The highly anticipated fifth match of the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to feature an electrifying battle between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians. The match will take place at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 18 at 7:30 PM (IST).
Mumbai Indians enter this contest after a heart-wrenching last-ball defeat against the Delhi Capitals, where they fell short despite posting a challenging total of 165. On the other hand, Gujarat Giants bounced back strongly in their second game after suffering a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They successfully chased down a target of 144 against UP Warriorz, showcasing resilience and determination. With both teams aiming for a crucial win, let’s delve into the top fantasy picks for this thrilling encounter.
Wicketkeepers:
Beth Mooney
Beth has been the cornerstone of Gujarat’s batting lineup and remains a crucial pick. She started her WPL 2025 campaign with a composed 56 off 42 balls against RCB but was dismissed for a golden duck in the next match against the UP Warriorz. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter boasts an impressive record of 3,215 T20I runs, making her an indispensable asset. In WPL 2024, she accumulated 285 runs in eight matches, with her highest score being an unbeaten 85.
Yastika Bhatia
The young Indian wicketkeeper returned to action after an injury and managed 11 off 9 balls in Mumbai’s opener against Delhi Capitals. She was named Emerging Cricketer of the Year in the 2023 edition and has proved her mettle, amassing 418 runs in 18 WPL matches with a top score of 57. At the international level, she has featured in 19 T20Is, scoring 214 runs, with her highest knock being 36. Her ability to stabilize the top order makes her a valuable addition.
Batters:
Laura Wolvaardt
The South African skipper is known for her consistency but has had a slow start to WPL 2025. She managed only 6 runs in her first game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru but showed some form in the next match with a 22-ball 24 against UP Warriorz. Despite these modest returns, her WPL record speaks volumes—167 runs in six innings in 2024, following a 143-run tally from 4 matches in 2023.
Harmanpreet Kaur
Mumbai’s captain, Kaur remains one of the most dominant forces in the WPL. She delivered a blistering 42 off 22 balls against Delhi Capitals and will be eager to continue her fine form. The Indian skipper, despite missing the recent T20I series against West Indies due to injury, holds the record for being India’s most capped T20I player, featuring in 178 matches and amassing 3,589 runs, including India’s only T20I century (103*). Additionally, her part-time off-spin adds another dimension to her value in fantasy teams.
All-rounders:
Hayley Matthews
The dynamic West Indies captain has been in stellar form recently. While she couldn’t make a big impact with the bat in Mumbai’s first match, she chipped in with 2/32 against Delhi Capitals. Her last five T20I innings include scores of 1, 85*, 22, 60*, and 27, underlining her ability to deliver with both bat and ball. In T20Is, she has 2,651 runs and 108 wickets, while her WPL numbers stand at 451 runs and 23 wickets in 19 matches.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
One of the most complete all-rounders in world cricket, Nat put on a show against Delhi Capitals with an unbeaten 80 off 59 balls and also picked up 1/38 in four overs. She has been a vital cog in Mumbai Indians’ setup, scoring 504 runs and taking 20 wickets in 19 WPL matches. At the international level, she has featured in 132 T20Is for England, accumulating 2,789 runs and claiming 90 wickets. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her an essential fantasy pick.
Amelia Kerr
The ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024, Amelia has been in sensational form across multiple tournaments. Against Delhi Capitals, she was economical with 2/23 in four overs. In 19 WPL matches so far, she has amassed 364 runs, with the highest score of 45*, while also bagging 22 wickets, with best figures of 4/17. Her dominant Super Smash campaign, where she topped the charts with 441 runs in 12 matches, further strengthens her case as a fantasy must-have.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh produced fireworks in Gujarat’s opening match, hammering a breathtaking 79 off just 37 balls, which included eight towering sixes. She followed it up with a solid 52 off 32 balls and also took 2/39 against UP Warriorz. While her WPL 2024 campaign was underwhelming, with 120 runs and 7 wickets in eight matches, her overall T20I record—1,411 runs and 78 wickets—highlights her ability to change the course of a game single-handedly.
Deandra Dottin
Deandra made a triumphant return to the WPL after being unsold in 2024. The experienced West Indian all-rounder made an immediate impact, scoring 25 off 13 balls and taking 1/41 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She carried that momentum into the next game, smashing an unbeaten 33 off 18 and claiming 2/34 against UP Warriorz. With 3,004 runs and 71 wickets in 138 T20Is, she is a proven match-winner.
Sayali Satghare
Sayali had a quiet WPL 2024 campaign as she got to play only one match, but in the 2025 edition, she has started making her presence felt. She grabbed her maiden WPL wicket, dismissing Ellyse Perry, and finished with figures of 1/44 in four overs against the Challengers. Against UP Warriorz, she bowled two overs for 20 runs. The youngster made her international debut in an ODI series against Ireland in January 2025, taking wickets in all three matches with figures of 1/43, 1/40, and 1/24.
Bowler:
Shabnim Ismail
The veteran South African speedster continues to be one of the most lethal pacers in world cricket. She was highly economical against Delhi Capitals, finishing with figures of 1/18 in four overs which included the wicket of Meg Lanning. In 113 T20Is, she has scalped 123 wickets at an impressive average of 18.62, with the best of 5/12. Her WPL journey has been impactful, with 12 wickets in 11 matches, including the best of 3/18.
With experienced campaigners like Beth Mooney, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, alongside explosive all-rounders such as Ashleigh Gardner and Hayley Matthews, this contest promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Make your picks wisely and get ready for an action-packed evening in Vadodara!
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