In a crucial match against the UP Warriorz on Monday at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, the Gujarat Giants failed to capitalize on their opportunity, choosing to bat first and setting a below-par target of 179.
The Ahmedabad-based team needed a huge victory to keep their playoff qualification hopes alive, but the Warriorz’s resilient bowling in the latter half of the innings dashed their aspirations, primarily due to Parshavi Chopra’s outstanding performance. The 16-year-old, who was playing in only her second game of the tournament, claimed remarkable figures of 2/29 and shifted the game’s momentum.
During the Powerplay, the Giants got off to a blistering start, scoring 50/3 with both Dayalan Hemalatha and Ashleigh Gardner achieving half-centuries. The two batters had combined for a partnership of 93 runs in just 60 deliveries when the opposing team captain, Alyssa Healy, brought on Parshavi Chopra for her third over of the game.
The young leg-spinner had an immediate impact, luring fellow Indian Hemalatha into a rash shot with a flighted delivery outside off, resulting in her getting caught in the deep. The entire Warriorz team was overjoyed for Chopra and gathered around her in celebration, expressing their admiration with exuberant gestures and affectionate pats for the youngster.
However, the standout performer of India’s U-19 World T20 victory was not finished yet. In the crucial penultimate over, which is widely regarded as the most significant over in an innings, Parshavi Chopra faced the daunting task of bowling against the world’s number one all-rounder, Ashleigh Gardner. The Australian had already blasted her way to a remarkable 60 off just 38 deliveries, but Chopra managed to outfox her fellow cricketer.
Gardner charged down the pitch, looking to make a statement, but was undone by the length of the ball, resulting in a straightforward stumping opportunity for her teammate Alyssa Healy. Given Chopra’s age, Twitter users were quick to recognize the magnitude of the occasion and took to social media to express their admiration for the young leg-spinner’s performance.