Exciting Clash in WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Women vs Up Warriorz Women Set to Face Off
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 continues to deliver high-octane cricket action, and one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament is scheduled to take place on January 22 at the iconic BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. The Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W) will go head-to-head against the Up Warriorz Women (UPW-W) in what promises to be an engaging contest filled with strategic gameplay, standout performances, and thrilling moments. This article offers a comprehensive match prediction, detailed team analysis, pitch and weather insights, and key factors to watch out for as the teams battle for crucial points in the league standings.
Match Details and Schedule
Match: Gujarat Giants Women vs Up Warriorz Women (GG-W vs UPW-W)
Match Number: 14th fixture of WPL 2026
Date & Time: January 22, 2026, at 02:00 pm GMT / 08:00 pm Bangladesh time / 07:30 pm local time
Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
Team Previews: A Closer Look at the Contenders
Gujarat Giants Women: Struggling to Find Consistency
As the tournament progresses, Gujarat Giants Women find themselves at a pivotal juncture. With just two wins from five matches, their campaign has been marked by inconsistency and a desire to secure vital points to stay afloat in the playoff race. Sitting at the bottom of the points table, the Giants are under pressure to turn their fortunes around, especially after suffering three consecutive losses. Their ability to bounce back hinges on key performances from their star players and strategic adjustments.
Key Players and Batting Strengths
Captain Ashleigh Gardner has been the backbone of Gujarat’s batting lineup. Her explosive batting style has yielded 191 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 191, with an average of 38.20. Her aggressive approach often sets the tone for the team, and another significant contribution from her could be pivotal in this match.
Sophie Devine has also been a standout performer, smashing 149 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 182. Her early blitzes in the powerplay overs ignite Gujarat’s innings and provide much-needed momentum.
The team’s middle order has been supported by Beth Mooney and Georgia Wareham, both of whom have contributed over 80 runs each. Additionally, Bharti Fulmali has displayed resilience by providing valuable late-order cameos, ensuring Gujarat can post competitive totals or chase effectively.
Bowling Department: A Well-Rounded Attack
Gujarat’s bowling attack has shown promise, with Sophie Devine leading the charge with nine wickets in five games, albeit at an economy rate of 8.78 runs per over. The spin duo of Kashvee Gautam and Renuka Singh Thakur has shared a total of 11 wickets, while Georgia Wareham and Rajeshwari Gayakwad have chipped in with six wickets collectively. The bowling unit’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure will be crucial in this clash.
Up Warriorz Women: From Shaky Start to Promising Momentum
In contrast, the Up Warriorz Women experienced a rollercoaster start, losing their first three matches. However, two consecutive victories have revitalized their campaign, bringing them to third place on the points table. As the league stage heats up, maintaining momentum will be key to their playoff aspirations.
Standout Batters and Their Impact
Phoebe Litchfield has emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer, accumulating 211 runs at an impressive strike rate of 162.30. Her aggressive batting at the top provides UPW-W with a solid foundation. Captain Meg Lanning has contributed 193 runs across five matches, playing the role of stabilizer with a consistent strike rate of 123.
Harleen Deol has also added valuable runs—147 in total—highlighting her ability to accelerate when needed. The team’s batting strength lies in these key players, but they will need to improve consistency across the middle and lower orders, especially from Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, and Chloe Tryon, who have shown flashes of brilliance but need to convert starts into substantial scores.
Bowling Strengths and Areas for Improvement
The Warriorz’s bowling attack has been effective but not yet dominant. Shikha Pandey has claimed five wickets but has been slightly expensive, conceding at 7.44 runs per over. Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone have shared four wickets each, offering control and variations to the attack. Asha Sobhana has chipped in with two wickets, rounding out a capable but still developing bowling lineup.
For UPW-W to secure a prediction victory, their bowlers will need to tighten their lines and lengths, especially during the crucial middle overs, to contain Gujarat’s powerful batting lineup.
Potential Playing XI and Strategic Considerations
Gujarat Giants Women Possible XI
- Beth Mooney (Wicketkeeper)
- Sophie Devine
- Anushka Sharma
- Kanika Ahuja
- Ashleigh Gardner (Captain)
- Georgia Wareham
- Kashvee Gautam
- Bharti Fulmali
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Happy Kumari
- Renuka Singh Thakur
Up Warriorz Women Possible XI
- Kiran Navgire
- Meg Lanning (Captain)
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Harleen Deol
- Shweta Sehrawat (Wicketkeeper)
- Chloe Tryon
- Deepti Sharma
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Asha Sobhana Joy
- Shikha Pandey
- Kranti Gaud
Match Prediction and Tips
Based on current form, team compositions, and player performances, the prediction leans slightly in favor of the Up Warriorz Women. Their recent winning streak and balanced squad give them an edge, but Gujarat Giants’ explosive batting lineup and experienced bowling attack keep the contest highly competitive. A key factor will be the toss—teams often prefer to bowl first at BCA Stadium to exploit early swing and set a target for the chasing side.
Prediction:
While both teams have the potential to claim victory, the odds favor Up Warriorz Women to edge out Gujarat Giants Women, especially if their key players perform to expectations and their bowlers execute well under pressure.
Pitch and Weather Report: Conditions That Could Decide the Match
Pitch Report
The BCA Stadium pitch in Vadodara offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early overs often see movement for fast bowlers, making it essential for batters to play carefully. As the innings progress, the pitch tends to settle down, favoring aggressive batting and shot-making. Spinners may find some assistance in the latter stages, especially if they bowl with variations and control. Teams that adapt quickly to these conditions and build partnerships will have a distinct advantage.
Weather Forecast
On January 22, the weather is expected to be warm and pleasant, with temperatures around 27–28°C. Clear skies and minimal cloud cover suggest an uninterrupted game, ideal for evening cricket. Light winds and moderate humidity will add to the comfort of players and spectators, ensuring optimal playing conditions for both teams.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
This upcoming clash between Gujarat Giants Women and Up Warriorz Women promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides eager to improve their standings and showcase their talents. The prediction favors UPW-W, but cricket is unpredictable, and Gujarat’s explosive power-hitters can turn the game on its head. Fans should watch for standout performances from star players like Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, and Meg Lanning, as their contributions could be decisive.
As the tournament progresses, this match could well be a turning point for either team’s playoff ambitions. With strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a bit of luck, both sides aim to emerge victorious and strengthen their campaign in the Women’s Premier League 2026.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
Follow our coverage for live updates, expert analysis, and post-match insights into the Gujarat Giants Women vs Up Warriorz Women clash. Whether you’re a cricket fanatic or a casual viewer, this match promises entertainment, skill, and drama that define the spirit of women’s cricket.
