Warriorz eye hat-trick of wins; Giants seek redemption

Two teams that have charted contrasting paths in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 come face to face today at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, and UP Warriorz, captained by Meg Lanning, will lock horns once again, having last played each other on 10 January. With the playoff race intensifying and four of the five teams locked on four points, this fixture assumes added significance. WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the only side to have already secured qualification, making every remaining match crucial. The two teams, both led by experienced Australians, will be fully aware of the importance of securing these vital points.

The last time these sides met was at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, where fans were treated to a high-scoring thriller with more than 400 runs scored. Chasing a stiff target of 208, UP Warriorz found themselves struggling at 74/4 and staring at a heavy defeat. However, Phoebe Litchfield, widely regarded as a generational talent, mounted a stunning rescue act with a blistering 40-ball 78. Despite her heroic effort, the Warriorz fell just 10 runs short as the Giants held their nerve and picked up wickets at regular intervals to seal the win.

Since that encounter, both teams have experienced fluctuating fortunes. Gujarat Giants began their campaign with two victories but have since endured a difficult phase, losing three matches on the trot. UP Warriorz, on the other hand, started poorly with three consecutive losses before redeeming themselves by completing a double over two-time champions and defending title-holders Mumbai Indians, injecting fresh confidence into their campaign.

Once again, the spotlight will be firmly on the overseas players from both sides.

For the Giants, the destructive opening pair of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine have struggled to find form in the last three matches, all of which ended in defeats. With a relatively inexperienced middle order, it becomes even more important for the team to receive a solid start from their seasoned openers. Additionally, the team management will need to decide the ideal batting positions for captain Gardner and all-rounder Georgia Wareham. In T20 cricket, the best batters are expected to face the maximum number of deliveries. If the Giants follow this approach, Gardner at number three and Wareham at four would be the logical choice. However, this could leave the middle order looking fragile. While uncapped Indian players such as Anushka Sharma and Bharti Fulmali have shown glimpses of promise, the Giants will hope their overseas firepower rises to the occasion.

Similarly, for the Warriorz, captain Lanning, along with Litchfield, will be expected to shoulder most of the responsibility in the batting department. With opener Kiran Navgire still searching for form, the pressure increases on Lanning at the top of the order. The selection of the fourth overseas player will also demand careful consideration. Alongside Lanning and Litchfield, left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is a certain pick, making the choice between Deandra Dottin and Chloe Tryon a potentially decisive one.

While overseas players often add star value to the competition, it is frequently the Indian players who ultimately win matches for their teams. With experienced India internationals such as Renuka Singh Thakur for the Giants and Deepti Sharma for the Warriorz, fans can expect plenty of excitement and intensity. With two crucial points at stake, both Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz will approach this contest as a must-win encounter in their quest for a playoff berth.

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Gujarat Giants – 4| UP Warriorz – 1

Match details

Date: January 22, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar