Gujarat Giants Beat UP Warriorz by 45 Runs – WPL 2024 Highlights

The Gujarat Giants defeated the UP Warriorz by 45 runs on January 22, 2026, ending a three-match losing streak and climbing to second place in the standings. The Giants posted a total of 153 for 8, a score that proved too challenging for the Warriorz, who were restricted to 108.

A Tale of Two Innings

For much of the Gujarat Giants’ innings, Sophie Devine struggled to find her rhythm against tight bowling from the UP Warriorz. However, she ultimately finished with an unbeaten 50 off 42 balls, a crucial contribution that lifted her team to a competitive total. The middle overs proved particularly contrasting for the two sides, with the Giants laboring to 59 for 3 while the Warriorz collapsed to 50 for 6 during the same phase.

Key Performances with the Ball

Kranti Gaud and Sophie Ecclestone each took two wickets for the UP Warriorz, attempting to contain the Giants’ scoring. However, it was Rajeshwari Gayakwad who proved most effective for Gujarat, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs. Devine also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets and moving to the top of the bowling charts with a total of 11 wickets in the tournament.

Did You Know? Sophie Devine’s two wickets propelled her to the top of the bowling charts with 11 wickets overall.

Conditions and Momentum

The match took place after a five-day break for the UP Warriorz and marked their first game in Vadodara. This break appeared to favor the Gujarat Giants, who capitalized on the opportunity to break their losing streak. The Warriorz now face a challenging situation, needing to win their remaining two matches, with another week-long break before those games – a position unfamiliar to Meg Lanning.

Gaud’s Early Impact

Kranti Gaud made an immediate impact with the ball, troubling the Gujarat batters on a cracked black-soil surface. She dismissed Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Anushka Sharma, finishing with figures of 2 for 18. Gaud’s ability to exploit the conditions and land the ball in challenging areas proved pivotal in restricting the Giants’ scoring rate.

Expert Insight: The contrasting performances in the middle overs highlight the importance of adapting to conditions and maintaining momentum in this tournament. The Giants were able to capitalize on the Warriorz’s struggles during this phase, ultimately securing a decisive victory.

Late Flourishes and Missed Opportunities

Despite a slow start, Sophie Devine accelerated in the final overs, scoring 20 runs off the last seven balls she faced to reach her second half-century of the edition. A dropped catch by Phoebe Litchfield earlier in her innings allowed Devine to continue, though it also led to the run-out of Bharti Fulmali.

Warriorz’s Batting Struggles

The UP Warriorz’s batting lineup faltered in their chase, with Kiran Navgire continuing a recent run of low scores. A freak dismissal ended Meg Lanning’s innings, and the middle order failed to provide stability. Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s bowling proved particularly effective, dismantling the Warriorz’s batting order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the match?

The Gujarat Giants beat the UP Warriorz by 45 runs, with a final score of 153 for 8 to 108.

Who was the leading run-scorer for the Gujarat Giants?

Sophie Devine was the leading run-scorer for the Gujarat Giants, finishing with 50 not out.

Who was the most successful bowler in the match?

Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs for the Gujarat Giants.

With the UP Warriorz facing a critical juncture in the tournament, how will they adjust their strategy in their upcoming matches to regain momentum?