In a nail-biting encounter at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, the Gujarat Giants secured a hard-fought 10-run victory over the UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Despite a blistering knock from Phoebe Litchfield, the Warriorz fell short while chasing a formidable target of 208.
Gardner and Devine Power Giants to Commanding Total
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the Gujarat Giants posted a strong total of 207 for 4 in their 20 overs. The innings was built on a solid foundation laid by opener Sophie Devine, who scored a quickfire 38 before departing in the sixth over. Captain Ashleigh Gardner then took charge, anchoring the innings with a well-constructed 65.
Gardner found a perfect partner in Anushka Sharma, who contributed a valuable 44 off just 30 deliveries. Their 103-run partnership for the third wicket put the UP Warriorz bowlers under immense pressure during the middle overs. The Giants' innings received a final flourish from Georgia Wareham, who smashed an unbeaten 27 from 10 balls, and Bharti Fulmali, who remained not out on 14 off 7 deliveries, pushing the team past the 200-run mark.
For the Warriorz, England's Sophie Ecclestone was the most economical and successful bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 32. Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin claimed one wicket each.
Litchfield's Valiant Effort Falls Short in Chase
Chasing 208 for victory, the UP Warriorz suffered an early blow when Kiran Navgire was dismissed in the very first over by Renuka Singh. However, captain Meg Lanning and the young Australian, Phoebe Litchfield, rebuilt the innings with a 70-run stand. While Lanning played a steady hand for her 30, Litchfield launched a stunning counter-attack.
The match, however, turned decisively in the Giants' favour during a dramatic collapse. The Warriorz lost Lanning, Harleen Deol, and Deepti Sharma in the space of just five balls for only one run, slumping from 73 for 1 to 74 for 4.
Undeterred, Litchfield continued her assault, forging a 69-run partnership with Shweta Sehrawat (25) to keep her team in the hunt. Her magnificent innings of 78 runs off just 40 balls, which included eight fours and five sixes, ended in the 16th over, effectively sealing the game for the Giants. Asha Sobhana's late cameo of 27* off 10 balls provided some excitement, but the Warriorz ultimately finished at 197 for 8.
All-Round Performance Seals the Win
The Gujarat Giants' bowling attack held its nerve in the face of Litchfield's onslaught. Georgia Wareham capped off an excellent all-round performance by taking 2 for 30. Renuka Singh and Sophie Devine also chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Ashleigh Gardner and Rajeshwari Gayakwad took one wicket each to secure the win.
This victory marks an important points for the Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2026 season. Fans can follow the latest updates, including the full WPL schedule, live scores for teams like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals, and the ongoing race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
