WPL 2026: Sophie Devine powers Gujarat Giants thrash UP Warriorz with 45-run win

Gujarat Giants finally found their rhythm in WPL 2026, ending a three-match losing streak with a commanding 45-run victory over UP Warriorz at Vadodara on January 22. The win lifted the Giants from the bottom of the table to second place, while the Warriorz slipped back to last, leaving them in a must-win position for their remaining two league-stage matches.

Batting first, the Giants posted 153 for eight in 20 overs, thanks to a stellar half-century from Sophie Devine. The New Zealand all-rounder brought up her 50 off 42 balls, striking three sixes and two fours, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around her.

Beth Mooney contributed 38 off 34 balls, while Ashleigh Gardner, Anushka Sharma, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge added quick cameos to keep the momentum



going. Kranti Gaud was the standout bowler with figures of 4-0-18-2. Sophie Ecclestone also kept the scoring in check with 4-0-22-2, while Shikha Pandey endured a tough day, conceding 53 runs.

UP Warriorz’s chase never truly took off. Kiran Navgire continued her struggles, dismissed for a duck in the opening over, while Meg Lanning managed just 14 off 10 balls. Phoebe Litchfield showed some promise with 32 from 27 deliveries, and Chloe Tryon offered resistance with 30 off 22.

However, none of the Warriorz batters could match the Giants’ firepower. Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Singh shared the wickets, restricting the chase to 108 all out in 17.3 overs. Gayakwad was the pick of the bowlers for the Giants with 4-0-16-3.