UP Warriorz head into Thursday’s Women’s Premier League clash against Gujarat Giants with a clear edge as the race for the remaining two playoff spots intensifies.

Former champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already sealed qualification with five wins from five matches. Delhi Capitals’ seven-wicket victory on Tuesday has further tightened the standings, leaving Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, Delhi and Gujarat all locked on four points, separated only by net run rate.

UP Warriorz arrive with momentum on their side after back-to-back wins, while Gujarat Giants are rooted to the bottom following three consecutive defeats. However, Gujarat will draw confidence from their opening-day victory over the Warriorz earlier in the season.

In that first-leg encounter, Gujarat restricted UP to 197 for 8 before defending a massive 207 with disciplined bowling. They followed it up with a thrilling four-run win over Delhi Capitals, once again crossing the 200-run mark. Since then, though, their campaign has unravelled as the batting unit has lost form.

Despite posting 192 for 5 against Mumbai Indians, Gujarat suffered defeat, triggering a slide that continued with a 150 all out while chasing 183 against RCB, followed by a subdued 117 for 8 while chasing 179 in their most recent outing.

The slump has been compounded by poor returns from senior batters. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney has managed just 95 runs from five innings at an average of 19, with a highest score of 33. Sophie Devine has also struggled, recording scores of 8, 8 and 0 in her last three matches, while Anushka Sharma is yet to find form after her return.

Captain Ashleigh Gardner has shouldered much of the responsibility, leading Gujarat’s run charts with two half-centuries. Promoting herself up the order again could be a key move as the Giants look to revive their campaign.

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UP Warriorz, meanwhile, have turned their season around through disciplined bowling after a stuttering start. Following three straight losses to Gujarat, RCB and Delhi Capitals, they stunned the Mumbai Indians by defending 161 for 5 and then completed a double over the defending champions by restricting them to 165 for 6.

Their bowling attack has emerged as one of the strongest in the competition. Kranti Goud, Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin have formed a potent pace trio, complemented by a high-quality spin unit featuring Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma and Asha Sobhana.

Deepti’s lack of runs remains a concern, aside from a 45 not out against RCB. She has otherwise struggled with scores of 1, 2 and 0, impacting the Warriorz’ middle-order stability.

With Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield capable of dismantling any attack at the top, UP Warriorz will be eyeing a crucial win to strengthen their push for a top-three finish.

Match starts: 7.30 pm

(By PTI Inputs)