22 balls to go in the match. 

DC vs RCB WPL 2025 Match Summary

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