Beth Mooney left stranded just short of century in Women's Premier League

Beth Mooney narrowly missed the Women's Premier League's first century record, stopping at 96, just four runs short. Despite failing to reach the personal milestone, the Gujarat Giants secured a resounding victory, which somewhat made up for her disappointment. Her stellar performance was instrumental in the team's success.

Mooney scored her final 72 runs off 36 balls, but she only faced 5 balls (contributing 11 runs) in the last 25 balls for the Giants. Meanwhile, other batters at the other end scored 34 runs at the cost of 3 wickets in 20 balls. Even when new batter Bharti Fulmali missed a swing on the penultimate ball, opting against a single, Mooney showed no frustration, only a wry smile as the team finished at 5-186. This highlights her team-first attitude.

A large crowd of Lucknow fans at the home ground were disappointed as the UP Warriorz ultimately failed to withstand the Giants' offensive. The Warriorz struggled throughout the match, falling to 2-2, 4-25, and 6-48, eventually being bowled out for 105, losing by 81 runs with 17 balls remaining. Georgia Wareham, urgently drafted in as an injury replacement, suffered a third-ball duck on her debut, while Grace Harris was one of the few to show resistance, contributing 25 runs. The team's batting lineup needs significant improvement.

"Beth Mooney set up the game brilliantly with her fantastic 96," said Giants captain Ash Gardner. Another Giants and Australian teammate, Phoebe Litchfield, commented on Mooney's innings, saying, "It was amazing, she is a 360-degree player, she hits the ball to the outside of the covers." Litchfield added, "Once Beth Mooney gets going, she is hard to stop. Once she gets past 20, you are in trouble, the way she was hitting the ball tonight was spectacular, it was a privilege to watch." This praise underscores Mooney's value to the team.

Mooney had been in poor form in the previous five matches, scoring only 84 runs. But her place in the Giants' side is secure, largely because she is the Giants' only wicketkeeper, and because of the reputation she enjoys. After cautiously getting to 24 off 23 balls, she advanced down the pitch to hit Sophie Ecclestone for four and never looked back – particularly straight hitting, finding 49 runs in that area with power and perfect placement. Her strategic approach paid off handsomely.

The humble Mooney gave credit to her teammates Harleen Deol (45 off 32 balls) and Deandra Dottin (17 off 8 balls). She said, "I have probably faced a lot of their bowlers in international cricket and the WPL, so I know what their plans are. They gave me a few balls to hit today, which was nice." This demonstrates her understanding of the game and respect for her fellow players.

Mooney also has scores of 97 not out and 99 not out in England's Hundred competition, but has fallen short of three figures. However, she does have two T20 centuries for Australia and three in the Women's Big Bash League. Mooney's brilliant performance follows Ellyse Perry's 90 not out a week earlier. Sophie Devine's 99 in the inaugural WPL season (2023) remains the highest individual score, although Mooney now equals Alyssa Healy in second place, who scored 96 eight days before Devine's knock. The competition for top scores is fierce.

The Giants are currently second in the five-team points table, four points behind the Delhi Capitals and ahead of the Mumbai Indians on net run rate. The Warriorz, like the Royal Challengers Bangalore, are two points behind. The race for the playoffs is expected to be competitive.