From Wooden Spoons to Glory: Giants and Warriorz Chase Redemption

Super Saturday gets underway with a compelling afternoon clash as Gujarat Giants take on UP Warriorz at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. With both teams eager to rewrite their WPL narratives, this double-header promises a battle of reinvention.

The early years of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) have been far from smooth for either side. Gujarat Giants finished with the wooden spoon in the tournament’s first two editions, while UP Warriorz endured a forgettable campaign last season, ending at the bottom of the points table. Yet, amid these struggles lies a shared optimism. Both teams know that the only way from here is up.

Determined to turn the page, both franchises opted for sweeping changes ahead of WPL 2026. Gujarat Giants retained just two players, including captain Ashleigh Gardner and fellow Australian Beth Mooney signalling a bold reset. UP Warriorz went even further, holding on to only one uncapped Indian player, Shweta Sehrawat, in a move that raised a few eyebrows and underlined their intent to start afresh.

UP Warriorz will lean heavily on experience and star power this season. Former captain Deepti Sharma returns after being bought at the auction, while global heavyweights Deandra Dottin and Meg Lanning form the core of their new-look squad. Dottin, who represented the Giants last season, will be keen to make a statement against her former franchise. Lanning, meanwhile, begins a new chapter after leading Delhi Capitals to three finals in as many seasons. Clad in yellow, arguably her most successful colour, the former Australia captain brings with her a glittering résumé that includes two ODI World Cups and five T20 World Cups.

Standing in their way, however, is a formidable Gujarat Giants bowling attack. Led by Renuka Singh Thakur, a proven force in the powerplay, the Giants boast a pace unit that blends experience with youthful exuberance of Titas Sadhu and Kashvee Gautam. Gujarat’s fast-bowling battery looks primed to test even the most accomplished batters.

Beyond the bowling, the Giants will also carry high hopes for uncapped Indian batter Bharti Fulmali. One of the brightest positives from last season, Fulmali impressed with a remarkable average of 67 and a strike rate of 173, showcasing her ability to change games.

UP Warriorz, meanwhile, have their own explosive X-factor in Solapur-born Kiran Navgire. Known for her sheer power and effortless six-hitting, Navgire is yet to fully translate her domestic heroics to the WPL stage, often shuffled across batting positions. But her domestic exploits, including a 150-plus score in a T20 match are a reminder of the damage she can inflict if given the right role.

With pride, redemption, and fresh beginnings on the line, this afternoon encounter sets the tone for a thrilling Super Saturday. And as the day progresses, the spotlight will shift from this battle of reinvention to an evening showdown between two metro rivals and past finalists of WPL 2023 and 2025 ensuring fans are treated to a full day of high-stakes, high-quality cricket.

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Gujarat Giants – 3 | UP Warriorz – 2

Match details

Date: January 10, 2026

Time: 3:30 PM

Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar