Gujarat Giants Stage Remarkable Comeback with 45-Run Victory Over UP Warriorz
After enduring three consecutive defeats, the Gujarat Giants orchestrated a stunning turnaround to clinch a comprehensive 45-run victory against the UP Warriorz at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday. This crucial win in the Women's Premier League was built on a combination of resilient batting, disciplined bowling, and a touch of fortune that swung the momentum decisively in their favor.
Sophie Devine's Fighting Fifty Sets the Foundation
The foundation of Gujarat's resurgence was laid by Sophie Devine, who played a fighting innings of 50 runs. Her composed knock provided much-needed stability to the innings after early setbacks. Captain Beth Mooney contributed a valuable 38 runs, helping the Giants post a competitive total of 153/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
UP Warriorz's Bowling Effort Led by Kranti Gaud
Earlier, the UP Warriorz had opted to bowl first and made early inroads thanks to Kranti Gaud's incisive spell with the new ball. Gaud, who had struggled to take wickets in previous matches with just one dismissal in five outings, flipped the script dramatically by striking twice in quick succession during the Powerplay. Her figures of 2/18 were complemented by the spinners, who maintained relentless pressure through the middle overs to restrict the Giants.
Bizarre Dismissals Derail UP Warriorz's Chase
Chasing 154 for victory, the UP Warriorz's reply was undermined by two bizarre dismissals that shifted the game's balance. Kiran Navgire was unluckily stumped after the ball deflected off the wicketkeeper's pads, while Meg Lanning inadvertently knocked the ball onto the stumps with her thigh pad. These freak incidents left the Warriorz reeling at 39/2 within the fifth over.
Disciplined Bowling Seals the Win for Gujarat
The Gujarat Giants capitalized on this momentum with a disciplined bowling performance. Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the standout performer, claiming a three-wicket haul with impressive figures of 3/16. Renuka Singh Thakur supported her well with 2/20, and Sophie Devine wrapped up the proceedings with 2/16, showcasing her all-round prowess.
The chase further unraveled when Phoebe Litchfield (32 off 27) was dismissed by Ashleigh Gardner in the eighth over. In quick succession, Harleen Deol (3 off 12) and Deepti Sharma (4 off 7) also departed, causing the required run rate to skyrocket to 9.5. The Warriorz eventually crumbled to 108 all out in 17.3 overs, with Chloe Tryon's 30 being the only other notable contribution.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Gujarat Giants ended their three-match losing streak with a morale-boosting win.
- Sophie Devine shone with both bat (50 runs) and ball (2/16), proving instrumental in the victory.
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad's 3/16 was pivotal in dismantling the UP Warriorz batting lineup.
- Kranti Gaud (2/18) led UP Warriorz's bowling effort but bizarre dismissals hampered their chase.
- The win keeps Gujarat Giants in contention in the Women's Premier League standings.
This victory not only boosts the Gujarat Giants' confidence but also adds an exciting twist to the WPL 2026 season, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as teams vie for supremacy in one of India's premier women's cricket competitions.
