The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 kicks off with an exciting clash between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore Women at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 14, 2025.
This article provides a preview of the opener, including team analysis, key players, and fantasy cricket tips to help you build your dream team.
Be sure to tune in at 7:30 PM IST for the opening fixture, as all WPL 2025 matches will be broadcast live on JioStar.
WPL Match Prediction Today
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, face off against Gujarat Giants in the tournament opener. This match marks the first-ever WPL game at the newly constructed Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
RCB Women come into the tournament as favorites, having won the title last year. They boast a strong lineup led by captain Smriti Mandhana.
Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, finished at the bottom of the table in the previous two seasons and will be eager to turn their fortunes around under new captain Ashleigh Gardner.
In their head-to-head encounters, both teams have won two matches, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.
Gujarat Giants Women Expected Playing XI
Gujarat Giants are likely to field a balanced side combining experienced internationals with promising local talent:
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Harleen Deol
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Ashleigh Gardner (c)
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Deandra Dottin
- Sneh Rana
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Meghna Singh
- Mansi Joshi
Players to avoid in fantasy teams: Tanuja Kanwar and Mansi Joshi might have limited impact and could be risky picks for your fantasy team.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women Expected Playing XI
RCB Women have a formidable lineup featuring top international stars:
- Smriti Mandhana (c)
- Sophie Devine
- Ellyse Perry
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Heather Knight
- Disha Kasat
- Georgia Wareham
- Shreyanka Patil
- Sophie Molineux
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Asha Sobhana
Players to avoid in fantasy teams: Disha Kasat and Asha Sobhana might have limited opportunities and could be risky selections for your fantasy XI.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For Fantasy Teams
To boost your fantasy team’s points, consider selecting these players as your captains or vice captains:
- Smriti Mandhana: The RCB captain is in excellent form and has a strong record at this venue. Her aggressive batting style makes her a prime candidate for captain.
- Ellyse Perry: A world-class all-rounder, Perry can contribute with both bat and ball. Her consistency and ability to score big make her an ideal vice-captain choice.
- Beth Mooney: The Gujarat Giants wicketkeeper-batter has been in sensational form recently. Her ability to anchor the innings and score quickly makes her a solid captaincy option.
Gujarat Giants vs RCB Women – Match Conditions and Pitch Report
The Kotambi Stadium pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, with an average first innings score of around 160-170.
Spinners might need some assistance in the latter half of the game. The weather forecast predicts a clear evening with temperatures around 25°C and no chance of rain.
GG-W vs RCB-W: Head To Head Records
While taking a look at their past matches, both teams stand equal, with each winning 2 games.
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 |
| Gujarat Giants Wins | 2 |
| RCB Women Wins | 2 |
| No Result | 0 |
GG-W vs RCB-W: Key Players To Watch Out For
Based on today’s team predictions and the match conditions, here are the 3 players that may be the key performers and the top player of the match contenders:
- Ashleigh Gardner (GG): The new Gujarat Giants captain is a dynamic all-rounder who can change the game with both bat and ball. Her experience in high-pressure situations will be crucial.
- Sophie Devine (RCB): The hard-hitting New Zealand opener can take the game away from the opposition in the powerplay overs. Her bowling adds valuable balance to the RCB side.
- Laura Wolvaardt (GG): The South African batter has been in excellent form recently. Her ability to play long innings and accelerate when needed makes her a key player to watch.
Conclusion:
As the WPL 2025 gets underway, both Gujarat Giants and RCB Women will be eager to start their campaigns on a winning note. RCB, with its star-studded lineup and championship pedigree, enters as slight favorites.
However, under new leadership, Gujarat Giants have the potential to cause an upset. The match promises to be a high-scoring affair on a batting-friendly Kotambi Stadium pitch.
Fantasy players should focus on top-order batters and all-rounders who can contribute in multiple disciplines.
Remember, the toss could play a crucial role, with the team batting second potentially having a slight advantage due to dew. Don’t forget to finalize your fantasy teams before the 7:30 PM IST start time and enjoy the WPL 2025 opener live on JioStar!
