Home
Sophie Devine led Gujarat Giants (GG) to a clinical 45-run victory over UP Warriorz in their Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 clash in Vadodara on January 22. Devine anchored the Giants' innings with a composed, unbeaten 50 off 42 balls, striking three sixes and two fours to help her side recover from early stutters and reach a competitive total of 153/8. Her late-overs acceleration proved vital, especially as she capitalised on being dropped on 35 to push the score past the 150-mark.
Gujarat Giants bulldoze UP Warriorz
GG followed up their batting effort with a disciplined and collective bowling performance, bundling out the Warriorz for just 108 in 17.3 overs. Veteran left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the standout performer in her comeback match, dismantling the middle order with impressive figures of 3/16. She was well-supported by Devine and Renuka Singh, who both claimed two wickets apiece, ensuring that the Warriorz never found momentum in their chase.
ALSO READ: SL vs ENG: Mendis' handsome 93 steers Sri Lanka to 19-run win over England in 1st ODI
This victory was a crucial turning point for Gujarat, as it snapped a three-match losing streak and propelled them to second place in the WPL standings. They now sit just behind the league leaders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have already secured their spot in the final with a perfect record. For the UP Warriorz, the loss is a significant setback, leaving them at the bottom of the table and needing to win their remaining fixtures to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad keeps Warriorz in check
Chasing a target of 154, the UP Warriorz struggled to find their footing as two early setbacks decimated their top order. Kiran Navgire’s difficult form continued when she was stumped for a golden duck in the very first over after losing her balance on a wide delivery.
The chase grew more complicated during the powerplay when captain Meg Lanning fell for 14 in a bizarre stroke of misfortune. After missing a pull shot, the ball deflected off her thigh pad and shin before trickling back onto the stumps, leaving the hosts rattled.
While Phoebe Litchfield showed some resistance with a well-made 32, the Warriorz' momentum vanished once Giants' skipper Ashleigh Gardner dismissed her. With Harleen Deol struggling to find timing during a scratchy 12-ball 3, the middle order was left exposed to Gujarat’s spin attack.
Rajeshwari then delivered the decisive blow, finishing with a standout 3/16. She removed Deepti Sharma early in her spell and followed up with two more quick wickets to leave the Warriorz reeling at 93/7.
Sophie Devine burns bright with all-round heroics
The contest was effectively sealed when Sophie Devine capped her Player of the Match performance by dismissing her New Zealand teammate Sophie Ecclestone. As the Warriorz slumped to 94/8 in the 16th over, any remaining hope for a comeback disappeared, leading to a comprehensive 45-run victory for the Giants.
ALSO READ: 'We will continue to...': BCB president cries foul after Bangladesh's exit from T20 World Cup 2026
In a measured knock under pressure, Sophie Devine anchored the Gujarat Giants' innings to a total of 153/8, which ultimately proved decisive. Entering the match after a string of three low scores, including a duck in her previous outing, the New Zealand veteran played with significant poise. She finished unbeaten on 50 off 42 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours to hold the side together as wickets fell around her.
Devine's performance was not without its share of luck; she survived a close run-out call early on and was later dropped on 35 after being dismissed off a no-ball. She fully capitalized on these reprieves in the final over, launching pacer Shikha Pandey for two massive sixes to lift the Giants past the 150-mark. While Gujarat had raced at over nine runs an over during the powerplay, a clinical middle-overs performance from the UP Warriorz's spin attack had threatened to keep them under a competitive total.
The Warriorz's bowlers, led by Kranti Goud, who returned impressive figures of 2/18, successfully applied the brakes after Gujarat’s brisk start. Skipper Meg Lanning utilized her diverse spin resources effectively, with Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma stifling the run flow. Between the 13th and 16th overs, the Giants were unable to find a single boundary as the pressure mounted, making Devine’s late-innings surge all the more critical to their 45-run victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
