Three 'Key' Areas of Concern for Gujarat Giants Ahead of Second Match

image-lev5psd2Mooney got retired hurt [Twitter]

It was an eventful night on Saturday, as the first match of the inaugural edition of Women's Premier League (WPL) took place between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians started the fireworks led by Harmanpreet Kaur, and the bowlers finished the job to perfection as MI thrashed Gujarat by a whopping 143 runs.

Batting first, MI took the attack to the opposition and posted a mammoth 207 on the board, courtesy of a brilliant 30-ball 65 from Harmanpreet Kaur. In reply, Gujarat were of no match and skikttled for a paltry 64.

The Beth Mooney led side have no time to recover, as they face their next challenge tonight against Alyssa Healy's UP Warriorz.

So, we look at 3 major areas of concern for the Gujarat Giants ahead of this crucial game.

Will Beth Mooney play?

Chasing 208, Gujarat needed their skipper to go all guns blazing, but that didn't happen as on the fourth ball of the first over, she attempted a single, but was sent back by her partner. Post that, she had some discomfort and the physio was called onto the field and she was carried off the field.

Arguably Gujarat's best batter by a country mile, the team management will be sweating over her fitness and fingers will be crossed that the skipper recovers in time. If she isn't fit, vice-captain, Sneh Rana will lead the side.

Bowling and batting woes

The team's body language looked lethargic after just six overs. The Gujarat team had a below average day not only with the ball, but with the willow as well.

It was widely expected that their bowlers will be up for the challenge against a formidable MI batters, but the opposite happened. The bowlers were taken to the cleaners and Mumbai Indians posted 207 on the board. 

Batters needed to step up, but they failed miserably as no one really got going and the side was bundled out for a mere 64. With no time to reflect on the loss, Gujarat must find the right solution to fix their existing problems.

Fielders need to buckle up

The fielding was below the standard that you expect in a high-octane tournament like this. Mumbai Indians batters easily converted one's into two's and the fielders failed to mount any pressure.

Gujarat Giants' head coach, Rachael Haynes, who was a gun fielder during her playing days, will be upset by what she saw, and will be aiming to recitify those mistakes.