Vadodara: Gujarat Giants climbed to second place in the points table of the 2026 Women’s Premier League after a commanding 45-run victory over the UP Warriorz at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Coming into the match at the bottom of the standings, the Giants produced a complete performance to snap a three-match losing streak and lift themselves out of a four-point logjam. Batting first, Gujarat posted 153, thanks to a crucial 50-run knock from Sophie Devine, who steadied the innings after early losses. UP bowlers Kranti Gaud and Sophie Ecclestone tried to maintain pressure but were unable to halt the momentum.
In reply, UP Warriorz started steadily but lost momentum once Phoebe Litchfield was dismissed. The chase quickly unraveled as Rajeshwari Gayakwad delivered a match-winning spell of left-arm spin, finishing with 3 for 16. All five Gujarat bowlers contributed with wickets, helping restrict UP well short of the target—marking the lowest total successfully defended this season.
Gayakwad was named Player of the Match for her control and precision. Gujarat captain Ashleigh Gardner praised her side’s resilience, while UP skipper Meg Lanning acknowledged her team couldn’t capitalize with the bat despite good plans.
Gujarat Giants next face the Delhi Capitals Women on January 27, while UP Warriorz return on January 29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women. The WPL action resumes on January 24, when Delhi Capitals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara.
Source: WPL
Discussion about this post