Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the opening match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face the Gujarat Giants (GG) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
RCB, led by captain Smriti Mandhana, enters the season as the defending champions. They had a dominant performance last year, culminating in an emphatic 8-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals Women in the final. The team boasts a strong lineup, including key players like Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Thakur Singh. Perry is renowned for her all-round capabilities, while Ghosh has been in impressive form, with notable scores in recent matches. Thakur Singh’s prowess with the new ball adds depth to RCB’s bowling attack.
On the other hand, the Gujarat Giants are looking to improve upon their previous season’s performance, where they finished last with only two wins out of eight matches. This season, they are under the new leadership of Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. The team has made strategic acquisitions, bringing in players like Deandra Dottin, Danielle Gibson, and Simran Shaikh. Beth Mooney, who has delivered consistent performances with scores of 50, 75, 44, 94, and 106* in her last five international matches, will be a key player to watch. Laura Wolvaardt, with a WPL strike rate of 134.19, adds strength to their batting lineup.
Historically, RCB and GG have faced each other four times in the WPL, with each team securing two victories. Their encounters have been competitive, featuring high-scoring matches. For instance, GG posted a formidable 199/5 in one match, while RCB’s highest total against GG stands at 190. These statistics suggest that fans can anticipate another thrilling contest between these evenly matched teams.
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, here is a Dream11 team prediction for the upcoming match:
Wicketkeepers:
- Beth Mooney (GG)
- Richa Ghosh (RCB)
Batters:
- Smriti Mandhana (RCB)
- Laura Wolvaardt (GG)
- Harleen Deol (GG)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge (RCB)
All-rounders:
- Ellyse Perry (RCB)
- Ashleigh Gardner (GG)
- Deandra Dottin (GG)
- Georgia Wareham (RCB)
Bowlers:
- Renuka Thakur Singh (RCB)
- Shabnam Shakil (RCB)
Captain: Beth Mooney (GG)
Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana (RCB)
This lineup balances experienced players and in-form talents, aiming to maximize points in fantasy leagues.
The Kotambi Stadium pitch in Vadodara is known to be batting-friendly, offering assistance to pacers early on. Teams winning the toss might prefer to chase, considering recent trends where chasing teams have found success. An ideal first-innings score is projected to be between 160-170 runs.
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on Star Sports Network or stream it on Disney+ Hotstar. As the WPL 2025 season kicks off, both teams will be eager to start their campaigns on a positive note. With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, this opening match promises to deliver high-voltage action and set the tone for an exciting season ahead.