The stage is set. Gujarat Giants (GG) take on UP Warriorz (UPW) in the third match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. This high-stakes battle unfolds at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday, February 16.
The Giants are hungry for redemption after a tough six-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Meanwhile, UP Warriorz are gearing up for their season opener, hoping to start strong.
Gujarat Giants: Fighting Back After a Tough Start
Their first game? A batting masterclass. GG racked up 201/5, thanks to skipper Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive 79* off just 37 balls. Beth Mooney was rock-solid too, smashing 56 off 42 deliveries.
The downside? Their bowlers couldn’t hold the fort. Ellyse Perry (57 off 34), Richa Ghosh (64 off 27), and Kanika Ahuja (30 off 13) chased the target down with ease. The message is clear—GG’s batting is top-tier, but their bowling unit needs to step up.
UP Warriorz: A Fresh Start Under Deepti Sharma
A new season. A new captain. UP Warriors enter WPL 2025 with experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma leading the charge. She takes over from Alyssa Healy, who’s sidelined due to a foot injury.
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Last year, UPW finished fourth with three wins from eight matches. This time, they’ll be pushing for a playoff spot. The key? A strong start. And their history against GG suggests they have the upper hand.
Head-to-Head: Who’s Got the Edge?
So far, UP Warriorz have dominated this rivalry. Out of four meetings, they’ve won three. Can the Gujarat Giants turn the tide?
- Total Matches: 4
- Gujarat Giants Win: 1
- UP Warriors Win: 3
- No Result Matches: 0
Previous Encounters: A Look Back
- March 11, 2024: GG (152/8) beat UPW (144/5) by 8 runs.
- March 1, 2024: UPW (143/4) chased down GG’s 142/5 to win by 6 wickets.
- March 20, 2023 UPW (181/7) secured a 3-wicket win over GG (178/6).
- March 5, 2023 UPW (175/7) edged past GG (169/6) by 3 wickets.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Gujarat Giants
- Ashleigh Gardner is the powerhouse hitter. Her 79* in the opener? A warning to every team.
- Beth Mooney is the backbone of GG’s batting. When she’s in form, she’s unstoppable.
- Kim Garth needs a comeback after a lackluster bowling performance last game.
UP Warriorz
- Deepti Sharma is the new captain. A genuine matchwinner with bat and ball.
- Grace Harris: A game-changer. If she gets going, expect fireworks.
- Sophie Ecclestone is the world’s top T20 bowler. If GG’s batters aren’t careful, she’ll run through them.
Match Prediction & What to Expect
Buckle up for a thriller. The Kotambi Stadium pitch favors batters, which means another high-scoring contest is likely. Both teams have firepower. Both have matchwinners.
Will the Gujarat Giants bounce back, or will UP Warriors maintain their dominance? We’ll find out soon enough.
Also Read: Why Mumbai Indians Are Strong Contenders For The WPL 2025 Title
