In a season that has been a rollercoaster for both sides, Match 14 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 saw Gujarat Giants pull off a clinical performance to dismantle UP Warriorz by 45 runs. Playing at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat successfully defended a total of 153, which initially felt a bit short but eventually proved to be far more than enough. It was a victory defined by Sophie Devine’s rescue act with the bat and a masterclass in spin bowling from Rajeshwari Gayakwad, catapulting the Giants from the bottom of the table to a much more comfortable second spot.
The game began with UP Warriorz winning the toss and choosing to bowl, a decision that looked inspired for the first half of the innings. Gujarat’s top-order struggled to find any real rhythm on a surface that was a bit slow and low. Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Beth Mooney couldn’t really kick on, and at one point, it looked like Gujarat might crumble for a sub-130 score. The pressure was mounting as the Warriorz bowlers, led by Kranti Gaud, kept things incredibly tight, making every run feel like a massive effort for the batting side.
However, Sophie Devine turned the tide with a gritty, unbeaten half-century. Coming in at number four, the Kiwi veteran played a calculated knock of 52* off 42 deliveries. She didn’t have it all her own way—benefiting from a dropped catch and being bowled off a no-ball—but she made those lives count. Her ability to find the boundary in the death overs pushed the Giants to a respectable 153/8. It wasn’t a massive total, but it gave the bowlers a fighting chance on a track that was clearly starting to grip.
UP Warriorz’ chase started with a mix of intent and caution. Phoebe Litchfield looked the most comfortable of the lot, playing some gorgeous strokes during the Powerplay to keep the required rate in check. But the wheels completely came off once she was dismissed. From a relatively stable position, the Warriorz batting lineup suffered a spectacular collapse, sliding from a hopeful start to a desperate situation in the blink of an eye. The middle order simply had no answers for the guile of the Giants spinners.
The star of the second innings was undoubtedly Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Returning to the side with something to prove, the veteran left-arm spinner was absolutely unplayable. She finished with remarkable figures of 3/16 from her four overs, ripping through the heart of the Warriorz’ batting order. She was supported brilliantly by Renuka Singh Thakur and Sophie Devine, who both picked up two wickets apiece. The Warriorz were eventually bundled out for just 108 in 17.3 overs, failing to even get close to the target.
This 45-run win was more than just two points for the Gujarat Giants; it was a statement of intent. After enduring a three-game losing streak, they managed to leapfrog several teams to sit second in the standings. For UP Warriorz, it was a night to forget, as their batting frailties were exposed under pressure. The Giants now head into their next clash against Delhi Capitals with renewed confidence, while the Warriorz are left to go back to the drawing board after sliding to the bottom of the pile.
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