Will Meg Lanning's Warriorz Turn the Tide Against the Giants?
Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter of the Women's Premier League 2026, the UP Warriorz, under the leadership of Meg Lanning, face off against the Gujarat Giants, captained by Ashleigh Gardner. With both teams historically tied in victories, this match promises to be an exciting showdown. Will Lanning's strategy pay off under pressure?
Key Takeaways
UP Warriorz won the toss and elected to bowl.
Meg Lanning is the captain of UP Warriorz.
Ashleigh Gardner leads the Gujarat Giants.
Both teams have a history of six matches with equal wins.
The match is part of the ongoing Women's Premier League 2026.
Navi Mumbai, Jan 10 (NationPress) The UP Warriorz (UPW), led by their new captain Meg Lanning, won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Gujarat Giants (GG), captained by her fellow Australian, Ashleigh Gardner, during the second match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday.
The tournament kicked off on Friday, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) securing a thrilling win over the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI). The MI team is scheduled to play their next match in under 24 hours against the Delhi Capitals in the second game of the first double-header of WPL 2026.
Historically, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants have clashed six times, with both teams sharing equal victories at three each.
Upon winning the toss, Lanning expressed that this was a prime opportunity to grab some early wickets, noting the vibrant energy from the younger players. She highlighted that her team comprises six bowlers, along with ‘some real experience in there.’ Lanning, a renowned figure in the sport, has previously guided the Delhi Capitals to three consecutive finals in the WPL.
Gardner mentioned that she would have also chosen to bowl first but was content to bat initially. “It’s quite a challenge to fit 18 players into 11 spots,” she remarked, acknowledging that this is the most seasoned squad her team has fielded.
The Aussie all-rounder reflected on her extensive cricket experience in India and at this venue, especially considering the conditions and events from the previous night.
Playing XIs:
Gujarat Giants: Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney (wk), Ashleigh Gardner (c), Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur
UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning (c), Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Asha Sobhana, Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud
Point of View
The ongoing Women's Premier League is gaining momentum, showcasing the immense talent and competitive spirit in women's cricket. The match between UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants is particularly noteworthy, highlighting key players like Meg Lanning and Ashleigh Gardner, promising an enthralling contest that fans should not miss.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of UP Warriorz?
The UP Warriorz are captained by Meg Lanning.
What was the result of the toss in the match?
UP Warriorz won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Who is leading the Gujarat Giants?
The Gujarat Giants are led by Ashleigh Gardner.
How many times have UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants faced each other?
They have faced each other six times, with both teams winning three matches each.
Where is the Women's Premier League 2026 being held?
The Women's Premier League 2026 is being held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
