The first double-header of the Women’s Premier League 2026 season gets underway on Saturday, January 10, with UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants in the afternoon fixture at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
Scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST, the contest brings together two sides that have undergone significant transformation following the recent mega auction and are eager to lay down an early marker in the new campaign. Both teams enter the season with renewed ambition but contrasting narratives. Gujarat Giants arrive on the back of a playoff appearance in 2025, where they bowed out in the Eliminator after a competitive run. UP Warriorz, meanwhile, are seeking a reset after finishing at the bottom of the table last season, a disappointment that prompted a complete overhaul of their squad.
UP Warriorz made the bold decision to release their entire roster, retaining only uncapped Delhi batter Shweta Sehrawat. The move signaled a clean slate, one that has been reinforced by the appointment of Meg Lanning as captain. Few leaders in women’s cricket bring the pedigree Lanning does multiple World Cups, franchise titles across leagues, and a reputation for calm authority under pressure. Her presence alone changes the complexion of the Warriorz, both tactically and psychologically.
Gujarat Giants, captained by Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, have opted for continuity blended with targeted reinforcements. Gardner, one of the most dynamic cricketers in the women’s game, will again be central to Gujarat’s plans with her power-hitting, off-spin, and leadership in crunch moments. Under coach Michael Klinger, the Giants appear well-balanced and slightly more settled compared to their opponents.
Historically, this matchup has been evenly poised. Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz share a 3–3 head-to-head record across the previous three WPL seasons. However, with both squads significantly refreshed, past numbers offer little predictive value. This encounter represents the start of a new chapter rather than a continuation of old patterns.
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Much of the spotlight will fall on the Warriorz’s batting order, which looks formidable on paper. Lanning is expected to open and provide structure at the top, allowing stroke-makers like Kiran Navgire and Phoebe Litchfield to play with freedom. Deandra Dottin adds explosive power through the middle, while Deepti Sharma’s all-round presence offers balance and control. With the ball, the Warriorz will rely heavily on Sophie Ecclestone, whose accuracy and ability to strangle scoring rates make her a constant threat, particularly on surfaces offering grip.
Gujarat Giants counter with a strong top order led by Beth Mooney, whose consistency at the top and reliability behind the stumps remain invaluable. Sophie Devine and Danni Wyatt-Hodge provide aggressive intent, capable of changing games within a few overs. Gardner’s role at number four or five will be pivotal, especially if early wickets fall. The Giants’ bowling attack is anchored by Renuka Singh Thakur, whose movement with the new ball could be decisive against a revamped Warriorz lineup. Support from experienced names like Rajeshwari Gayakwad and emerging pacers such as Titas Sadhu adds further depth.
The conditions at the DY Patil Stadium are expected to favour batting, particularly early in the innings. Traditionally, the surface offers good carry and pace, encouraging stroke-play through the line. As the match progresses, spinners are likely to come into play, especially in the afternoon heat, making middle-overs control a key battleground. Captains will need to manage bowling rotations smartly to avoid being caught on the wrong side of momentum.
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Team selection will reflect a balance between experience and flexibility. UP Warriorz are likely to field a combination that maximises their overseas strength while maintaining depth in bowling. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, appear more settled in their preferred XI, with clearly defined roles across departments.
Beyond points and positions, this match is about tone-setting. For Gujarat Giants, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that their 2025 playoff run was no anomaly. For UP Warriorz, under new leadership and with a rebuilt squad, it is about redemption and identity. A strong performance here would go a long way in shaping belief within the group.
With explosive batting options, world-class all-rounders, and match-winning bowlers on both sides, the opening afternoon clash of WPL 2026 promises high-quality cricket. Whether experience triumphs or fresh ambition prevails will be revealed under the Navi Mumbai sun, as two reimagined teams take their first steps into a new season.
Full Squads (WPL 2026)
UP Warriorz (Coach: Abhishek Nayar)
Meg Lanning (C), Kiran Navgire, Phoebe Litchfield, Shweta Sehrawat, Simran Shaikh, Shipra Giri (WK), Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, G Trisha, Suman Meena, Charli Knott, Asha Sobhana Joy, Kranti Gaud, Sophie Ecclestone.
Possible XI: Meg Lanning (C), Kiran Navgire, Phoebe Litchfield (wk), Shweta Sehrawat, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Asha Sobhana Joy, Kranti Gaud, Sophie Ecclestone.
Gujarat Giants (Coach: Michael Klinger)
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Beth Mooney (WK), Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Bharti Fulmali, Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Ayushi Soni, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Kim Garth, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Titas Sadhu, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Possible XI: Beth Mooney (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Anushka Sharma, Titas Sadhu, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur
