Anushka, the rise of GG’s new star

There was some degree of surprise in the few moments after Gujarat Giants lost their first wicket.

- Shahid Judge

Next in to bat was WPL debutant Anushka Sharma.In domestic circles, there was a buzz around the 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh. She was the second-highest scorer in the MP Women's League with 93 in 4 games, and was the highest scorer, with 155 in 5 games for Central Zone in the Inter Zonal T20 Trophy.

On Saturday, against UP Warriorz, she quelled all doubts as she brought that same form to the fore to help the Giants register a 10-run win. Facing her sixth ball, she went down on one knee and swatted Asha Shobhana’s delivery behind square leg. A few overs later, with confidence growing, she stepped down the track and chipped the ball straight over the bowler to the fence.