WPL 2023: Laura Wolvaardt replaces Beth Mooney in Gujarat Giants squad

The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 has provided for some thrilling moments so far. Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz got off to good starts in the competition, but the same could not be said for Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Gujarat Giants especially got the worst of starts to the tournament as their skipper Beth Mooney suffered an injury in the first match of the WPL, where they faced Mumbai Indians. 

In a recent development, it was announced that South Africa cricketer Laura Wolvaardt will be replacing the injured Beth Mooney for the remainder of the season. Woolvardt, who was in Pakistan for the PCB's Women's League exhibition matches, was released by her side so that she could be available for Gujarat Giants.

Laura Wolvaardt will look to make an immediate impact as she replaces Beth Mooney. On the day of the announcement, Wolvaardt represented Super Women at the 2023 Women’s League Exhibition matches in Pakistan. Super Women won their game against Amazons on March 8, and Wolvaardt was the highest scorer for her side as she scored an unbeaten 53 off just 36 deliveries.

Gujarat Giants look to register first win of the tournament

In the two matches that Gujarat Giants have played at the 2023 WPL, they have been unable to register a victory. They faced the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians in the season opener of the competition, and after MI notched up 207 runs on the scoreboard, Gujarat were bundled out for a mere score of 67.

Beth Mooney’s injury right at the start of their innings worsened things for them going into the competition. They next locked horns against UP Warriorz which resulted in a loss as well. After a much-improved batting performance, it was still not enough for Gujarat Giants to register a victory, as UP Warriorz won the game by three wickets.

As they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the sixth match of the tournament, Gujarat have managed to notch up a massive 201 runs on the scoreboard. The side will be looking to get their first win of the competition against an already struggling RCB side.