UP Warriorz take on the Gujarat Giants in their next league stage encounter of the Women’s Premier League 2026 in Vadodara on Thursday. Meg Lanning’s side eye their third successive win of the competition
after triggering a turnaround with massive back-to-back victories over defending champions Mumbai Indians.
Heading into the pair of clashes with MI, Warriorz looked down and out following three losses at the beginning of their campaign. But with their backs against the wall, Lanning & co packed a strong punch and registered two comprehensive wins. In the latter of the two triumphs, senior pros Lanning (70) and Phoebe Litchfield (61) helped the Warriorz post a huge score of 187/8 in their 20 overs before tight spells from Kranti Gaud (1/32), Shikha Pandey (2/30) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/33) helped restrict MI to 165/6.
The Giants, on the other hand, faced a heavy defeat at the hands of the numero uno Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Led by Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants came up with their most disappointing performance of the competition. After conceding a score of 178/6, they clawed their way to a paltry 117/8 in 20 overs. In a sorry batting display, Gardner waged the lone battle for her 54 while the rest simply failed to withstand the RCB bowling display. It was GG’s third consecutive loss in the competition after beginning on a promising note with two wins.
UPW Vs GG Head-To-Head Record
The Warriorz and the Giants have faced each other seven times in the history of the Women’s Premier League. While the Giants have won the contest four times, the Warriorz have prevailed on three occasions.
UPW Vs GG Key Players To Watch Out For
Meg Lanning: The veteran opener led her troops from the front, playing a pivotal innings of 70 off 45 balls in the recent win over the Mumbai Indians. The 33-year-old hit 11 fours and 2 sixes along the way.
Phoebe Litchfield: Litchfield blazed 61 off 37 deliveries, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, in the same match. The aggressive No.3 took the game away from MI and gave Warriorz the control and command of the proceedings.
Ashleigh Gardner: If the Giants are to pull off a turnaround from here, they need their captain to play an innings that inspires the rest of the pack. Gardner was the only one standing up against the RCB bowling attack in the last match during her innings of 54 off 43 balls.
Sophie Devine: The experienced all-rounder was once again the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat. Even as the rest took a beating, Devine finished with figures of 1 for 25 off her 4 overs in the loss to RCB.
UPW Vs GG: Which Team Has The Upper Hand?
The Warriorz. Especially as they carry good momentum with them into the contest after enjoying two exceptional wins against a team like Mumbai. They’re perhaps peaking at the right time as the WPL approaches its business end.
