The Women’s Premier League 2025 is past its halfway point, and the familiar pattern of Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians dominating the league stage is emerging again. The remaining three teams are now in a tight race, fighting for playoff spots.
UP Warriorz, hosting Gujarat Giants in Lucknow, are among these teams looking to improve their position. Both teams have only managed two wins so far and are eager to build momentum in a season where victories have been scarce. Gujarat Giants have shown promise with Ash Gardner’s strong all-around performance, supported by Pheobe Litchfield and emerging Indian players. However, the Warriorz will be determined to start their home leg with a victory.
After playing on challenging pitches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, teams will face new conditions in Lucknow. The Lucknow stadium is known for being slower and favoring spin bowlers. Unless dew becomes a factor, this match might break the trend of winning the toss leading to winning the match, something neither team has recently benefited from.
The pitch in Lucknow is expected to be slow, potentially leading to lower scores in the first innings. This could create an opportunity for bowlers to keep the game competitive in the second innings.
Team News:
UP Warriorz: Led by Deepti Sharma, the team values consistency and is unlikely to make significant changes to their playing eleven for the Lucknow leg.
Probable XI: Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Vrinda Dinesh, Deepti Sharma (c), Tahlia McGrath, Shweta Sehrawat, Uma Chetry (wk), Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone, Saima Thakor/Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Kranti Goud
Gujarat Giants: Following their recent win, the Ash Gardner-led Gujarat Giants are expected to maintain a similar lineup, aiming to build on their momentum.
Probable XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Ash Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Mannat Kashyap, Tanuja Kanwar, Priya Mishra
