The Vadodara leg of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has ended, and with high-scoring entertainers and low-scoring thrillers, the tournament has not disappointed. Let us take a look at some of the top moments from the 1st leg of the competition.
RCB creates history chasing 202 against GG
The opening match of the season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Giants saw records being shattered. Sent into bat first, Giants scored 201 against the RCB lineup. However, no score would have been adequate on the day as RCB chased down a record 202 within 18.3 overs, creating history with the highest successful chase in WPL history. The match saw youngsters Kanika Ahuja (30*) and Richa Ghosh (64*) rise to the occasion as they stitched a match-winning 93*-run partnership.
DC vs MI: A controversial last-ball thriller
The second match of the season was played between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Sent into bat by the Capitals, Mumbai Indians were bowled out for 164, on the back of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 80*. Starting strong, the Capitals put themselves in the driving seat with the Lanning-Verma opening partnership of 60 runs. However, as the team lost wickets in a cluster, the target seemed far away. The match was saved by debutants Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce, who stitched together a match-winning partnership. The game ended with two controversial runouts, with youngster Niki winning Player of the Match in her debut game.
Ash Gardner dominates as the best all-rounder
Viewers and fans are no strangers to all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner’s brilliance. Gardner, bought at one of the highest prices among her fellow players, had faltered to make a mark over the last two seasons. However, the now Gujarat skipper asserted her dominance as she displayed her prowess as an all-round cricketer. Scoring a 79* (37) and taking two wickets, Gardner stood tall and led from the front despite her team losing the opener. She followed that up with another fifty and a couple more wickets, against UP Warriorz.
G Kamalini creates history
The 2025 season of the WPL is in headlines as history is created in almost every match. One such headline was created by the Mumbai Indians G Kamalini, as she became the youngest player to debut in the WPL at the age of 16 years and 213 days. She debuted against Gujarat Giants, scoring a four off her only faced, and also represented India in the 2025 Under-19 World Cup.
Smriti Mandhana’s sublime 81
Smriti Mandhana is no stranger to achievements, and her recent feat included her highest-ever WPL score. Playing against the Delhi Capitals, the Challengers were asked to chase 141, a target they achieved rather easily. Following a quiet start to the season, captain Mandhana returned strongly, scoring 81 (47). She broke the back of the chase and ensured her team made it over the line comfortably, with over three overs to spare.
Amelia Kerr’s boundary brilliance
They say catches win matches, and that is exactly what Amelia Kerr did. Kerr, already famous for her impeccable fielding, was seen pulling off another stunner in her match against the Gujarat Giants. The Giants, already in trouble, were pushed into a deeper hole by Kerr’s stunner. Sliding in to hold on, Kerr pulled off an impeccable catch.
As one leg ends, another begins, with action moving to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where high scores are the norm. The first match will be played on February 21 as hosts RCB takes on Mumbai Indians.
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