The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is heating up! Next up? A thrilling face-off between Gujarat Giants (GGW) and UP Warriors (UPW). The action unfolds on February 16 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
GGW vs UPW: Team Preview
Gujarat Giants (GGW)
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Gujarat Giants kicked off their campaign with a bang—at least with the bat. They piled up a massive 201 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The problem? Their bowling fell apart. RCB chased it down with six wickets to spare.
Key takeaways from their first match:
- Ashleigh Gardner was on fire! She smashed an unbeaten 79 off just 37 balls and even picked up 2 wickets for 33 runs.
- Beth Mooney played a crucial supporting role, scoring 56 off 42 balls.
- The downside? Their bowlers couldn’t defend the total, which cost them the match.
If GGW wants to get back on track, they need to tighten up their bowling.
UP Warriors (UPW)
UP Warriors are stepping onto the field for their first match of WPL 2025. Last season? Forgettable. But under new captain Deepti Sharma, they’re looking to turn things around.
Players to watch:
- Chamari Athapaththu – An explosive batter who can tear apart any bowling attack.
- Tahlia McGrath – A dynamic all-rounder with a T20I strike rate over 140. That’s serious firepower.
- Sophie Ecclestone – One of the world’s best spinners. If the pitch helps her, she’ll be lethal.
UP Warriors have a balanced squad. They’ll be itching to start their season with a win.
Probable Playing XIs
Gujarat Giants (GGW):
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Harleen Deol
- Ashleigh Gardner (c)
- Deandra Dottin
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Simran Shaikh
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Sayali Satghare
- Priya Mishra
- Kashvi Gautam
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UP Warriors (UPW):
- Chamari Athapaththu
- Kiran Navgire
- Shweta Sehrawat
- Deepti Sharma (c)
- Tahlia McGrath
- Grace Harris
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
- Alana King
- Uma Chhetri (wk)
- Anjali Sarwani
Players to Watch Out For
Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
The backbone of GGW’s lineup. She’s already shown what she can do—79* off 37 balls in the last match. And she can bowl too. A real game-changer.
Tahlia McGrath (UP Warriors)
Explosive. Dangerous. The kind of player who can swing a match in just a few overs. If she gets going, GGW’s bowlers will have a tough time stopping her.
Pitch Report: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Expect fireworks! The Kotambi pitch is a paradise for batters. Fast bowlers might get some early movement, but overall, it’s a high-scoring ground.
Key insights:
- Any score above 180 is competitive.
- Chasing teams have had better success—RCB’s successful chase of 201 proves that.
- Spinners might struggle here, as the pitch favors aggressive stroke play.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Gujarat Giants have a powerful batting lineup. But their bowling? A big question mark. UP Warriors, on the other hand, have balance. They have big hitters, but more importantly, a bowling attack that can make a difference.
Prediction: UP Warriors (slight edge due to stronger bowling lineup).
One thing’s for sure—this match is going to be a thriller. Buckle up!
Also Read: RCBW vs GGW: Record Breaking Opening Thriller Of WPL 2025
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