India, Jan. 10 -- There was some degree of surprise in the few moments after Gujarat Giants lost their first wicket. Next in to bat was Women's Premier League (WPL) debutant Anushka Sharma.

In domestic circles, there was a buzz around the 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh. She was the second-highest scorer in the MP Women's League with 93 in four matches, and was the highest scorer, with 155 in five matches, for Central Zone in the Senior Inter Zonal T20 Trophy.

On Saturday, at the DY Patil Stadium against UP Warriorz, she quelled all doubts as she brought that same form to the fore to help the Giants register a 10-run win. Facing her sixth ball, she went down on one knee and swatted Asha Shobhana's delivery behind square leg. A few overs...