The 15th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to ignite the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow as UP Warriorz (UPW) take on Gujarat Giants (GG) on March 3 at 7:30 PM IST. This game marks the beginning of the tournament’s Lucknow leg, adding an extra layer of excitement for the home fans.
Both teams have had a rollercoaster journey so far, securing two wins from five games each. However, UP Warriorz currently sit in third place, while Gujarat Giants languish at the bottom due to an inferior net run rate. UPW will be looking to recover from their defeat against Mumbai Indians, while GG will aim to build momentum after a crucial victory over RCB. With both teams desperate for consistency, this contest promises to be a nail-biting affair. Let’s dive into the top fantasy picks for this high-stakes encounter.
Wicketkeeper:
Beth Mooney
Mooney has had an inconsistent campaign so far. The Gujarat Giants captain kicked off the season with a fluent 56 off 42 balls against RCB but has since struggled, managing scores of 0, 1, 10, and 17 in her last four outings. However, Mooney remains a world-class batter, as evident from her 3,215 T20I runs and last season’s impressive tally of 285 runs in eight matches, including a top score of 85 (not out). She will be eager to return to form and lead her team from the front.
Batters:
Kiran Navgire
Navgire has been a vital cog in UPW’s batting lineup, showcasing her raw power with a blistering 51 off 27 balls against Delhi Capitals. She followed that up with a quickfire 24 off 12 balls against RCB and a solitary run against Mumbai Indians. With 373 runs in 22 WPL matches and the highest score of 57, Navgire’s aggressive approach makes her a dangerous batter to watch out for in this fixture.
All-Rounders:
Grace Harris
Harris has had a mixed season, struggling with the bat initially with scores of 4, 12, and 2, but making amends with her bowling. She grabbed a sensational hat-trick against DC, finishing with match-winning figures of 4/15 in 2.3 overs. Against MI, she found some form with the bat, smashing 45 off 26 balls. With 489 runs and 11 wickets in 19 WPL matches, Harris remains a high-impact player.
Kashvee Gautam
Gautam, the ₹2 Crore signing, has made an impressive return to the WPL after missing the 2024 season due to injury. She contributed 20 off 15 balls and picked up 2/15 against Mumbai Indians, dismissing top players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Amelia Kerr. She continued her fine form with 2/26 against DC and 1/17 against RCB. So far, she has scalped six wickets from five matches at an economy of just 5.58, making her an excellent fantasy pick.
Deepti Sharma
Sharma, leading UP Warriorz, has been at the forefront of their campaign. She started strong with a 39-run knock off 27 balls and has been consistent with the ball, returning figures of 1/27, 1/25, and 1/42 against RCB, where she also scored 25 runs. She followed it up with 1/25 against MI. With 473 WPL runs and 23 wickets, Deepti’s all-round skills make her a crucial asset.
Ashleigh Gardner
Gardner announced herself in style this season with a breathtaking 79 off 37 balls in Gujarat’s season opener, hammering eight sixes. She backed it up with 52 off 32 and 2/39 against UP Warriorz. However, she endured a rough patch with scores of 10 and 3 while picking up just one wicket in her next two games. She bounced back against RCB, scoring 58 and taking 1/22. With 1,411 T20I runs and 78 wickets, Gardner remains a dangerous match-winner.
Chinelle Henry
Henry has been a revelation for UP Warriorz, stepping in for the injured Alyssa Healy. She made an immediate impact with an unbeaten 33 off 15 balls on debut, followed by a stunning 62 off 23 balls in her next innings. With the ball, she registered 1/42 and 1/34 in consecutive matches. In just four games, Henry has amassed 110 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 211.53 while picking up two wickets.
Deandra Dottin
Dottin returned to the WPL in style after going unsold last season. She began with 25 off 13 balls and 1/41 against RCB, followed by an unbeaten 33 off 18 and 2/34 against UPW. Her recent performances were below par, managing 7 and 26 runs, along with figures of 0/19 and 0/30. However, she made a comeback with 2/31 against RCB. With 3,004 T20I runs and 71 wickets, Dottin remains a key figure in Gujarat’s lineup.
Bowlers:
Sophie Ecclestone
Ecclestone continues to be one of the most reliable performers in the WPL. She has delivered stellar spells of 2/16, 1/31, and 0/28, along with a vital 33 off 19 balls in a match-winning effort. Her ability to perform under pressure was highlighted when she defended eight runs in a Super Over. Against MI, she took 1/29, dismissing Hayley Matthews. The English spinner has bagged 31 wickets in 22 WPL matches, with an impressive average of 18.54.
Tanuja Kanwer
Kanwer, the slow left-arm spinner, has been a consistent performer in the WPL, claiming 19 wickets from 21 matches across three seasons. This year, she has had an eventful campaign, returning figures of 0/29, 2/16 (against RCB), 0/10 (against UPW), 1/25 (against MI), and 1/13 (against DC).
Priya Mishra
Mishra, a young spin sensation, had a modest debut against RCB, conceding 29 runs in three overs without a wicket. However, she made a strong statement with 3/25 against UPW, dismissing top players like Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris, and Tahlia McGrath. She followed up with 2/40 against MI and a tight 0/18 against RCB, proving her mettle on the big stage.
With both teams hungry for victory, this clash between UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants promises fireworks. UPW will be banking on their explosive batting lineup, while GG will rely on their all-rounders to step up.
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