Spinner all-rounder Deepti Sharma (88 not out) registered her third straight 50-plus score, but that wasn't enough as UP Warriorz lost by eight runs to Gujarat Giants in Monday's Women's Premier League clash here.

In response to the Giants' 152/8, the Warriorz were reeling at 35/5 after seven overs with Andhra medium-pacer Shabnam MD striking thrice. Deepti found an able ally in Poonam Khemnar (36 not out), but they were left with a little too much to do in the end as the Warriorz finished on 144/5. The Warriorz need Royal Challengers Bangalore to lose against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday in order to remain in contention for the playoffs. Earlier, spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Rajeshwari Gayakwad along with Deepti made matters tough for the Giants before captain Beth Mooney's unbeaten 74 gave them some breathing space. Brief scores: GG Women 152/8 in 20 ovs. (B. Mooney 74 n.o.). UP Warriorz Women 144/5 in 20 ovs (D. Sharma 88 n.o.; Shabnam MD 3/11). GG Women won by 8 runs.