Gujarat Giants kicked off their Women's Premier League 2026 campaign with a pulsating 10-run win against UP Warriorz on January 10 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. After losing the toss and batting first, GG posted a formidable 207/4 in 20 overs, powered by skipper Ashleigh Gardner's match-winning 65 off 41 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes). Sophie Devine (38 off 20, 5 fours, 2 sixes) and Anushka Sharma (44 off 30, 7 fours) starred in a 103-run third-wicket stand, while Georgia Wareham (27 off 10) and Bharti Fulmali (14 off 7) provided late fireworks. UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning opted to bowl, with Sophie Ecclestone leading the attack (2/32), supported by wickets from Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin.

Chasing 208, UP Warriorz faltered despite opener Phoebe Litchfield's valiant 78 off 40 balls, featuring five towering sixes that kept hopes alive. Lanning contributed 30, but the middle order crumbled without partnerships, handing GG bowlers Renuka Singh Thakur, Sophie Devine, and Georgia Wareham two wickets apiece. Gardner sealed her all-round dominance by claiming a key scalp, restricting UPW to 197 all out. The match showcased explosive T20 batting, with GG's depth proving decisive in the season's curtain-raiser.

This victory evens the head-to-head record at 3-3 between the two sides, who had split their previous six encounters. Gujarat's Playing XI featured Beth Mooney (wk), Gardner (c), Devine, Wareham, Sharma, Kanika Ahuja, Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Thakur. UPW fielded Kiran Navgire, Lanning (c), Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Dottin, Pandey, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, and Kranti Gaud under new skipper Lanning.

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The double-header day continued with RCB's earlier upset over defending champions Mumbai Indians, setting a high bar for WPL 2026. MI faced Delhi Capitals next in a quick turnaround less than 24 hours later. Gardner's performance not only earned Player of the Match honors but highlighted GG's title aspirations after past struggles.

Authorities and fans praised the intense contest, underscoring WPL's growing global appeal with international stars like Gardner, Litchfield, and Lanning. Post-match, Gardner credited team synergy, while Lanning lamented batting collapses. GG next faces UPW again soon, promising more fireworks in the league's packed Navi Mumbai schedule.

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