Even at 31, Mooney gets going in style in WPL-3

Before landing in India in the first week of last month, Australia's Beth Mooney had some good time with the willow, scoring one half-century and a century against England in a Test match at Melbourne.

- Sharad Deep

LUCKNOW:

While switching the format, Mooney began with a fine 56 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match of the Gujarat Giants in the new season of the Women's Premier League but found the goings tough thereafter as she could score 0, 1, 10, and 17 in the next four matches.

Despite her poor run, Gujarat Giants didn't drop her even in the match against UP Warriorz here on Monday as they don't have a spare wicketkeeper in the squad. And this time, the 31-year-old keeper-batter didn't disappoint her side, smashing a match-winning unbeaten 59-ball 96 with the help of 17 hits to the fence to ensure the team's fascinating 81-run win.

Mooney, who on Monday provided a reminder of why she is the No. 1 T20I batter in the ICC rankings, also helped Gujarat Giants jump from fifth place to second. Her 101-run second-wicket partnership with Harleen Deol also made a big difference in the team's much-needed win.