at high stakes wpl 2026 Encounter at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, UP Warriors speedster Kranti Gaur destroyed the gujarat giants Top order with a masterclass in swing bowling. The 22-year-old Indian international, who has become the breakout star of the 2026 season, immediately put the Giants on the backfoot by taking center stage during the powerplay. Defending their position in the top three, the Warriors relied on Goud’s clinical execution to take advantage of early moisture on the surface, leaving the Giants’ star-studded batting lineup searching for answers in case they win.
Kranti Goud bowls ‘peach’ ball to dismiss Danny Wyatt-Hodge in Vadodara
The 14th match of WPL 2026 saw a moment of pure bowling brilliance in the third over as Kranti bowled a ball that will probably be remembered as one of the best of the tournament. confront the aggressor Danny Wyatt-HodgeGoud, who had just scored 14 runs from 8 balls with three quick fours, bowled a perfect length ball which pitched on a probing line around the off-stump. As Wyatt-Hodge tried to play a standard defensive shot, the ball went wide in the dying seconds of the second, crossing the outside edge and hitting the off-pole. The sound of wood echoed through the stadium as the off-stump was sent cartwheeling, bringing a premature end to Wyatt-Hodge’s first appearance of the season.
Goud’s celebration with arms outstretched reflected the significance of the success, as it halted the Giants’ early momentum at 23/1. She didn’t stop there, troubling the batsmen with her ability to swing the ball both ways. Exactly two overs later she returned to remove Anushka Sharma (14), who was deceived by a cross-seam delivery and cut through the top-edge Shweta Sehrawat. Ending his spell with impressive figures of 2/18 from four overs, Goud effectively broke the spine of the Giants’ top order. His performance under pressure, transforming from a domestic standout to a World Cup winner and now a WPL match-winner, highlights his rapid progression as the future of the Indian pace attack.
Absolutely peachy
How good was that delivery by Kranti Gaur ?
Update ▶️ https://t.co/Nlx8ASrDqO #TATAWPL | #gameemotionka | #GGvUPW | @UPWarriorz pic.twitter.com/YsaxcB10AS
– Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) 22 January 2026
Also read: Gujarat Giants fast bowler Titas Sadhu out of remainder of WPL 2026, replacement announced
WPL 2026: Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney battle as Gujarat Giants score 153/8 against UP Warriors
Despite early losses due to Krantz, Gujarat Giants managed to set a target of 154 runs thanks to a resilient effort from the middle order. After the early dismissals of Wyatt-Hodge and Anushka, the captain beth mooney Playing with caution to steady the ship, he capped the innings with a knock of 38 runs from 34 balls. However, the real momentum change came from experienced Sophie DevineWho scored a sensational 50 off 42 balls, survived a late run-out scare and took the help of free hits to reach his half-century.
Devine’s power-hitting, especially in the final overs, pushed the Giants to a competitive 153/8 on a pitch that looked to be slowing down. For the Warriors, Goud received excellent support from the world number one bowler, Sophie Ecclestonewho finished with 2/24, while Shikha Pandey Despite some costly late boundaries he kept his composure at the death. The Warriors are now chasing a tricky target, they need to fire up their top order against an aggressive bowling attack led by Renuka Singh Thakur.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
