Gujarat Giants Bounce Back with Big Win Against UP Warriorz in WPL 2026
In an exciting turn of events in the Women’s Premier League 2026, the Gujarat Giants snapped their three-match losing streak with an impressive 45-run victory over the UP Warriorz on January 22 in Vadodara. This win lifted the Giants from last place to second in the standings, while the Warriorz fell to the bottom, facing a crucial need to win their next two matches.
The Giants batted first, scoring 153 runs for eight wickets in their 20 overs. Sophie Devine from New Zealand played a key role, scoring a brilliant half-century with 50 runs off 42 balls, including three sixes and two fours. Her steady performance was vital as wickets tumbled around her.
Beth Mooney added 38 runs from 34 balls. Other players like Ashleigh Gardner, Anushka Sharma, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge provided quick contributions to keep the innings moving. For the Warriorz, Kranti Gaud stood out as a bowler, taking two wickets for just 18 runs. Sophie Ecclestone also performed well, finishing with two wickets for 22 runs, while Shikha Pandey had a rough outing, giving away 53 runs.
Warriorz Struggle in Chase
UP Warriorz’s run chase struggled to gain momentum right from the start. Kiran Navgire was out for a duck in the first over, and Meg Lanning managed only 14 runs off 10 balls. Phoebe Litchfield showed some resistance with 32 runs from 27 balls, while Chloe Tryon managed 30 runs off 22 balls. Unfortunately, no batter could match the strength of the Giants’ performance.
Gujarat’s bowlers, including Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Singh, combined effectively to restrict the Warriorz to just 108 runs, getting all out in 17.3 overs. Gayakwad was particularly impressive, taking three wickets for only 16 runs.
The loss is a setback for the Warriorz, who will need to regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. For the Giants, this win is a significant confidence booster, showcasing their potential as serious contenders for the title.
As the WPL 2026 continues, the Gujarat Giants aim to build on this victory, while the UP Warriorz must find a way to turn their fortunes around to avoid another disappointing season.
