WPL 2023: Laura Wolvaardt replaces Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants

South Africa batter Laura Wolvaardt has been named as a replacement for the injured Beth Mooney by the Gujarat Giants (GG) for the remainder of the tournament. Mooney suffered a hamstring injury during GG's first game of the season against Mumbai Indians (MI) and had to retire hurt in the first over of the chase.

Wolvaardt is currently in Pakistan taking part in PCB's Women's League exhibition matches where she smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 36 deliveries to lead her side Super Women to a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the first game. She will be replaced by her national teammate Sune Luus for the rest of the matches.

Luus recently led South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup, where she led her side to the final - South Africa's best-ever finish. She replaced Dane van Niekerk as skipper for the mega event after the latter failed a fitness test. With 230 runs at 46 to go with a strike-rate of 106.48, Wolvaardt finished as the leading run-getter in the tournament

Sneh Rana has been leading GG in the WPL in Mooney's absence. Mooney was picked up by the Giants for INR 2 crore in the WPL auction. The team also consists of fellow Australians Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland.

"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 in a statement on Wednesday (March 8). 

"I wish both sides the best of luck with the 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."

Warriorz add Shivali Shinde

UP Warriorz have added India batter Shivali Shinde to their squad as a replacement for all-rounder Laxmi Yadav, who was ruled out after injuring herselfduring training.

"Playing in the WPL is a moment of immense pride for me. And my family is delighted that I have received this opportunity. I am looking forward to this stint and hope to pick up the tricks of the trade from some of the best cricketers in the business. Experiencing the electric atmosphere in the stadiums is something I am definitely looking forward to and I hope to be able to contribute in a substantial manner for the UP Warriorz," Shivali said.

Warriorz have won one and lost one in the WPL so far. They take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) next on at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday (March 10).