📅 Match Date: February 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:45 PM (Nepali Time)
🏟 Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to kick off with an exciting clash between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Giants, under new captain Ashleigh Gardner, will be eager to turn their fortunes around, while defending champions RCB will look to begin their title defense on a strong note.
Battle to Watch: Mandhana vs Gardner
One of the most exciting contests in this match will be between RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana and Giants’ captain Ashleigh Gardner. Gardner has dismissed Mandhana more times than any other bowler in both T20s and ODIs, making this an intriguing battle. Will Mandhana’s superb form help her dominate, or will Gardner get the upper hand once again?
Gujarat Giants: Can They Start Strong?
Giants have struggled over the past two seasons, winning only four matches in total. However, two of those wins have come against RCB, including their first-ever victory in the WPL.
One of their biggest challenges has been finding a stable opening pair, having tried eight different combinations in just two years. The team will need to decide who partners Beth Mooney at the top—whether it’s Laura Wolvaardt or Phoebe Litchfield.
Another key player to watch is Deandra Dottin, who brings power-hitting and experience. She recently impressed for West Indies, scoring 110 runs at a strike rate of 203.70 in a T20I series against Bangladesh. If she fires, she can be a match-winner with both bat and ball.
Probable XI – Gujarat Giants
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Harleen Deol
- Deandra Dottin
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Ashleigh Gardner (capt)
- Simran Shaikh
- Sayali Satghare
- Meghna Singh
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Shabnam Shakil/Mannat Kashyap
RCB: Can They Overcome Injury Setbacks?
RCB have some concerns ahead of this match, with injuries and player unavailability affecting their squad. Ellyse Perry, one of their key all-rounders, is recovering from a hip injury and remains a doubt. If she misses out, Georgia Wareham could slot in at No. 4, with Charlie Dean also getting a chance.
One of RCB’s biggest strengths is Richa Ghosh, a proven match-finisher. She played a crucial role in their title win last season and is third on the list for most sixes in WPL history. With RCB missing key players, her power-hitting will be even more important.
Probable XI – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Smriti Mandhana (captain)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- S Meghana
- Ellyse Perry/Georgia Wareham
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Raghvi Bist
- Kanika Ahuja
- Georgia Wareham/Charlie Dean
- Jagravi Pawar
- Kim Garth
- Renuka Singh
Key Stats & Facts
🔹 Ashleigh Gardner is Gujarat Giants’ leading run-scorer (324 runs) and wicket-taker (17 wickets) in WPL history.
🔹 RCB have two bowlers with T20I hat-tricks – Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.
🔹 Giants have hit only 43 sixes in WPL history, the fewest among all teams.
Match Prediction
RCB are the stronger team on paper, but injuries and squad reshuffles could affect their performance. Giants, on the other hand, have struggled in past seasons but have a good record against RCB. If Gardner, Mooney, or Dottin step up, they could trouble the defending champions. However, with Mandhana and Ghosh in the lineup, RCB still seem to have the edge.
Prediction: RCB to win in a close match.