Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad Propel Gujarat Giants to Crucial WPL 2026 Victory
In a pivotal encounter at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, the Gujarat Giants secured a vital 45-run win against the UP Warriorz in the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. This triumph, fueled by standout performances from Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, has kept the Giants' playoff aspirations alive while severely hampering the Warriorz's chances of advancing in the tournament.
Devine's All-Round Masterclass Steadies Gujarat Giants
Sophie Devine, the New Zealand cricket legend, once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the most versatile players in women's cricket. Her unbeaten knock of 50 runs off 42 balls was instrumental in guiding the Giants to a competitive total of 153/8. Batting in a challenging position after the team was reduced to 65/3, Devine showcased exceptional composure and tactical acumen. She focused on finding gaps in the field, with her innings including a slog-swept six off Deepti Sharma and crucial boundaries in the final over, where she hammered two sixes off Shikha Pandey.
Devine's contribution was not limited to her batting prowess. She also delivered a stellar bowling performance, claiming figures of 2/16 in 3.3 overs, and was involved in a catch and a run-out. This all-round display underscored her value as a player who can single-handedly influence the outcome of a match, making her an asset that effectively serves as two players in one for the Gujarat Giants.
Gayakwad's Spin Magic Thwarts UP Warriorz's Chase
On a pitch that offered significant assistance to spinners, Rajeshwari Gayakwad exploited the conditions to perfection. The left-arm spinner came into the attack at a critical juncture and immediately made an impact. She dismissed key batters Deepti Sharma and Shweta Sehrawat with clever variations in pace and line, finishing with impressive figures of 3/16. Her spell effectively stifled any hopes of a UP Warriorz comeback, as the chasing team collapsed to 108 all out in 17.3 overs.
Gayakwad's ability to read the pitch and adapt her bowling strategy was a testament to her experience and skill. By trapping Deepti Sharma lbw with a well-directed delivery and bowling Shweta Sehrawat with a wider, slower ball, she demonstrated a masterclass in spin bowling that left the Warriorz batters struggling for answers.
UP Warriorz's Playoff Hopes Dented by Batting Collapse
The UP Warriorz, who had shown signs of revival with two wins after three initial defeats, faced a significant setback in this match. Their batting lineup failed to cope with the combined threat of Devine's seam and Gayakwad's spin, leading to a dismal collapse. Despite a promising start at 39/1 and 57/2, the team could not build partnerships and fell well short of the target.
This loss places Meg Lanning's side in a precarious position regarding their playoff qualifications. With the tournament progressing, every match becomes crucial, and this defeat has added pressure on the Warriorz to deliver in their remaining fixtures.
Match Summary and Implications
Brief Scores: Gujarat Giants 153/8 (Sophie Devine 50 not out, Beth Mooney 38; Sneh Rana 2/18, Sophie Ecclestone 2/22) beat UP Warriorz 108 in 17.3 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 32, Chloe Tryon 30 not out; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3/16, Sophie Devine 2/16) by 45 runs.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Gujarat Giants, who have now bolstered their position in the points table. For the UP Warriorz, the path to the playoffs has become increasingly challenging, highlighting the competitive nature of the WPL 2026 season.
