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Sophie Devine's All-Round Show Powers Gujarat Giants to Crucial WPL Win

Sophie Devine delivered a stellar all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 50 and taking 2/16 to guide the Gujarat Giants to a 45-run victory over the UP Warriorz. Her efforts helped defend a total of 153, with Rajeshwari Gayakwad also contributing crucially with 3/16. The win propelled the Giants from the bottom to second place in the WPL points table. This result has intensified the battle for the remaining playoff spots among several teams.

Key Points: Sophie Devine Leads Gujarat Giants to 45-Run WPL Victory

  • Devine's match-winning 50* and 2/16
  • Gujarat jumps to 2nd in points table
  • UP Warriorz bowled out for 108
  • Playoff race intensifies
  • Rajeshwari Gayakwad takes 3/16
2 min read

Sophie Devine powers Gujarat Giants to 45-run win over UP Warriorz

Sophie Devine's unbeaten 50 and 2/16 spearheads Gujarat Giants' 45-run win over UP Warriorz, shaking up the WPL 2025-26 playoff race.

"Was an interesting game of cricket. I thought 150 was competitive. - Sophie Devine"

Vadodara, January 23

Sophie Devine spearheaded the Gujarat Giants to a dominant 45-run victory over the UP Warriorz in Match 14 of the ongoing Women's Premier League 2025-26 season on Thursday. The victory propelled GG from the bottom of the WPL points table to the number 2 spot.

After the Giants were invited to bat, they found themselves in a precarious position at 65/3 after captain Ashleigh Gardner (5 off 12) was dismissed. Sohie Devine joined hands with Beth Mooney (38 runs off 34 balls) to form a 22-run partnership before the latter was dismissed. While the Warriorz' bowlers, led by Kranti Gaud (2/18 in 4 overs) and Sophie Ecclestone (2/22 in 4 overs), kept the pressure on with frequent breakthroughs, Devine's unbeaten 50 off 42 balls guided Gujarat to 153/8 in 20 overs.

The "Devine Show" continued well into the second innings as she turned the game into a complete all-round exhibition. Defending 153, Devine (2/16 in 3.3 overs) led the bowling charge with clinical precision, taking crucial wickets--including the prized scalp of Meg Lanning--to derail the Warriorz' chase. Her disciplined spell, combined with her earlier batting heroics, left UP reeling at 108 all out. Rajeshwari Gayakwad (3/16 in 4 overs) also contributed with the ball.

This result has thrown the race for the remaining two playoff spots wide open, with Gujarat, UP, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians all still locked in a tight battle on the points table behind the undefeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

After the match, Sophie Devine said it was a competitive match, felt 150 was a defendable total, and praised her team for holding their nerve after taking key wickets.

"Was an interesting game of cricket. I though 150 was competitive. We knew the batters UP have in their line-up. When we got the two big wickets, it was about hanging on and holding our nerves. We have got flexibility to bring Danni in the side. It was no biggie to slot down to five. The way that Gayakwad came and performed was outstanding. The way she deceived the batter with flight and pace was fantastic," she said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great win for GG! But honestly, our Indian batters need to step up more. Relying heavily on overseas players for big scores won't help in the long run. Devine was brilliant, but where was the consistent support from the Indian middle order?
S
Sarah B
The points table is getting so interesting now! Every match matters. Kudos to Rajeshwari Gayakwad too - her spell was crucial. The spin department is where Indian players are truly dominating the WPL.
A
Aman W
Devine's wicket of Lanning was the turning point. Once you get their captain and best batter early, the chase always becomes tough. UP's batting lineup looked clueless after that. Fantastic game sense from the Giants.
K
Kavya N
From bottom to number 2! That's the spirit 💪. This shows how quickly things can change in a tournament like this. The playoff race is wide open now. As a cricket fan, can't ask for more excitement!
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: The article could have highlighted Beth Mooney's contribution a bit more. Her 38 off 34 provided stability when wickets were falling. It was a proper team effort, not just the "Devine Show".

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