The ninth showdown of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to ignite the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), square off against the UP Warriorz. Scheduled for February 24 at 7:30 PM IST, this clash promises to be a spectacle for fans craving high-octane cricket action.
RCB, buoyed by the home advantage, have had a promising start to their title defense with two victories out of three matches. Their only setback came against the formidable Mumbai Indians. On the other hand, the UP Warriorz seem to have found their rhythm, registering a commanding first win of the season against Delhi Capitals.
Wicketkeeper:
Richa Ghosh
Ghosh has been an absolute game-changer for RCB, dazzling with both her explosive batting and reliable glove work. With scores of 64, 11, and an unbeaten 28 in her first three matches, she boasts a strike rate of 180.70—making her one of the most lethal hitters in the shortest format. Ghosh’s overall tally of 498 runs at a striking rate of 146.47 from 21 matches solidifies her importance in the squad.
Batters:
Ellyse Perry
Perry, last season’s Orange Cap winner, continues to mesmerize with the bat. With scores of 57, 7*, and a scintillating unbeaten 81 across her first three games, she has amassed 145 runs at an impressive average of 72.50 and a strike rate of 161.11. Although sidelined from bowling duties due to a hip injury, her contribution with the bat remains vital, with 745 runs and 11 wickets, including the best of 6/15, to her name in the WPL.
Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana, India’s vice-captain, bounced back from a sluggish start (9 off 7) with a blazing 81 off 47 balls against Delhi Capitals, followed by a brisk 26 from 13 balls against Mumbai Indians. Her 565-run haul across 21 matches with the personal best of 81 highlights her role as a backbone of RCB’s batting lineup.
All-rounders:
Deepti Sharma
Sharma remains a cornerstone for UP Warriorz with her all-around capabilities. After scoring 39 off 27 balls in the season opener, she added crucial wickets in subsequent matches, taking 1/27 and 1/25. With an overall WPL record of 444 runs and 21 wickets at an economy of 7.93, Sharma’s consistency makes her indispensable.
Grace Harris
Harris, despite underwhelming batting scores of 4, 12, and 2, has shone with the ball, bagging six wickets, including a sensational hat-trick against Delhi Capitals, ending with match-winning figures of 4/15 in 2.3 overs. Her overall stats—436 runs and 11 wickets from 17 matches—make her a fantasy favorite.
Tahlia McGrath
McGrath, Australia’s dependable vice-captain, offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball. With 1,124 T20I runs, 20 international wickets, and 354 runs alongside four wickets in the WPL, McGrath’s all-round prowess cannot be overlooked. This season, she’s chipped in with scores of 1, and 24 and has taken 1 wicket so far.
Georgia Wareham
Wareham had a shaky start, leaking 50 runs in her opening spell (1/50). However, she roared back with figures of 3/25 against Delhi and an even better 3/21 versus Mumbai Indians. Her contributions—147 runs at a strike rate of 132.43 and 15 wickets across two seasons—underscore her growing influence.
Chinelle Henry
Henry, stepping in for the injured Alyssa Healy, has made a significant impact. She blasted an unbeaten 33 off 15 balls on debut and followed it with an explosive 62 from just 23 balls, while also chipping in with the ball, taking 1/42 in her most recent outing.
Bowlers:
Sophie Ecclestone
Ecclestone, England’s spin sensation, remains a game-changer for UP Warriorz. With 30 wickets from 20 WPL matches at an average of 17.23, she’s been their top bowling weapon. This season, she’s already delivered solid spells with figures of 2/16, 1/31, and 0/28.
Kim Garth
Garth recovered from a wicketless start against Gujarat Giants (0/34) to claim 2/19 in 3.3 overs and 2/30 in 4 overs in her following games against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, respectively. With 15 WPL wickets and notable international experience—764 runs and 49 wickets in T20Is—she’s a dependable option in the bowling department.
Renuka Singh Thakur
Thakur, RCB’s pace leader, has delivered impactful spells throughout the tournament. With figures of 2/25 and 3/23 against Delhi Capitals, followed by a tight performance of 0/35 in 4 overs against Mumbai Indians, Renuka remains a vital cog in the RCB bowling arsenal.
With both teams stacked with match-winners and in-form players, this battle at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is poised to be a thrilling encounter that fans won’t want to miss.
Loves all things female cricket
