Gardner’s All-Round Brilliance Powers Gujarat Giants to Narrow Win Over UP Warriorz

Navi Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Gujarat Giants produced a spirited all-round performance to edge past UP Warriorz by 10 runs in a high-scoring encounter in the second match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday. A captain’s innings from Ashleigh Gardner, followed by disciplined bowling spells from Renuka Singh Thakur and Sophie Devine, proved decisive in a contest that kept spectators on edge until the final over.

Chasing a challenging target of 207, UP Warriorz got off to a shaky start when opener Kiran Navgire was bowled for just one run by Renuka Singh Thakur, who struck early with a sharp delivery as the batter attempted a sweep. The early breakthrough gave Gujarat the momentum, but Warriorz captain Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield soon steadied the innings with a well-constructed partnership.

The Australian pair added 70 runs, combining fluent stroke play with smart strike rotation. Lanning played the role of anchor, while Litchfield accelerated whenever the bowlers erred in line or length. Gujarat finally found a way through in the ninth over when Georgia Wareham deceived Lanning with a perfectly flighted googly, sending the skipper back for 30.

That dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse in the Warriorz middle order. In quick succession, Harleen Deol was dismissed for a duck, and vice-captain Deepti Sharma departed for just one run, leaving the chasing side reeling under pressure. With wickets tumbling, the asking rate climbed, and the Giants tightened their grip on the match.

Despite the setbacks, Phoebe Litchfield stood tall and produced a breathtaking innings on her WPL debut. She raced to her half-century in just 24 balls, showcasing a wide range of strokes and fearless intent. Shweta Sehrawat provided brief support with 25 runs before falling in the 15th over, again swinging the momentum back in Gujarat’s favour.

Litchfield’s resistance finally ended when she was dismissed by the experienced Sophie Devine, who also reached the milestone of 350 wickets in T20 cricket during the match. Litchfield’s knock of 78 off 40 balls, featuring eight fours and five sixes, kept the Warriorz in contention until the closing stages.

Asha Shobhana attempted a late surge with an unbeaten 27 off just 10 deliveries, but the required rate proved too steep. UP Warriorz eventually finished on 197 for 8, falling 10 runs short of the target.

Renuka Singh Thakur led Gujarat’s bowling attack with two wickets and an impressive tally of 14 dot balls. She received strong support from Sophie Devine, who claimed two wickets despite conceding runs, and Georgia Wareham, who returned excellent figures of 2 for 30. Captain Ashleigh Gardner also contributed with the ball, underlining her all-round impact.

Earlier, Gujarat Giants laid the foundation for victory with the bat after being asked to bat first. A commanding 103-run partnership between Gardner and debutant Anushka Sharma powered the team to 207 for 4. Gardner’s 65 off 41 balls, laced with four boundaries and three sixes, anchored the innings, while Anushka impressed with a fluent 44 off 30 balls, narrowly missing a half-century on debut.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Giants 207/4 in 20 overs beat UP Warriorz 197/8 in 20 overs by 10 runs.