WPL 2023Gujarat Giants rope in Laura Wolvaardt as injured Beth Mooney's replacement

By India Today Sports DeskGujarat Giants have signed South African Laura Wolvaardt as a replacement for the injured Beth Mooney for the remainder of the Women’s Premier League season (WPL). Wolvaardt, who was in Pakistan for the PCB’s Women’s League exhibition matches, was released by her team, Super Women.

Woldvaart’s compatriot, Sune Luus, took her place in the PCB’s Women’s League exhibition matches. Wolvaardt was in good form in her only appearance in the Women’s League, scoring 53 not out in 36 balls as Super Women defeated Amazons by eight wickets in the first game of the tournament.

“I want to thank the PCB for this opportunity to play in the Women’s League exhibition matches. It has been an incredible short journey, but I have loved the experience. The team has been amazing and I have felt so welcoming,” Wolvaardt said.

“I wish both sides the best of luck with rest of the series. I am sure both sides will strive hard and they will do well and learn a lot from the experience they will get from the matches. I cannot wait to return to Pakistan in September with the South Africa’s national women’s team and learning more about this amazing country,” she added.

Mooney led Gujarat Giants in the inaugural season before suffering a knee injury in the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians. She was signed by the franchise for a whopping Rs 2 crore at last month’s WPL auction before being named captain.

Mooney injured her knee while running in a massive 207-car chase. Her team went on to lose by 143 runs after she retired hurt. In her absence, Gujarat Giants were led by Sneh Rana.