WPL 2023: X-Factor of Gujarat Giants Women

image-lep9xlvdSophia Dunkley (Source: Twitter/@ESPNcricinfo)

4th March is around the corner and with that, the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League is knocking at the doors. We have already taken a sneak peek at four of the five teams. We have already done a deep analysis of the Gujarat Giants team and now in this article, we will try and identify a player who can be the differential factor for the Giants in the tournament. 

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Well, the Gujarat Giants team do have quite a few big names and the skipper Beth Mooney is particularly in great touch. But I feel the X-Factor for the Gujarat Giants will be the English opening batter, Sophia Dunkley. 

Dunkley is someone who looks to bat with positive intent from the word go. She will be responsible for some blazing stars of the team and that makes her a key cog in the batting machinery. If Dunkley gets going she will be a big nightmare to most of the bowling attacks in the tournament. 


Player Profile: Sophia Dunkley

Dunkley has played 44 T20 matches in the English colours. She has 652 runs under her belt at a strike rate of 117.68. Well, the number is nothing extra ordinary, but in recent times she has scored a strike rate of over 140. In the case of T20 matches, a quick and blazing start often sets up the tone for a team and gives you the advantage early in the match. And that is where Dunkley becomes dangerous. 

image-lepaf38m(Source: OneCricket)


What does Sophia Dunkley add to the Gujarat Giants Women?

As far as the looks of the Gujarat Giants squad is concerned, it looks like Dunkley will be the one opening the innings along with Beth Mooney. While opening the innings, she will be given the license to go for the kill from the very beginning while Mooney takes the initial time to settle down. 

On batting-friendly wickets, Dunkley's positive approach will be a big boost to the team. If she can give them fast starts, the Giants will more often than not end up being in advantageous positions. 

image-lepaidqr(Source: OneCricket)


Threat with Sophia Dunkley

The biggest concern with Dunkley is her consistency. She plays with a positive approach but fails to do the same regularly. 

As we have already spoken about her 140 plus strike rate in recent times, is in the same period, where Dunkley's average has been just 15.60. This is something that she needs to work on and turn up with bigger scores on a more consistent basis. 

Nevertheless, Dunkley will be a risk that when pays off will give big returns and hence will be accepted by the team management by both hands.