UP Warriorz Find Their First Victory in WPL 2025

In a night of electrifying cricket, the UP Warriorz Women finally tasted victory in the Women's Premier League 2025 with a commanding 33-run triumph over Delhi Capitals Women. The match, held in Bengaluru, witnessed a blend of explosive batting, clinical bowling, and strategic brilliance from the Warriorz as they posted 177/9 in their allotted 20 overs. This win not only marked their first of the season but also ended a disappointing run where they came close but couldn't cross the finish line.

The innings took off with Chinelle Henry's breathtaking performance, blasting 62 runs off just 23 deliveries. This significant knock, featuring some stunning strokes, equaled the record for the joint-fastest fifty in WPL history. Her execution in the latter order came at a crucial moment when the Warriorz needed someone to take charge after a shaky start. Tahlia McGrath and Deepti Sharma also contributed with the bat, adding vital runs that laid a competitive foundation.

Grace Harris' Spectacular Hat-Trick Lights Up the Final Over

The Delhi Capitals, beginning their chase with optimism, found themselves in a tangled web spun by the Warriorz bowlers. Grace Harris etched her name in the league's history books with a magical hat-trick in the last over, becoming only the third bowler in the WPL to achieve this feat. Her bowling not only sealed the Capitals' fate but also brought on-field celebrations and joy in the Warriorz camp. Her victims in succession were Shikha Pandey, Arundhati Reddy, and Minnu Mani.

Complementing Harris was Kranti Goud, whose superb spell yielded figures of 4/25. Goud tore through the middle order by dismantling crucial partnerships and dismissing top players like Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues. This effective combination of pace and spin left Delhi's lineup in disarray, bringing them to a halt at 144/7 in 19.3 overs before their last flop.

Post-match, Henry expressed her excitement about her role as a finisher, highlighting the importance of adapting and seizing moments. Meanwhile, in a lighthearted moment, Harris revealed how she jokingly predicted her hat-trick during team strategy meetings, bringing a touch of humor and relief into the intense environment.

With this victory, UP Warriorz have gained significant momentum to face the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their upcoming match. The win has not only ended their winless streak but also served as a reminder of their potential and capability to dominate when they hit their stride.