​WPL 2026 Match 14: Rajeshwari Gayakwad Spins a Web as Gujarat Giants Defend 153 to Crush UP Warriorz by 45 Runs


🏏 WPL 2026 Match 14 Highlights – Gujarat Giants Beat UP Warriorz by 45 Runs | Updated Points Table

The 14th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 delivered a performance-packed night of T20 cricket as Gujarat Giants Women produced a brilliant all-round display to beat UP Warriorz Women by 45 runs at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara on January 22, 2026.

With this win, Gujarat Giants climbed up the WPL 2026 points table, asserting their intent in the mid-table battle. Let’s dig into all the key moments, player performances, tactical highlights, and updated standings from this must-read match review.
📌 Match Overview – WPL 2026 | Match 14

  • Match: Gujarat Giants Women vs UP Warriorz Women

  • Date: January 22, 2026

  • Venue: BCA Stadium, Vadodara

  • Format: T20

  • Result: Gujarat Giants Women won by 45 runs

  • Player of the Match: Rajeshwari Gayakwad


🏏 Gujarat Giants Batting – Moderate Total with Crucial Contributions

After winning the toss, Gujarat Giants Women elected to bat first on a balanced pitch where both batters and bowlers could find opportunities. Rather than attacking recklessly, they aimed to set a defendable target.

⭐ Sophie Devine Shines Again

The Giants’ innings was anchored by Sophie Devine, who scored a composed 50 not out off 42 balls, controlling Gujarat’s run-flow and guiding them to a defendable total of 153/8 in 20 overs.

Devine’s innings was marked by smart placement and calculated aggression, keeping Gujarat competitive even after early setbacks.

💪 Support from Top & Middle Order

  • Beth Mooney played a crucial supporting role, adding valuable runs at the top.

  • Anushka Sharma and Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with useful contributions to help push the total past 150.

Though the total wasn’t massive, it proved challenging enough on a wicket where disciplined bowling could thrive.


🎯 Gujarat Giants Bowling – Spin and Strategy Deliver

Chasing 154, UP Warriorz never really got going. The Gujarat Giants bowlers executed their plans brilliantly by maintaining pressure and picking key wickets at vital junctures.

🏅 Rajeshwari Gayakwad – Player of the Match

Gujarat’s left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad was outstanding, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 16 runs in her four overs. Her disciplined line and flight made scoring difficult, forcing batters into mistakes and breaking crucial partnerships.

🌟 Seam Support and Regular Breakthroughs

  • Seam bowler Kranti Gaud struck early to unsettle the Warriorz’s top order.

  • All-round contributions from Sophie Devine in the bowling department also added to the Giants’ tactical edge.

This balanced attack kept the scoring in check and left UP Warriorz struggling throughout their chase.


🧠 UP Warriorz Response – Promises but No Partnerships

UP Warriorz entered the chase needing early runs but were unable to form significant partnerships, a theme that plagued their innings.

🔥 Phoebe Litchfield Leads the Charge

The standout for UP Warriorz was Phoebe Litchfield, who top-scored with 32 runs off 27 balls and looked to keep her side in contention. However, her effort lacked consistent support from others.

🧱 Late Resistance from Chloe Tryon

Lower down the order, Chloe Tryon offered late resistance, remaining not out with a quickfire cameo. However, it came too late to inspire a comeback.

Eventually, UP Warriorz were bundled out for 108 in 17.3 overs, succumbing to disciplined bowling and a lack of partnerships.


🏆 Key Performances That Defined the Match

CategoryPlayerPerformance
Top Scorer (GG)       Sophie Devine50* (42)
Best Bowling (GG)       Rajeshwari Gayakwad      3/16
Highest for UPW       Phoebe Litchfield32 (27)
Supporting Bowlers       Kranti Gaud2 wickets

📊 Updated WPL 2026 Points Table – After Match 14

Here’s how the teams stand after the Gujarat Giants’ win over UP Warriorz in Match 14 of WPL 2026:

PositionTeamMatchesWonLostNRRPoints
1Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Q)550+1.88210
2Gujarat Giants Women633−0.3416
3Mumbai Indians Women624+0.0464
4Delhi Capitals Women523−0.5864
5UP Warriorz Women624−0.7694

Standings reflect matches played up to January 22, 2026, after Match 14.


🔍 Points Table Analysis – What Matters Most

🏆 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

  • RCB continue to lead the table with a perfect record and have already clinched a playoff spot with 10 points.

  • Their unbeaten performance has made them the team to beat in WPL 2026.

📈 Gujarat Giants Climb to Second

  • Gujarat’s win has brought them up to 6 points, placing them firmly in contention for a playoff berth.

  • While their Net Run Rate (NRR) is negative, key victories will help build momentum.

📉 Mid-Table Battle

  • Mumbai Indians Women, Delhi Capitals Women, and UP Warriorz Women are locked on 4 points and fighting for survival and qualification.

  • With fewer league matches left, these teams must aim for wins to keep their campaign alive.


🔑 Turning Points in Match 14

📌 Smart Use of Spin

Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s spell was the highlight, stifling the Warriorz’s middle order and forcing risky shots.

📌 Devine’s Composed Knock

Sophie Devine’s unbeaten half-century steadied Gujarat’s innings at a time when wickets were tumbling, proving invaluable.

📌 Early Breakthroughs

Kranti Gaud’s early strikes set the tone for an effective bowling attack that never let UP Warriorz settle.


🏁 What This Means for the Rest of WPL 2026

With the league stage progressing fast:

  • RCB look like strong contenders for the title.

  • Gujarat Giants will look to capitalize on momentum.

  • The mid-table teams must tighten their strategies to secure a top-three finish.

Every upcoming match could prove decisive in shaping the playoff picture.
🏏 Final Thoughts

Match 14 of WPL 2026 was a great showcase of tactical bowling, dependable batting, and momentum-shifting performances. The Gujarat Giants’ thrilling 45-run victory over UP Warriorz not only thrilled fans but also reshaped the tournament dynamics.

This win puts Gujarat in a strong position as they chase playoff qualification while intensifying the competition among the chasing pack.

Stay tuned to Wicket Stump Blog for more WPL 2026 highlights, in-depth match reviews, player stats, and updated points tables as the season unfolds! 🏆🔥

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