The 2026 edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) kicked off with a run-fest, as the Gujarat Giants (GG) held their nerve to defeat the UP Warriorz (UPW) by 10 runs in a match that saw a staggering 404 runs scored. The high-octane clash on January 10, 2026, at 07:48 PM IST, was a testament to the successful squad rebuilding both franchises undertook at the recent mega auction.
Aussie Fireworks Light Up the Season Opener
The afternoon was dominated by Australian brilliance. Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner played a pivotal knock of 65 runs from just 41 deliveries, a innings that included six fours and three sixes. Her innings, however, was gifted a lifeline early on. On just 7 runs, she was dropped by UPW's stand-in wicketkeeper Shweta Sehrawat. Gardner capitalised on the reprieve, accelerating brilliantly after a cautious start of 18 off 19 balls.
Later in the innings, compatriot Georgia Wareham provided a devastating finish with a 10-ball 27, showcasing the deep batting strength of the Giants. Wareham, the leg-spinner who was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bangalore's title win previously, then turned match-winner with the ball. She delivered crucial blows by dismissing the dangerous Meg Lanning and Harleen Deol in quick succession during the ninth over of the chase.
Litchfield's Lone Battle Falls Short for Warriorz
In response to GG's formidable 207 for 4, the UP Warriorz fight was spearheaded single-handedly by another Australian, Phoebe Litchfield. Batting at number three against her former franchise, Litchfield played a breathtaking innings. Her 40-ball 78 was studded with eight fours and five sixes, featuring her trademark audacious strokeplay including reverse sweeps and a switch-hit for six.
It was a poignant performance at a venue where she had previously scored a World Cup semifinal century against India. Just as a century seemed inevitable, she was caught at deep extra cover. Her dismissal highlighted the lack of substantial support from the other end, making her magnificent effort ultimately in vain as UPW finished at 197.
Promising Cameos and Key Takeaways
Beyond the headline acts, several players made strong impressions. For the Giants, debutant Anushka Sharma, promoted to number three, played a crucial hand. The Madhya Pradesh batter scored a composed 44 off 30 balls, anchoring the innings early on. Her elegant inside-out drive off Sophie Ecclestone was a particular highlight.
For the Warriorz, Shweta Sehrawat, despite her struggles behind the stumps, showed improved power-hitting with a brisk 25 off 17 balls. Lower down the order, Asha Sobhana's late cameo of 27 from 10 deliveries offered a glimpse of UPW's batting depth, though it wasn't enough to change the result.
The match sets a thrilling precedent for WPL 2026, demonstrating the elevated competitive standards and explosive talent on display. Both teams, having rebuilt extensively, showed they possess the firepower to be serious contenders this season.
