Gujarat Giants Kick Off WPL 2026 With Commanding Win Over UP Warriorz

Gujarat Giants began their Tata WPL 2026 campaign in style, clinching a 10-run victory over UP Warriorz in a high-scoring thriller to mark the perfect start to the season. The win, built on a powerful batting display and clutch all-round performances, immediately underlines the Giants’ intent in this year’s competition.

Batting first, Gujarat Giants posted an imposing 207 for 4, riding on a composed yet authoritative half-century from Ashleigh Gardner. Gardner’s 65 formed the backbone of the innings, as she controlled the middle overs and provided the ideal platform for a late assault.

Youngster Anushka Sharma offered excellent support with a crucial 44, stitching together a key stand with Gardner that kept the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate. Their partnership ensured the Giants were on course for a 200-plus total, putting the Warriorz bowlers under sustained pressure.

With a solid platform set, Georgia Wareham produced a stunning late cameo to propel the Giants beyond 200. Her unbeaten 27 off just 10 balls injected vital momentum at the death and proved decisive in the final margin of the game.

Wareham’s clean striking in the closing overs turned a strong total into a commanding one, leaving UP Warriorz facing a steep chase. The finishing kick she provided ensured Gujarat carried all the momentum into the second innings.

Phoebe Litchfield’s brisk 78 briefly put UP Warriorz in contention, but her dismissal followed by disciplined death bowling from Gujarat Giants, decisively swung the momentum and sealed the 10-run win.

Having shone with the bat, Wareham delivered with the ball as well, producing the crucial breakthroughs that swung the game in Gujarat’s favour. She removed Meg Lanning and Harleen Deol, two of Warriorz’s top order threats, to derail the pursuit of 208.

Supported by disciplined spells from the rest of the attack, those strikes ensured UP Warriorz finished on 197 for 8, 10 runs short of the Giants’ 207. The all-round impact from Wareham capped a complete team performance and sealed a memorable opening win for Gujarat Giants.