UP Warriors have won the toss and invited Gujarat Giants to bat first in the Women’s Premier League 2026 season opener at Navi Mumbai. The decision comes after Alyssa Healy correctly read the conditions at DY Patil Stadium, where teams batting second have historically enjoyed an advantage.
Gujerent Giants’ playing XI features Beth Mooney, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Sneh Rana, Meghna Singh, and others. UP Warriors counter with Alyssa Healy, Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Shweta Sehrawat, Anjali Sarvani, and their pace battery.
Key matchups to watch include Mandhana versus Ecclestone in the powerplay and Gardner against Deepti in the middle overs. Both captains expressed satisfaction with their toss decisions during pre-match formalities. The tournament, now in its third edition, features expanded squads and higher stakes with increased prize money.
Broadcast partners have confirmed uninterrupted coverage across digital platforms and television. This marquee opening fixture could well determine early momentum in what shapes up to be the most competitive WPL yet. Players from both sides exchanged pleasantries before taking the field amid roaring applause.