Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner commended her team’s ability to stay composed under pressure as they secured a narrow 10-run victory against UP Warriorz in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League 2026 game at DY Patil Stadium. Gardner noted the entertaining nature of the match and emphasized the batting-friendly conditions of the pitch, recognizing the need for a substantial total early on to remain competitive in a game that saw a total of 404 runs in 40 overs.
The Giants, led by Gardner, surpassed the 200-run mark, a target that she believed set up a competitive challenge for the Warriorz, who were led by a strong performance from Phoebe Litchfield. Gardner highlighted the exceptional fielding by her team as a crucial factor in the match’s outcome, while also acknowledging areas for improvement in both batting and bowling departments.
Praising debutant Anushka Sharma for her significant 103-run partnership with her, Gardner described Sharma as a special player with a fearless approach to the game. She also lauded her bowling unit for handling pressure situations effectively, especially in containing Litchfield, whose dismissal proved pivotal in the game’s outcome. Gardner’s stellar performance of 65 runs off 41 balls, including a quick-fire fifty, was instrumental in the Giants’ success.
