High stakes WPL 2026 Match at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, UP Warriors accelerator Kranti Gaud dismantled Giants of Gujarat a tall order with a masterclass in swing bowling. The 22-year-old India international, who has emerged as the shining star of the 2026 season, took center stage during the Powerplay to immediately put the Giants on the back foot. Defending their position in the top three, the Warriors relied on Gaud’s clinical execution to take advantage of the early moisture on the surface and look for answers to the Giants’ star-studded batting line-up in a must-win match.
Kranti Goud beats ‘peach’ to sack Danny Wyatt-Hodge in Vadodara
Match 14 of WPL 2026 saw a moment of pure bowling brilliance in the third game as Kranti produced a delivery that will be remembered as one of the best of the tournament. Confront the aggressive Danny Wyatt-HodgeCompeting for 14 off 8 balls with three sharp boundaries, Gaud delivered a perfect length ball that was pitched around the stumps. As Wyatt-Hodge tried to play a standard defensive shot, the ball was so low at the last second that it beat the outside edge and hit the post. The sound of the tree echoed through the stadium as the old stump was sent cartwheeling, ending Wyatt-Hodge’s first appearance of the season prematurely.
Gaud’s arms wide celebration reflected the importance of the breakthrough as he halted the Giants’ early momentum at 23/1. He didn’t stop there, he continued to trouble hitters with his ability to move the ball both ways. Just two times later, he returned to take it out Anushka Sharma (14), cheated with a cross-stitch and cut off by cutting the upper edge Shweta Sehrawat. Completing his spell with impressive figures of 2/18 in four overs, Gaud effectively broke the backbone of the Giants’ top order. His performance under pressure, his progression from domestic icon to World Cup winner and now WPL match winner, highlights his rapid rise as the future of the Indian pace attack.
Definitely Peach 👌
How good was the delivery from Kranti Gaud 🤷♀️
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Also READ: Gujarat Giants pacer Titas Sadhu ruled out for remainder of WPL 2026, replacement announced
WPL 2026: Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney battle it out as Gujarat Giants post 153/8 against UP Warriors
Despite the early havoc caused by Kranti, Gujarat Giants managed to recover to set a target of 154 thanks to a solid middle-order effort. After the early dismissal of Captain Wyatt-Hodge and Anushka Beth Mooney Playing cautiously to steady the ship, he shot from 34 to 38. But the real change of pace came from the veteran Sophie DevineSmashing a sensational 50 off 42 balls, he survived a late scare and a free-kick to reach his half-century.
Devi’s powerful batting, especially in the final overs, pushed the Giants to a competitive 153/8 on a sluggish pitch. For the Warriorz, Gaud was ably supported by the world number one bowler. Sophie EcclestoneAnd the one that ends on 2/24 Shikha Pandey Frustrated at the death despite some expensive late boundaries. The Warriors now embark on a tough chase, needing the top order to fire against an aggressive Giants bowling attack led by Renuka Singh Thakur.
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
