Gujarat Giants Secure Thrilling Win Over UP Warriorz in WPL 2026 Opener
Gujarat Giants Triumph in WPL 2026 Opener
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 10: The Gujarat Giants kicked off their campaign in the Women’s Premier League 2026 with a narrow 10-run victory against UP Warriorz at DY Patil Stadium on Saturday.
Captain Ashleigh Gardner led the charge with a stellar half-century, while Anushka Sharma made an impressive debut, scoring 44 runs off 30 balls. The Giants set a formidable target of 207/4 in their 20 overs, bolstered by significant contributions from Sophie Devine (38 off 20), Georgia Wareham (27* off 10), and Bharti Fulmali (14* off 7), marking their highest total in the tournament's history. In response, the bowlers of Gujarat maintained their composure, limiting UP Warriorz to 197/8 despite a strong effort from Phoebe Litchfield.
Head coach Michael Klinger expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, “Winning a close match is fantastic. In previous seasons, we’ve scored over 190 and just missed out. The players showed great composure in the final overs, especially against top players like Phoebe and Dottin. I have no concerns about our bowling.”
Klinger further noted, “Our batters set the stage, and the bowlers executed well. In competitions like this, you might concede a few boundaries, but it’s about how you bounce back. Sophie Devine, despite conceding runs, took the crucial wicket of Phoebe, which was pivotal for our victory.”
He praised debutant Anushka Sharma, saying, “She’s destined for international cricket. Anushka has excellent timing and can score in various ways. She’s a valuable addition to the team, trains hard, and fits in well with the group. If she continues to perform, she has a bright future ahead.”
Klinger also highlighted the bowling attack, mentioning, “With Renuka and Kashvee leading, we had solid support from Sophie and our spinners. We aimed to acquire a senior bowler during the auction, and bringing in Renuka was a great decision. Together with Kashvee, who has returned from injury, we have a blend of experience and youth.”
On Sophie Devine’s impact, Klinger remarked, “She contributes in all aspects of the game and is a leader for us. Her captaincy experience is invaluable for Ash during critical moments. She connects well with our younger players, enhancing team dynamics.”
The Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, will take on Delhi Capitals in their next WPL match at DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.