With an exciting T20 spectacle featuring the best female cricket players in the world, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is upon us to reignite cricketing excitement. The WPL has become one of the most prominent franchise competitions as women’s cricket continues to soar, giving both established players and newcomers a chance to show off their abilities on a worldwide scale. With thrilling matches, passionate fan interaction, and fierce rivalries, this year’s event is sure to be even bigger and keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats.
The 3rd season action kicks off with hosts Gujarat Giants set to face-off against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener, scheduled for February 14, 2025, in Vadodara. Fans from all around the world are excitedly anticipating the commencement of this cricketing extravaganza, which not only honours the skill and tenacity of female players but also sets the stage for the game’s future.
Gujarat Giants, who finished last in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, are yet to make a strong impression in the WPL. They only won two games and lost six during their eight-match run, managing to earn just four points per season during these two campaigns. They haven’t progressed past the league stage despite moments of promise due to inconsistency and fierce competition. With the experienced Ashleigh Gardner as their new captain, the Giants will be motivated to improve and hope for a more competitive performance this time around.
The 2023 season got off to a poor start for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who finished fourth in the standings with just four points after winning just two of their eight games and losing six. But in 2024, under Smriti Mandhana’s leadership, they staged a spectacular comeback and won their first WPL championship. By building their team and refining their tactics, the Challengers demonstrated an outstanding championship-winning performance. They will now try to maintain their momentum into WPL 2025 with a strong core of seasoned players and game-winners, intent on defending their title.
Head-to-Head:
With two victories each in their four meetings in the WPL, the rivalry between Gujarat Giants Women and Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women is well-balanced. In their most recent face-off, the Challengers chased down the required, with eight wickets and 27 balls in hand. The Giants will be hoping to make a comeback against the reigning champions in the highly anticipated WPL 2025 opener between these two sides.
Where to watch Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Star Sports will telecast the WPL games in India and fans can catch the action live on Disney+ Hotstar, which will be available on Android, iOS, and Smart TVs, and offers free live streaming on its website and app for those who would rather watch it online.
Squads:
Gujarat Titans
Ashleigh Gardner (C), Harleen Deol, Prakashika Naik, Beth Mooney, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Bharti Fulmali, Laura Wolvaardt, Sayali Satghare, Danielle Gibson, Mannat Kashyap, Shabnam Shakil, Dayalan Hemalatha, Meghna Singh, Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield, Tanuja Kanwar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sabbineni Meghana, Smriti Mandhana (C), Nuzhat Parween, Charlie Dean, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Heather Graham, Joshitha V J, Kanika Ahuja, Kim Garth, Prema Rawat, Raghvi Bist, Shreyanka Patil, Richa Ghosh, Ekta Bisht, Jagravi Pawar, Renuka Singh Thakur
Schedule:
Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Fixtures –
February 14: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Vadodara
February 16: vs UP Warriorz, Vadodara
February 18: vs Mumbai Indians, Vadodara
February 25: vs Delhi Capitals, Bengaluru
February 27: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bengaluru
March 3: vs UP Warriorz, Lucknow
March 7: vs Delhi Capitals, Lucknow
March 10: vs Mumbai Indians, Mumbai
Royal Challengers Bengaluru WPL 2025 Fixtures –
February 14: vs Gujarat Giants, Vadodara
February 17: vs Delhi Capitals, Vadodara
February 21: vs Mumbai Indians, Bengaluru
February 24: vs UP Warriorz, Bengaluru
February 27: vs Gujarat Giants, Bengaluru
March 1: vs Delhi Capitals, Bengaluru
March 8: vs UP Warriorz, Lucknow
March 11: vs Mumbai Indians, Brabourne
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
For fans in Australia –
Catch all the live WPL action on Fox Sports
For fans in the United States and Canada –
Catch all the live WPL action on WillowTV
For fans in the United Kingdom –
Catch all the live WPL action on Sky Sports Cricket
For fans in South Africa and Sub-Saharan regions –
Catch all the live WPL action on SuperSport
For fans in New Zealand –
Catch all the live WPL action on Sky Sports 3
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