Gardner hits fifty while Renuka defends total in Navi Mumbai
Cricket fans witnessed an absolute run-fest at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday as the Gujarat Giants edged out the UP Warriorz by just 10 runs. The Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 match will be remembered for its explosive batting displays and a nail-biting finish that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Batting first, the Gujarat Giants put up a massive total of 207/4. While opener Beth Mooney fell early for 13, the innings was stabilized and then accelerated by a brilliant partnership. Sophie Devine contributed a quick 38 off 20 balls, but it was Ashleigh Gardner and Anushka Sharma who stole the show.
Gardner smashed a destructive 65 off just 41 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. She found able support in Anushka Sharma, who crafted a solid 44 off 30 deliveries. A late fireworks display by Georgia Wareham, who remained unbeaten on 27 from just 10 balls, propelled the Giants past the 200-run mark.
Chasing a daunting target of 208, the UP Warriorz started shakily, losing Kiran Navgire early. However, Phoebe Litchfield played one of the tournament's finest knocks to keep her team in the hunt. Litchfield blasted 78 runs off just 40 balls, raining five sixes into the stands. She was well supported by captain Meg Lanning (30) initially, but a middle-order collapse hurt the chase.
Indian pacer Renuka Singh was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat, claiming 2 wickets for just 25 runs in a high-scoring game. Despite a late cameo by Asha Sobhana (27 not out), the Warriorz finished on 197/8, falling agonisingly short.
This victory earns the Gujarat Giants two crucial points early in the season, delighting their supporters and Odisha sports news followers tracking the league.
