'The turning point for Gujarat Giants was Harleen Deol not getting out' - Anjum Chopra praises batter's knock against DC-W

The WPL 2025 is at an interesting stage where only one team so far has fixed their qualification for the playoffs and only one team has been eliminated. There are still three games to go to decide the top three. The team that has surprised the fans with their performances of late is Gujarat Giants.

The first two seasons were disappointing for the team who not only failed to make it to the playoffs but also ended up at the bottom of the table. This season is turning out to be different as they are currently second on the points table with four wins and three losses in their seven games.

On Friday, they got a great win against table toppers Delhi Capitals Women. It was Harleen Deol who was the star of the match, going on to score 70* off 49 deliveries in the game. Former India skipper Anjum Chopra analysed her performance and also explained how the partnership between Beth Mooney and Deol set the game up for the Giants.

“The turning point for Gujarat Giants was Harleen Deol not getting out. Had she lost her wicket at any stage - even after Beth Mooney’s dismissal or during their crucial partnership - it could have been a completely different scenario. Today was one of those days where she was timing the ball beautifully. That cut shot outside the off-stump, followed by the maximum she hit, showcased her class. I’m sure when she gets back to her room and reflect on this innings, she will realize it wasn’t just a good knock—it was a match-winning one,” Chopra said on JioHotstar.

"The key factor was the partnership between Beth Mooney and Harleen Deol. Losing an early wicket could have unsettled Gujarat, but that partnership set the pace for the chase. Without it, the game could have played out very differently. In the end, the batter at the crease has to finish the job, and that’s exactly what Harleen did,” Chopra added.

Those dropped catches need to be eliminated: Mel Jones

Former Australian cricketer Mel Jones shared her views on the Gujarat Giants' victory and also spoke about her conversation with the Giants' head coach Michael Klinger. She advised the team to improve their fielding, especially their catching.

“Yes, it certainly has been a journey. We spoke to Michael Klinger before the game, and he mentioned that he didn’t change too much from last year to this year. He has remained consistent in his messaging, which is crucial. If you change too much, things can become chaotic. Gujarat has done well to stick to simple, clear messages and back their players in critical situations. One area they will want to improve is their fielding - those dropped catches need to be eliminated. But for now, they’ll focus on celebrating this important win,” Jones said.