Table of Contents
- The Match-Turning Moment: Devine’s Explosive Knock
- Gujarat Giants Post 153/8: A Gritty Team Effort
- Bowling Brilliance: How Gujarat Shut Down UP Warriorz
- WPL 2026 Standings Shakeup After This Result
- Player Spotlight: Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad
- What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Conclusion: A Statement Win for Gujarat Giants
- Sources
In a thrilling display of power-hitting and disciplined bowling, the WPL 2026 witnessed a major turning point as Gujarat Giants snapped a three-match losing streak with a commanding 45-run victory over UP Warriorz. At the heart of this resurgence was none other than New Zealand superstar Sophie Devine, whose unbeaten 50 off just 37 balls—coupled with two crucial wickets—proved decisive in what many are calling the Giants’ most complete performance of the season.
The Match-Turning Moment: Devine’s Explosive Knock
Chasing momentum after a rough patch, Gujarat Giants needed someone to step up—and Sophie Devine answered the call emphatically. Coming in at a tricky 78/5 in the 12th over, Devine didn’t just stabilize the innings; she accelerated it with calculated aggression.
Her unbeaten 50 included five boundaries and two towering sixes, many of them coming against UP Warriorz’s premier spinners. What made her knock even more impressive was its context: she rebuilt the innings under pressure and ensured Gujarat posted a competitive total of 153/8—a score that would later prove more than enough.
Gujarat Giants Post 153/8: A Gritty Team Effort
While Devine stole the headlines, credit must also go to the middle order for laying a platform. Harleen Deol contributed a quick 28, and Ash Gardner added valuable cameos down the order. The innings wasn’t flashy, but it was resilient—especially after early wickets threatened to derail their campaign yet again.
UP Warriorz’s bowling attack, led by Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma, kept things tight early on. But without a death-over specialist, they leaked 42 runs in the final five overs—largely due to Devine’s late assault. That phase ultimately defined the match’s trajectory.
Bowling Brilliance: How Gujarat Shut Down UP Warriorz
If Devine lit the spark with the bat, Gujarat’s bowlers turned it into an inferno. Their disciplined line-and-length strategy strangled UP Warriorz’s chase from the outset. The standout performer? Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who claimed 3/18 in her four overs—including the key wickets of Grace Harris and Kiran Navgire.
UP Warriorz never found their rhythm. Openers fell cheaply, and the middle order collapsed under pressure. Even captain Alyssa Healy could only manage 19 before being clean bowled by Tanuja Kanwar. By the 17th over, UP was reeling at 89/8, and the game was effectively over.
The final scorecard read a dismal 108 all out—45 runs short of the target. It was Gujarat’s most comprehensive bowling performance of WPL 2026 so far.
WPL 2026 Standings Shakeup After This Result
This victory wasn’t just about pride—it had serious implications for the tournament table. With this win, Gujarat Giants leapfrogged two teams to claim **second place** in the WPL 2026 points table, now sitting just behind table-toppers Mumbai Indians.
Meanwhile, UP Warriorz—who were once considered title contenders—have now lost three of their last four matches. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but they’ll need urgent course correction, especially in their middle-order batting and death bowling.
For fans tracking team dynamics, our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-team-strategies-2026] breaks down how each franchise is adapting mid-tournament.
Player Spotlight: Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Sophie Devine continues to justify her status as one of the world’s most feared all-rounders. In WPL 2026, she’s now scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 132 and taken 7 wickets—making her a genuine MVP candidate.
Equally vital has been Rajeshwari Gayakwad, whose economy rate of 6.10 is among the best for frontline spinners this season. Her ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs makes her Gujarat’s secret weapon.
For authoritative player stats and historical context, the ESPNcricinfo WPL 2026 hub offers real-time data and expert analysis.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Gujarat Giants will look to build on this momentum when they face Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next fixture—a crucial clash that could cement their top-two position.
UP Warriorz, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. Their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals is now a virtual knockout—if they lose, their playoff chances will hang by a thread.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Gujarat Giants
The WPL 2026 just got a lot more interesting. Gujarat Giants’ 45-run demolition of UP Warriorz wasn’t just a comeback—it was a declaration. With Sophie Devine in peak form and Rajeshwari Gayakwad leading a stingy bowling unit, the Giants have announced themselves as serious title contenders.
For UP Warriorz, the warning signs are flashing red. In a tournament where every match matters, consistency is king—and right now, Gujarat looks like royalty.
Sources
- Times of India: “Sophie Devine stars as Gujarat Giants crush UP Warriorz by 45 runs”
- WPL Official Website: Match Scorecard and Player Statistics (January 23, 2026)
- ESPNcricinfo: WPL 2026 Points Table and Team Reports
- PTI Sports: Post-Match Quotes from Gujarat Giants Captain
- BCCI Media Release: WPL 2026 Tournament Updates