The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 kicked off with a bang as Gujarat Giants’ opener Beth Mooney unleashed a fiery 56 off just 42 balls, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Her innings, laced with eight crisp boundaries, not only powered the Giants to a commanding total but also marked the first half-century of the season, signaling her intent to lead from the front in her quest for WPL glory.
Mooney, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter and Gujarat Giants’ linchpin, walked out to open the innings with a clear mission—dominate. Facing a disciplined RCB bowling attack, she started cautiously, navigating the early overs with precision. However, it wasn’t long before she shifted gears, showcasing her trademark timing and placement. Her ability to find gaps with surgical accuracy was on full display, as she peppered the boundary ropes, particularly through the off-side, leaving RCB’s fielders scrambling.
The turning point came in the ninth over when Mooney took on Georgia Wareham, smashing a hat-trick of boundaries to race to her fifty in just 37 balls. This aggressive shift not only broke RCB’s rhythm but also lifted the Giants’ run rate, which had been steady but not explosive until then. Her innings reached a crescendo before she was dismissed by debutant Prema Rawat at 11.4 overs, caught by Smriti Mandhana at mid-wicket. By then, she had already propelled Gujarat to 85/3, laying a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on.
Mooney’s knock was not just about the runs; it was a statement of intent. As the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2025, she brought her international form into the WPL, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most consistent T20 batters globally. Her strike rate of 133.33 in the opener was a testament to her ability to balance aggression with composure, a trait that has made her a nightmare for bowlers worldwide.
The impact of her innings was immediate. Following her departure, Gujarat Giants’ captain Ashleigh Gardner took charge, building on Mooney’s momentum with an unbeaten 79 off 37 balls, studded with eight sixes. Gardner’s onslaught, combined with Deandra Dottin’s quickfire 25 off 13, propelled the Giants to a formidable 201/5—their highest total in WPL history. Mooney’s early fireworks were the catalyst, allowing the middle order to unleash chaos in the death overs.
For RCB, Mooney’s innings was a wake-up call. Despite early breakthroughs, including Renuka Singh’s dismissal of Laura Wolvaardt, they struggled to contain the Giants’ batting juggernaut. The fielding lapses and lack of bowling variations in the latter overs further compounded their woes, leaving them with a daunting chase of 202 runs.
As the WPL 2025 unfolds, Beth Mooney’s explosive start has set high expectations for Gujarat Giants. Her ability to anchor and accelerate makes her a pivotal figure in their campaign, especially after a challenging 2024 season where she was the team’s top scorer. With Gardner’s leadership and a bolstered squad, the Giants look poised to rewrite their narrative, and Mooney’s 56 off 42 in the opener might just be the spark that ignites their journey to silverware.
In a league where every run counts, Beth Mooney has already stamped her authority. The question now is—can she sustain this form and lead Gujarat Giants to their maiden WPL title? Only time will tell, but for now, the stage is hers, and the spotlight is firmly on her golden bat
