GG Women Dominate with Spin as UP Warriorz Collapse in Vadodara
WPL 2025/26 – Match 14 Review
Gujarat Giants Women delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat UP Warriorz Women by 45 runs in the 14th match of the Women’s Premier League 2025/26 at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on January 22, 2026. A disciplined bowling display, led by Player of the Match Rajeshwari Gayakwad, ensured Gujarat tightened their grip on the points table while exposing UP Warriorz’ persistent middle-order frailties.
Match Summary
- Match: GG Women vs UP Warriorz Women, 14th Match, WPL
- Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
- Result: Gujarat Giants Women won by 45 runs
- Player of the Match: Rajeshwari Gayakwad (3/16)
Toss & Conditions: A Misread by UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz Women won the toss and elected to field first, anticipating dew and easier batting conditions under lights. However, the Vadodara surface proved slow and spin-friendly, with minimal dew impact. The decision ultimately backfired as Gujarat’s spinners later dominated the chase.
Gujarat Giants Women Innings – 153/8 (20 overs)
Gujarat Giants posted a competitive total of 153, built on calculated aggression early on and a composed finishing act led by Sophie Devine.
Powerplay: Intent with Early Setbacks
The Giants began with positive intent:
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Anushka Sharma played brisk cameos, striking three boundaries each.
- Despite the early momentum, both fell inside the powerplay, leaving Gujarat at 52/2 after six overs.
Beth Mooney, anchoring the innings, ensured stability as wickets fell around her.
Middle Overs: Slowed Momentum
The middle phase saw UP Warriorz claw back into the game:
- Ashleigh Gardner struggled to rotate strike and was dismissed cheaply.
- Mooney continued to accumulate but found limited support.
- Gujarat slipped to 93/4 by the 13th over, with the innings in danger of stalling.
UP Warriorz spinners, particularly Sophie Ecclestone and Kranti Gaud, maintained pressure through tight lines and disciplined lengths.
Death Overs: Sophie Devine Takes Charge
Just when the innings threatened to lose steam, Sophie Devine rose to the occasion:
- Devine’s unbeaten 50 off 42 balls anchored the final phase.
- Her three sixes and calm strike rotation pushed Gujarat past the 150 mark.
- Late contributions from Kashvee Gautam (11 off 6) proved crucial.
Gujarat finished on 153/8, a total that proved well above par on a slowing surface.
UP Warriorz Bowling Highlights
- Kranti Gaud: 2/18 – outstanding control and early breakthroughs
- Sophie Ecclestone: 2/22 – economical and probing
- Shikha Pandey: 0/53 – an off day that significantly hurt UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz Women Innings – 108 all out (17.3 overs)
The chase unravelled quickly as UP Warriorz struggled to handle spin and scoreboard pressure.
Powerplay Wobbles
- Kiran Navgire was dismissed for a first-ball duck.
- Meg Lanning looked fluent but fell attempting to accelerate.
- UP Warriorz ended the powerplay at 46/2, already behind the required rate.
Middle Overs Collapse: Match-Defining Phase
This period completely swung the match in Gujarat’s favour:
- Phoebe Litchfield (32 off 27) was the lone bright spot but lacked support.
- Harleen Deol and Deepti Sharma failed to rotate strike against quality spin.
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad ran through the middle order, removing Deepti, Sehrawat, and Sobhana.
UP Warriorz slipped from 59/4 to 79/6, with the required rate spiralling out of control.
Late Resistance but No Recovery
- Chloe Tryon (30 off 22)* fought valiantly, striking boundaries against the odds.
- However, wickets continued to fall at the other end.
- UP Warriorz were bowled out for 108 in 17.3 overs, never seriously threatening the target.
Gujarat Giants Bowling: Spin Masterclass
Rajeshwari Gayakwad – Player of the Match
Gayakwad produced a textbook spell of left-arm spin:
- Figures: 4 overs, 16 runs, 3 wickets
- Controlled the tempo, extracted turn, and dismissed key batters at crucial moments.
Strong Support Cast
- Renuka Singh: 2/20 – sharp new-ball spell and early breakthroughs
- Sophie Devine: 2/16 – clever changes of pace and accurate lines
- Ashleigh Gardner: chipped in with a vital wicket
The collective bowling effort ensured sustained pressure throughout the innings.
Key Turning Points
- Early wickets in the powerplay put UP Warriorz on the back foot.
- Gayakwad’s middle-over spell decisively tilted the game.
- Devine’s half-century pushed Gujarat to a defendable total on a tough pitch.
Tactical Comparison
| Aspect | Gujarat Giants Women | UP Warriorz Women |
|---|---|---|
| Spin utilization | Aggressive & effective | Defensive |
| Middle overs | Controlled and composed | Disastrous collapse |
| Fielding | Sharp and alert | Costly errors |
| Leadership | Clear direction | Momentum lost early |
Final Word
Gujarat Giants Women produced one of their most complete performances of the season, combining smart batting with clinical spin bowling. UP Warriorz Women, despite a strong on-paper lineup, once again faltered against quality spin and failed to build meaningful partnerships.
The 45-run victory strengthens Gujarat Giants’ position in the WPL standings, while UP Warriorz are left searching for answers as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.
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