The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 continues with an exciting encounter as Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W) face UP Warriorz Women (UP-W) in Match 3 at Kadium Stadium, Dodaraon Sunday, February 16.

Gujarat Giants, who finished at the bottom of the points table last seasonwere hoping for a stronger start to their campaign this year. Despite posting an imposing total of 201/5 in their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB-W)their bowling unit falteredallowing RCB to chase the target comfortably in under 19 overs, handing Gujarat a six-wicket defeat.

Meanwhile, UP Warriorz Women will play their first match of the tournamenteager to kick off their campaign with a victory. With a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced internationals and young domestic talentsUP-W is expected to pose a serious challenge to Gujarat.

Match Details

• Fixture: Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W) vs UP Warriorz Women (UP-W), Match 3
• Venue: Kota Stadium, Dodara
• Date & Time: Sunday, February 16, 2025 . 7:30 PM IST

GJ-W vs UP-W: Team Analysis & Key Players

Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W)

The Gujarat Giants’ batting clicked in their first match, with Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner leading the charge. However, their bowling lacked disciplinefailing to defend a big total of 201.

Key Players:

Beth Mooney The Australian wicketkeeper-batter was in fine form in the opening game, scoring a well-paced half-century. She will be key at the top of the order.
Ashleigh Gardner (Captain) A vital all-rounderGardner contributed with the bat in the first game and remains crucial with both bat and ball.
Harleen deol A reliable domestic batter who provides stability in the middle order.
Georgia Wareham The Australian leg-spinner can be a game-changer, providing much-needed breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Meghna Singh Needs to step up in the pace department after a below-par bowling performance in the first match.

UP Warriorz Women (UP-W)

UP Warriorz will play their first match of WPL 2025, making it crucial to assess their form and approach. The team has a well-balanced squadblending explosive batting, all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack.

Key Players:

Alyssa Healy (Captain) The experienced Australian wicketkeeper-batter is known for explosive starts at the top of the order.
Tahlia McGrath A world-class all-rounderMcGrath can be a match-winner with both bat and ball.
Sophie Ecclestone The No. 1 ranked T20 bowlerEcclestone’s left-arm spin will be a significant threat.
Deepti sharma India’s experienced all-rounder brings balance to the squad with her spin bowling and finishing ability.
Shweta sehrawat A rising Indian talent, Sehrawat will look to make an impact in the top-order.

Pitch & Weather Report

Pitch Analysis Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

• The surface is batting-friendlywith short boundaries favoring big hitters.
• Pace bowlers might get some early movementbut spinners will likely play a key role in the middle overs.
• A target around 170-180 is competitivebut chasing teams have an advantage due to dew setting in the second innings.

Weather Forecast

• Clear skies expectedwith mild evening temperatures around 24-26°C.
• No rain forecastensuring a full game.

Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s WPL 2025 Match?

Why Gujarat Giants Can Win

Batting firepower Mooney and Gardner have already shown their form.
Top-order consistency A strong foundation at the top can dictate the game.
Experience in the conditions Having already played one game in Vadodara, they will be familiar with the pitch behavior.

Why UP Warriorz Can Win

Balanced squad with strong all-rounders McGrath, Healy, and Deepti Sharma provide flexibility.
Bowling strength With Ecclestone leading the attackUP has a potent spin department.
Fresh start advantage Having not played yet, they enter with no pressurewhile Gujarat is recovering from a loss.

Final Prediction:

UP Warriorz appear better balanced in both batting and bowlingwith superior spin resources. While Gujarat Giants have the batting depththeir bowling inconsistency could be a concern.

Predicted Winner: UP Warriorz Women (UP-W) A well-rounded squad with a strong bowling attack gives them the edge.

Possible Playing XIs

Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W) Probable XI:

1. Beth Mooney (WK)
2. Laura Wolves
3. Harleen deol
4. Ashleigh Gardner (C)
5. Dayalan Hemalatha
6. Phoebe Litchfield
7. Sushma Verma
8. Georgia Wareham
9. Tanuja Kanwer
10. Meghna Singh
11. Mansi Joshi

UP Warriorz Women (UP-W) Probable XI:

1. Alyssa Healy (C & WK)
2. Shweta sehrawat
3. Tahlia McGrath
4. Deepti sharma
5. Grace Harris
6. Navgire Kiran
7. Sophie Ecclestone
8. Anjali Sarvani
9. Rajeshwari gayakwad
10. Shabnim Ismail
11. Parshavi chopra