WPL 2023: UP-W vs GUJ-W 3rd Match – Predicted UP Warriorz Women Playing XI vs Gujarat Giants Women

Up Warriorz. (Photo Source: Twitter/UpWarriorz)

The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 commenced on March 4 when Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants locked horns in the curtain raiser. The second day of the tournament will witness a double-header, and third match of the competition will see UP Warriorz take on Gujarat Giants at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, March 5.

UP Warriorz boast a sensational line-up ahead of the start of the WPL, the likes of Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma, and Tahlia McGrath make them serious contenders for the title.

Here’s UP Warriorz’ predicted XI for the match against Gujarat Giants:

Openers – Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Shweta Sehrawat

UP Warriorz will look to get a massive start to their innings through Australian great Alyssa Healy. The 32-year-old boasts a sensational record in T20Is, with 2489 runs in 141 matches for Australia. Healy will look to lead from the front and inspire the team with her presence.

Healy will be accompanied by Indian youngster Shweta Sehrawat. The 19-year-old impressed with her performances during team India’s historic campaign at the U-19 World Cup. Her performances at the World Cup could earn her a spot in the playing XI as UP-W kick off their campaign.

Middle-order – Tahlia McGrath, Simran Shaikh, Kiran Navgire

The middle-order of UP-W boasts impressive talents as well. Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath could look to make a massive impact, as the 27-year-old has an impressive record in T20Is with 615 runs in 27 matches.

McGrath will be accompanied by Indian all-rounders Simran Shaikh and Kiran Navgire. Except for McGrath, the middle order of UP-W could depend on their youngsters to score some crucial runs for them. McGrath could also be promoted up the order as the team lacks experience in their batting line-up.

All-rounders – Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya

The all-rounders could make or break the game for UP-W, as one could argue that the team lacks credible batters, they certainly make up for it with their bowling unit.

Deepti Sharma boasts a fabulous record with both the bat and the ball. With 941 runs and 92 T20I matches, she also has 102 wickets to her name in the shortest format. She will be accompanied by Devika Vaidya, and the 25-year-old will look to make an immediate impact with her inclusion in the squad.

Bowlers –  Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Shabnim Ismail

The bowling attack of UP Warriorz is where the team shines. With stars like Sophie Ecclestone and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, the team will look to depend on their bowling attack to make up for what they lack in the top order.

The bowling attack will be further bolstered by Deepti Sharma, who has been in fabulous form recently. Shabnim Ismail is one more name who could be influential for UP-W. The South African pacer’s excellent record could shine in the inaugural season of the WPL.

UP Warriorz playing XI: Alyssa Healy (C) (WK), Shweta Sehrawat, Simran Shaikh, Tahlia McGrath, Kiran Navgire, Devika Vaidya, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Shabnim Ismail