GJ-W vs UP-W, WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Match Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XI, Key Players & Fantasy Tips

The excitement of the Women’s Premier League 2026 now moves to the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, where Gujarat Giants (GJ-W) will face UP Warriorz (UP-W) in a crucial encounter. This match is almost a must-win for Gujarat after three consecutive defeats, while UP Warriorz come in high on confidence with back-to-back victories. With star players like Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, and Phoebe Litchfield in action, this promises to be a blockbuster contest for fans and fantasy players alike.

Match Details

• Match: Gujarat Giants Women vs UP Warriorz Women (WPL 2026)
• Date: 22 January 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Weather Report (Vadodara)

• Temperature: 22°C – 25°C
• Sky: Clear to partly cloudy
• Rain: No rain expected
• Key Factor: Dew likely in the second innings, making chasing slightly easier

Pitch Report & Venue Stats – Kotambi Stadium

The Kotambi Stadium pitch has offered a balanced contest, with a slight edge for fast bowlers in recent matches.

• Average Score (Last 5 matches): 152 runs

• Pace vs Spin:

  • Pacers’ wickets: 30
  • Spinners’ wickets: 26

Pitch Insight: The pitch can be a bit slow early on, but batting becomes easier as dew settles. Any total above 160 runs will be competitive.

Team Form & Head-to-Head (Quick Comparison)

• Gujarat Giants (GJ-W): L L L W W (struggling for consistency)
• UP Warriorz (UP-W): W W L L L (regained momentum recently)

Overall View: Gujarat are under pressure, while UP Warriorz carry better rhythm into this contest.

Injury Updates & Player Availability

• Gujarat Giants: No major injury concerns
• UP Warriorz: No major injury concerns
• Doubtful/Rotation Watch: Danni Wyatt / Phoebe Litchfield (GJ-W) – final call after toss
• UP All-rounder Slot: Tahlia McGrath / Grace Harris – one of them likely to play

Probable Playing XI (One-Line / Horizontal Format)

Gujarat Giants (GJ-W): Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Danni Wyatt / Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Georgia Wareham, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Renuka Singh, Tanuja Kanwar, Mannat Kashyap

UP Warriorz (UP-W): Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield (wk), Kiran Navgire, Tahlia McGrath / Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Shweta Sehrawat, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Anjali Sarvani

Key Players to Watch

• Sophie Devine (GJ-W): 149 runs + 9 wickets, bowls at the death – fantasy MVP
• Phoebe Litchfield (UP-W): 211 runs, consistent top-order performer
• Ashleigh Gardner (GJ-W): 191 runs with added off-spin value
• Meg Lanning (UP-W): 193 runs, anchors the innings perfectly
• Sophie Ecclestone (UP-W): World-class spinner, dangerous if pitch grips early

Fantasy Picks (Optional)

Small League Safe Picks

• Sophie Devine
• Ashleigh Gardner
• Phoebe Litchfield

Mega League Differential Picks

• Meg Lanning
• Deepti Sharma
• Georgia Wareham
• Kashvee Gautam (credit saver + wicket-taking option)

Captaincy & Vice-Captaincy Suggestions

• Safe C/VC: Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield
• Differential C/VC: Meg Lanning, Deepti Sharma, Georgia Wareham

Match Prediction / Outlook

This match could be heavily influenced by dew and top-order batting. UP Warriorz may gain an edge if they chase under lights, while Gujarat will depend massively on Devine and Gardner to stage a comeback. Slight Edge: UP Warriorz, but the toss could completely change the game.

Disclaimer

This preview is based on pitch reports, recent form, and probable playing XIs. Final team selections may change after the toss. Fantasy sports involve risk please play responsibly and use your own judgment.