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The Women’s Premier League 2025 is set to begin with an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Both teams shared a 1-1 record last season, making this contest a highly anticipated one.
RCBW dominated the first encounter, but the Giants hit back with a commanding performance, thanks to Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney. This season, Gujarat have retained most of their core players and added Deandra Dottin to strengthen the squad.
RCBW, on the other hand, have undergone a few key changes, replacing Nadine de Klerk and Sophie Devine with Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Heather Graham. The defending champions have a balanced squad and will aim for a winning start in their title defense.
MATCH DETAILS
| Match | Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, 1st Match |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 23rd February 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
| Live Streaming | Official Broadcasters & Online Platforms |
TEAM PREVIEWS
Gujarat Giants Preview
Gujarat Giants enter the season with a well-balanced squad, but their performances last year fell short of expectations. Despite their talent, they managed only two wins, one of which came against RCBW in Delhi.
Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt remain key at the top. Their ability to provide a solid start will be crucial. The middle order, which struggled last season, gets a boost with Deandra Dottin, if she makes it to the XI. Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield will be key figures in stabilizing the innings.
Dayalan Hemalatha will play the finisher’s role, while all-rounders Harleen Deol, Meghna Singh, and Danielle Gibson add depth to both departments.
The bowling attack will be led by Ashleigh Gardner, but the absence of Lea Tahuhu and Kathryn Bryce creates a challenge. Tanuja Kanwar and Shabnam Md Shakil will have to step up.
Key Players: Beth Mooney, Laura Wolvaardt, Ashleigh Gardner
Predicted Playing XI:
Beth Mooney (c & wk), Simran Shaikh, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner, Danielle Gibson, Meghna Singh, Tanuja Kanwar, Shabnam Md Shakil, Parunika Sisodia
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Preview
RCBW have made key changes to their squad, bringing in Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Heather Graham. Wyatt-Hodge is likely to open with Smriti Mandhana, forming a strong top order.
Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh are the backbone of the middle order, followed by Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molineux, both of whom add depth to the lineup.
The bowling attack looks solid with Renuka Thakur Singh leading the pace unit. She will be supported by Molineux, Wareham, and Shreyanka Patil, while Kim Garth, who replaces Kate Cross, adds more variety.
RCBW have a stronger batting lineup compared to Gujarat and will be looking to start their campaign on a winning note.
Key Players: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Thakur Singh
Predicted Playing XI:
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Smriti Mandhana (c), Sabbhineni Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh (wk), Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, Ekta Bisht, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur Singh
FANTASY TEAM XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Batter (C) |
| Beth Mooney | Batter (VC) |
| Laura Wolvaardt | Batter |
| Danielle Wyatt-Hodge | Batter |
| Ellyse Perry | All-rounder |
| Ashleigh Gardner | All-rounder |
| Richa Ghosh | Wicketkeeper |
| Sophie Molineux | All-rounder |
| Renuka Thakur Singh | Bowler |
| Kim Garth | Bowler |
| Meghna Singh | Bowler |
PITCH REPORT
The Kotambi Stadium has hosted limited matches, but the available data suggests a batting-friendly track. The last ODI match played here saw an average first innings score of 278, while the most recent T20 game was low-scoring.
- Batting conditions: Favorable for stroke play
- Pace bowling: Offers bounce, useful for seamers
- Spin bowling: Decent turn, but not excessive
- Par Score: 165+
Toss Prediction: To Bowl
With dew expected in the evening, chasing could be easier. While Gujarat struggled chasing on this ground last year, teams might still prefer to bowl first in the opening match.
MATCH PREDICTION
Both teams have powerful batting lineups and quality all-rounders. However, RCBW have a slight edge in the batting department, with more proven performers in their squad.
Expect a closely contested match, but RCB Women are favorites to start their campaign with a win.
Prediction: RCB Women to win.
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