UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning, after a 10-run loss to Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League 2026 opener, highlighted the positives from the match despite the defeat. Lanning acknowledged her team’s shortcomings in execution but emphasized the valuable lessons learned from the contest.
Expressing disappointment at not starting with a win, Lanning mentioned that the game offered several positives for the Warriorz and insights to carry forward to their upcoming fixture. Despite falling short in the chase of 207 runs, the Warriorz displayed resilience, with Lanning crediting Gujarat Giants for applying consistent batting pressure.
Lanning recognized the need for improvement, especially in the bowling department, while maintaining confidence in the versatility of her bowling lineup. She noted that there are areas to work on before the next match and praised the adaptability of her bowlers, highlighting the team’s continuous learning process.
The former Australia skipper also commended England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, emphasizing their camaraderie and shared understanding on the field. Lanning stressed the importance of moving past the defeat swiftly and focusing on the upcoming challenges in the extended tournament, aiming to apply the lessons learned in the next encounters.
In the match, Warriorz chose to bowl first after winning the toss, with Gujarat Giants setting a formidable target of 207/4 in 20 overs. Despite a strong middle-order fight led by Phoebe Litchfield’s quick 78 off 40 balls, the Warriorz fell short in capitalizing on the momentum, resulting in their narrow defeat.
