Synopsis
In a thrilling match, the UP Warriorz secured their first win of the 2025 season against the Delhi Capitals, with standout performances from Grace Harris and Kranti Goud. Harris achieved a hat-trick, and Chinelle Henry's explosive batting played a key role in the victory, instilling hope for future matches.Key Takeaways
- UP Warriorz achieved their first victory of the 2025 season.
- Grace Harris secured a hat-trick, becoming the third player in WPL history to do so.
- Chinelle Henry scored 62 runs off 23 balls, setting a strong foundation for the team.
- The team is hopeful that this win will boost their confidence moving forward.
- Kranti Goud also played a significant role with four wickets.
Bengaluru, Feb 23 (NationPress) The UP Warriorz celebrated a hard-fought victory by 33 runs against the two-time finalists, Delhi Capitals, marking their first win of the 2025 season. This triumph was largely due to the outstanding performances of Kranti Goud and Grace Harris, both of whom took four wickets, with Harris achieving a hat-trick in the final over. Following the match, the Australian all-rounder expressed her optimism that this initial victory would ‘turn the tide’ for their future matches.
Grace remained modest after becoming the third player in WPL history to secure a hat-trick by taking out Niki Prasad, Arundhati Reddy, and Minnu Mani in the last over, humorously commenting that ‘it was not good bowling’ on her part that led to the Delhi team's collapse.
“That was not good bowling (on her hat-trick.) We are enjoying our time and loving the WPL. Hopefully, this win turns the tide for us. I was joking in the bowlers meeting today. I was joking that I was gonna take a hat-trick. We had a casual meeting. I want to manifest something with the bat going forward in the competition,” stated Harris during the post-match presentation.
While Kranti and Grace were instrumental in securing the win in the second innings, Chinelle Henry's explosive innings of 62 runs off just 23 balls set a solid foundation for the UP Warriorz. Reflecting on her Player of the Match performance, Henry commented, “My role in the team is clear. I have to finish the game, and I have been doing that pretty well. It’s all about backing my skills. When I went out, the ball was moving, but I just focused on executing my strengths.”
Her impressive strike rate of 269.57, which included matching the record for the joint-fastest fifty in WPL history in just 18 balls, was crucial in propelling the Warriorz to a total of 177/9.
“I have batted once with her, and she is a very good striker of the ball. She has a clean swing. She is fantastic around our group. She has the power, I would like to spend some time with Henry. I think the conditions haven't been in our favour, but you can win games if we execute our plans. This win gives a little boost and confidence. Let's hope we roll over the Mumbai Indians and RCB going forward,” Grace added when discussing Chinelle’s remarkable performance.
