WPL 2026 - Match 2 : Gujarat Giants won by 10 Runs against UP Warriorz
WPL 2026 - Match 2 : Gujarat Giants won by 10 Runs against UP Warriorz
10 January 2026 | Navi Mumbai
Match Result Snapshot
In a high-scoring thriller at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Gujarat Giants Women defeated UP Warriorz Women by 10 runs in WPL 2026’s second match. Gujarat set a challenging total of 207/4 in 20 overs, anchored by captain Ashleigh Gardner (65 off 41). Despite a valiant chase led by Phoebe Litchfield (78 off 40), UPW fell short at 197/8.
The match highlighted the intensity of the WPL, showcasing aggressive batting, strategic bowling, and game-changing partnerships. For Gujarat, it was a morale-boosting opening victory, while UP Warriorz will reflect on missed opportunities in the chase.
How the Match Unfolded
After winning the toss, UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning chose to field. Gujarat Giants started aggressively, with openers Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine adding 41 runs in the first few overs before falling. The crucial turning point came through a 103-run partnership between Ashleigh Gardner (65) and Anushka Sharma (44), stabilizing the innings and allowing Gujarat to post over 200.
UP Warriorz’s chase started poorly with an early wicket, but the second-wicket stand between Lanning (30) and Litchfield (78) kept the chase alive. However, Gujarat’s bowlers struck at key moments to break partnerships, and despite late efforts, UPW could not reach the target.
Key Performances
- Ashleigh Gardner (GG) - Captain & Anchor: 65 off 41, set the tone and stabilized the innings.
- Anushka Sharma (GG): 44 off 30, vital third-wicket partnership with Gardner.
- Phoebe Litchfield (UPW): 78 off 40, kept UPW in the hunt deep into the chase.
- Georgia Wareham (GG): 27 off 10 and 2/30 with ball, decisive late innings and bowling contribution.
- Sophie Ecclestone (UPW): 2/32, provided breakthroughs at crucial intervals.
These performances show how partnerships and all-round contributions determined the match outcome.
Numbers That Mattered
Gujarat Giants Women
207/4 (20 overs)
Middle-order partnership of 103 runs crucial
UP Warriorz Women
197/8 (20 overs)
Chase fell short despite strong individual innings
Top Performers
Ashleigh Gardner – 65 (41)
Phoebe Litchfield – 78 (40)
Player of the Match
Georgia Wareham (GG) – 27* & 2/30
What This Result Means
For Gujarat Giants Women, this win is a strong statement early in WPL 2026. Scoring over 200 and defending it demonstrates batting depth, tactical bowling, and the importance of strategic partnerships. Their confidence will be high heading into upcoming matches.
UP Warriorz Women, despite Litchfield’s heroics, will look to strengthen middle-order support and death bowling. Narrow defeats such as this highlight both potential and areas for improvement, particularly in converting promising starts into victories. Fans can expect both teams to deliver more thrilling contests as the season progresses.