The UP Warriorz will open their campaign against the Gujarat Giants in Match 2 of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season at the DY Patil Stadium on January 10, 2026.
For the game, here we present our preview and predictions.
After making the knockouts in the inaugural season, the Warriorz failed to deliver on that early potential over the next two seasons. However, with the franchise entering a new era under new head coach Abhishek Nayar and new captain Meg Lanning, there is optimism around the Warriorz camp this season.
The biggest positives for the franchise entering the new season will be the wealth of all-rounders they have at their disposal. The likes of Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, Asha Sobhana Joy, Charli Knott, and Sophie Ecclestone offer multiple options based on opposition and conditions. Moreover, the possible opening pairing of Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield will give them explosive firepower and stability up top.
That said, the lack of a quality wicket-keeping option and depth in the fast-bowling department may hurt them if things don’t fall into place. Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud, and Dottin are the primary seam options, with Suman Meena, a relatively unknown quantity, being the fourth and last seamer on the roster.
Their opponents, on the other hand, made the knockouts under Ashleigh Gardner’s leadership for the first time last year after finishing rock-bottom in the previous two seasons. Now, under Gardner’s leadership once again, the Gujarat Giants will look to go a step further in pursuit of their maiden title.
The Giants’ biggest strength lies in their assortment of quality overseas batters, with the likes of Beth Mooney, Gardner, Sophie Devine, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge in their roster. Moreover, the addition of quality Indian bowling options in both the seam and spin departments gives them the luxury to rely on the overseas batters even more, with the likes of Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, and Rajeshwari Gaikwad forming a strong bowling unit.
That said, this may prove to be a double-edged sword, as there is less room for flexibility given the lack of local batting talent at their disposal. Besides, finding the right balance will be key for them, with the likes of Georgina Wareham and Kim Garth also sitting in the wings. Furthermore, the fitness of Kashvee Gautam and Yastika Bhatia will also be a cause for concern, with both players returning after a long injury lay-off.
In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, conditions are expected to be warm and clear, ensuring an uninterrupted afternoon of cricket. The surface at the DY Patil is known for its true bounce and value for shots, particularly during day games. Batters who get set can score freely, seamers may find some early movement before conditions settle, while spinners should get some purchase through the middle overs.
Looking ahead to this fixture, it’s a tough one to call given the number of match-winners in both camps. While the Gujarat Giants take the edge in the batting department, the UP Warriorz look more balanced on paper with a slightly better bowling unit.
We’re backing the Warriorz to start their campaign with a win over the Giants.
Fantasy XI: Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma (vc), Sophie Ecclestone, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai
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