Sophia Dunkley smashes fastest fifty in Women's Premier League

NEW DELHI: Having suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two matches, Sophia Dunkley gave Gujarat Giants much-needed impetus by smashing a fastest fifty in the Women's Premier League on Wednesday.
Dunkley got to her maiden WPL fifty off just 18 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

The England batter went hammer and tongs against Preeti Bose as she slammed her for 4,6,4,4,4 on successive balls to bring up a stunning half-century in the fifth over.
Dunkley's blitzkrieg was ended by Shreyanka Patil for 65. Her 28-ball knock was studded with 11 fours and three sixes.
After Dunkley, Harleen Deol (67) also produced a fine knock to power Gujarat to 201 for seven. Gujarat also bowled well to secure their first win of the WPL.
In reply, RCB managed 190 for six to succumb to their third defeat on the trot. Sophie Devine waged a lone battle for the Bangalore outfit with a 45-ball 66.
Before Dunkley, Mumbai Indians skipper Harmnapreet Kaur held the record of scoring a fastest fifty in WPL when she notched up a 22-ball half-century in the tournament opener against Gujarat Giants.

Earlier, Gujarat stand-in skipper Sneh Rana made no hesitation in opting to bat after winning the toss.
"Would like to bat first. It's a used pitch. Want to bat freely with our batting depth. We are playing with the same XI. The environment was very positive - the kind of cricket we played. I'm enjoying the role. It adds responsibility to your shoulders," Rana said.