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WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Edge UP Warriorz in High-Scoring Thriller
Georgia Wareham’s explosive late hitting and crucial wickets powered Gujarat Giants to a commanding opening win over UP Warriorz.

Gujarat Giants (GG) defeated UP Warriorz (UPW) by 10 runs in Match 2 of the Women’s Premier League 2026 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants posted a massive total of 207/4 in 20 overs. Ashleigh Gardner played a blazing knock of 65 off 41 balls, while Georgia Wareham delivered a fiery finish at the end. Anushka Brijmohan Sharma’s useful contribution helped Gujarat Giants cross the 200-run mark.

In the chase, Phoebe Litchfield played a fiery knock, but her efforts fell short. Renuka Singh (2/25 in 4 overs) and Georgia Wareham (2/30 in 4 overs) successfully restricted UP Warriorz to 197/8 in 20 overs.

Wareham Shines as Giants Start With a Statement Win

Wareham smashed an unbeaten 27 off just 10 balls at the death. Her late assault pushed the Giants past the 200-run mark. Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner’s fluent half-century had set a solid base for the innings.

Later, Wareham struck crucial blows with the ball. She dismissed Meg Lanning and Harleen Deol, two key batters, and derailed the Warriorz chase.

Early Exchanges in the Powerplay

Sophie Devine gave Warriorz early hope during the powerplay. She removed Deepti Sharma in the fourth over and briefly shifted momentum.

However, Gujarat quickly pulled things back. Beth Mooney fell to a clever arm-ball from Sophie Ecclestone in the fifth over. One over later, Devine departed for a brisk 38 off 20 balls after picking out deep midwicket off Shikha Pandey.

Gardner and Anushka Take Control

After the early wickets, Ashleigh Gardner and debutant Anushka Sharma took charge. They added 103 runs for the third wicket in just over 10 overs and lifted the scoring rate with confidence.

Anushka impressed on debut with calm footwork and clean hitting against spin. One standout moment came when she stepped out to Ecclestone and lofted her neatly between cover and point.

Gardner started steadily but changed gears in the 13th over. She attacked Kranti Gaud and followed it up with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Across overs 13 to 15, Giants collected 49 runs. Gardner reached her half-century in only 30 balls.

Wareham Provides the Final Surge

Wareham arrived midway through the 17th over and immediately made her presence felt. She went after Deandra Dottin in the 19th over and smashed three sixes.

She enjoyed a slice of luck when a simple chance was dropped on 13. Bharti Fulmali then joined the late charge. She struck two sixes off Deepti Sharma in the final over and helped Gujarat cross the 200-run mark.

Warriorz Begin Well but Lose Grip

UP Warriorz lost Kiran Navgire in the very first over to Renuka Singh. Despite that setback, Phoebe Litchfield looked in fine touch from the start.

She dominated the scoring during a 70-run stand with Meg Lanning. However, once the partnership broke, Warriorz suffered a dramatic collapse. They lost three wickets in just four balls and slipped badly.

Sehrawat and Litchfield Fight Back

At 74 for 4, Warriorz tried to rebuild. They promoted Shweta Sehrawat, and she responded instantly. She launched Renuka for a six off her first ball and followed it up with two more sixes off Gardner.

Litchfield matched her stroke for stroke. She brought up her half-century in 29 balls with inventive shots all around the ground. The pair added 69 runs for the fifth wicket and kept hopes alive.

Wareham and Giants Seal the Game

The turning point came when Sehrawat missed a slog-sweep and got bowled by Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Soon after, Litchfield also fell, and with her dismissal, Warriorz’s chase lost steam.

Asha Sobhana played a short cameo near the end, but it only reduced the margin of defeat. Gujarat Giants held firm and sealed a convincing win to begin their campaign.

Brief Scorecard

Gujarat Giants (GG) : 207/4 (20)
Ashleigh Gardner 65(41), Anushka Brijmohan Sharma 44(30), Sophie Devine 38(20);
Sophie Ecclestone 2/32(4), Shikha Pandey 1/29(3)
UP Warriorz (UPW) : 197/8 (20)
Phoebe Litchfield 78(40), Meg Lanning 30(27), Asha Sobhana 27*(10);
Renuka Singh 2/25(4), Georgia Wareham 2/30(4)
Player of the Match: Georgia Wareham

Georgia Wareham delivered a superb all-round performance to guide Gujarat Giants to a strong opening victory over UP Warriorz. She made an impact with both bat and ball and stood out as the match-winner. Phoebe Litchfield played well, but her efforts fell short against Renuka Singh and Georgia Wareham, who took crucial wickets at the right time and did not allow other batters to play freely. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!