Anushka Sharma's impressive debut propelled the Gujarat Giants to a thrilling 10-run victory over the UP Warriorz in the second match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday. The Giants' dominant batting performance saw them post a formidable 207/4, setting the stage for a captivating contest.
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Gujarat Giants had a somewhat cautious start. Openers Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney were tested early by disciplined bowling from Kranti Gaud. Devine soon found her rhythm, attacking Shikha Pandey in the second over, scoring 14 runs and maintaining the momentum through the powerplay. Sophie Ecclestone struck back in the fifth over, removing Mooney for 13, and Devine soon followed, departing for 38.
Anushka Sharma, batting at number three, ensured Gujarat didn't lose momentum. Showing remarkable composure on debut, she found boundaries early and rotated the strike efficiently with captain Ashleigh Gardner. The young batter from Madhya Pradesh raced to 30 off just 20 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking with confident stroke play. Sharma narrowly missed a half-century, scoring an impressive 44 off 30 deliveries before being caught at long-on off Deandra Dottin in the 16th over. Her score of 44 is the highest by a Gujarat Giants batter on WPL debut, surpassing Dani Gibson's 34 runs from last year.
Captain Gardner initially anchored the innings before launching a fierce assault in the middle overs. She accelerated dramatically, striking boundaries and sixes with ease to bring up her first fifty of the season off just 31 balls. Gardner eventually fell for a commanding 65 off 41 deliveries, an innings marked by clean hitting and smart placement.
Georgia Wareham and Bharti Fulmali provided the finishing touch, adding quick runs in the final overs. Wareham remained unbeaten on 27 off 10 balls, while Fulmali chipped in with 14 off seven, pushing Gujarat past the 200-run mark. For UP Warriorz, Sophie Ecclestone was the standout bowler with figures of 2/32, while Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin claimed one wicket each.
Chasing a mammoth 207, the Warriorz had a poor start as opener Kiran Navgire (1) was clean bowled by Renuka Singh Thakur while attempting a sweep shot. Despite a valiant effort from Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 78 runs off 40 balls, the Warriorz fell short, finishing on 197/8 in 20 overs. Litchfield completed her half-century in just 24 balls and found good support from Shweta Sehrawat (25), who fell in the 15th over. Asha Shobhana tried to mount a late fight with an unbeaten 27 off just 10 balls, but it wasn't enough.
Renuka Singh Thakur and Sophie Devine led the Gujarat Giants' bowling attack. Devine also achieved a personal milestone, completing 350 wickets in T20 cricket.
Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner said it was a fantastic game and appreciated Anushka Sharma's brilliant knock. This match between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz set a six-hitting record.
