Sophie Devine’s All-Round Masterclass Ends Gujarat Giants’ WPL Losing Streak in Style

Sophie Devine stars as Gujarat Giants crush UP Warriorz by 45 runs

After three weeks of frustration, the Gujarat Giants finally roared back into contention in the WPL—and they owe it all to one woman: **Sophie Devine**. The New Zealand superstar turned in a vintage all-round performance that reminded everyone why she’s one of the most feared players in women’s cricket today.

Facing a must-win situation against UP Warriorz at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Devine didn’t just deliver—she dominated. With an unbeaten 50 off just 39 balls and two key wickets with her brisk medium pace, she powered Gujarat to a comprehensive 45-run victory that has reshaped the top of the WPL table .

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Match Summary: Gujarat Posts 153/8

Batting first, Gujarat Giants got off to a shaky start, losing openers early to UP’s disciplined new-ball attack led by Saima Thakor and Parshavi Chopra. At 32/3 in the sixth over, the innings looked in danger of fizzling out.

But then came **Sophie Devine**, walking in at No. 4 with calm authority. She anchored the innings with calculated aggression, rotating strike intelligently before unleashing powerful pulls and cover drives in the death overs. Her unbeaten 50 included 5 fours and 2 sixes, and she found vital support from Harleen Deol (28) and Deandra Dottin (19 off 12), helping Gujarat post a competitive 153/8 in their 20 overs .

Sophie Devine’s All-Round Masterclass

Devine’s impact wasn’t confined to the bat. With the ball, she opened the bowling and immediately struck, trapping Alyssa Healy LBW for a duck in the very first over—a huge psychological blow to UP’s top order.

She returned later to dismiss Grace Harris (18) with a clever slower ball, finishing with figures of 2/18 in 4 overs. Her ability to control the game with both bat and ball exemplifies why she remains one of the highest-paid players in the WPL. As former India captain Jhulan Goswami noted on commentary, “When Devine plays like this, she’s unstoppable.”

Bowling Brilliance: Gayakwad and the Giants’ Attack

While Devine set the tone, it was left-arm spinner **Rajeshwari Gayakwad** who dismantled UP Warriorz’s middle order. Operating with guile and precision, she claimed 3/17 in her 4 overs, including the big wickets of Kiran Navgire and Deepti Sharma.

Gujarat’s bowling unit was clinical overall:

  • Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3/17 (4 overs)
  • Sophie Devine: 2/18 (4 overs)
  • Shabnim Ismail: 2/22 (4 overs)

UP Warriorz, chasing 154, never recovered from early setbacks and were bowled out for just 108 in 19.2 overs—a massive 45-run deficit .

How This Win Changes the WPL Standings

This victory is more than just a morale booster—it’s a ladder-shaker. Before this match, Gujarat Giants were languishing in fourth place after three consecutive losses. Now, with four points from this win, they’ve leapfrogged Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore to sit **second in the WPL standings**, just behind Delhi Capitals.

For fans tracking playoff scenarios, this result keeps the race wide open. Every match from here on could redefine the top four. Stay updated with our [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-2026-standings-live].

UP Warriorz Collapse: What Went Wrong?

UP’s batting lineup, which includes stars like Healy, Harris, and Deepti, failed to fire collectively. Key issues included:

  1. Poor start: Losing Healy for a golden duck derailed momentum.
  2. Lack of partnerships: No stand exceeded 25 runs.
  3. Pressure handling: Batters played rash shots under scoreboard pressure.

Captain Deepti Sharma admitted post-match, “We didn’t adapt to the pitch. Gujarat’s spinners out-thought us.”

Key Takeaways for Fantasy Cricket and Fans

For fantasy league players, Devine and Gayakwad are must-picks for upcoming matches. Devine’s dual role makes her a high-value asset, while Gayakwad’s economy rate (4.25) and wicket-taking ability on turning tracks are gold.

Fans can also expect Gujarat to play with renewed confidence. Their balanced squad—featuring power hitters, experienced bowlers, and strong fielding—makes them serious title contenders again.

Conclusion: Giants Are Back in the Hunt

Sophie Devine didn’t just win a match—she reignited a campaign. With this emphatic 45-run victory, the Gujarat Giants have silenced doubters and announced their return as genuine WPL title challengers. As the tournament enters its business end, all eyes will be on whether Devine can sustain this form and carry her team to the final.

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