As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 heads into its final stretch, the battle for playoff spots is heating up. With just two berths left, every match carries immense significance. In Match 17, Gujarat Giants (GG) will take on the league leaders, Delhi Capitals (DC), in what promises to be a pulsating contest. Scheduled for March 7 at 7:30 PM IST at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, this fixture is particularly crucial for GG, who are vying for a top three finish.
Both teams come into this contest on the back of victories—GG recently overcame UP Warriorz, while DC got the better of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With five wins from seven matches, DC have already secured their playoff spot, while GG, positioned second with three wins from six games, still have work to do. As the stakes rise, fantasy cricket enthusiasts will be eager to lock in their best XI. Here’s a breakdown of the top picks.
Wicketkeeper:
Beth Mooney
The Gujarat Giants opener has had a rollercoaster campaign. She started strongly with a classy 56 off 42 balls against RCB but then hit a rough patch, scoring 0, 1, 10, and 17 in her next four innings. However, she roared back into form with a match-winning, unbeaten 96 against UP Warriorz. A proven performer with 3,215 T20I runs, Mooney was one of the standout batters last season, amassing 285 runs in eight matches, including the top score of 85*.
Batters:
Meg Lanning
A stalwart of the game, Lanning had a slow start to WPL 2025, managing only 15 and 17 in her first two outings. She found her rhythm with a commanding 69 off 49 balls against UPW but struggled again with scores of 5 and 3 before bouncing back with an unbeaten 60 against MI. Though she fell cheaply for 2 against RCB in her latest outing, her consistency is undeniable. The Australian great was the Orange Cap winner in WPL’s inaugural season (345 runs) and continued her dominance with 331 runs in the second edition.
Shafali Verma
The aggressive opener made a blazing start to the season, smashing 43 off 18 balls against MI. After a brief dip, which included a golden duck against RCB, she rediscovered her form with scores of 26, 24, and 44 before unleashing a destructive unbeaten 80 off 43 balls against RCB. With 821 runs from 25 WPL matches at a staggering strike rate of 165.52, she remains a key player for DC’s title charge.
All-rounders:
Annabel Sutherland
The Aussie all-rounder has been a game-changer for DC. She kicked off her campaign with an impactful 13 off 10 balls and 3/34 against MI. Her performances remained steady with 19 off 13 and a tight spell of 0/18 versus RCB, before a match-winning 2/26 and 41* off 35 against UPW. She endured a rough patch but bounced back with 2/20 against GG and 1/21 against MI, making her an invaluable fantasy pick.
Ashleigh Gardner
Gardner started the season in explosive fashion, hammering 79 off just 37 balls in GG’s opener, clearing the ropes eight times. She followed it up with 52 off 32 and 2/39 against UPW. Though she went through a lean phase, managing scores of 10 and 3 with just one wicket in two games, she rediscovered her touch with 58 and 1/22 against RCB, followed by 1/9 against UPW. So far in WPL 2025, Gardner has accumulated 213 runs and seven wickets from six matches.
Jess Jonassen
The experienced all-rounder had a quiet start to the season, conceding 37 runs without a wicket against RCB. However, she bounced back in spectacular fashion, claiming a career-best 4/31 in the reverse fixture against UPW. With 273 runs and 29 wickets in 22 WPL games, Jonassen has proven her mettle time and again. She further bolstered her credentials with a crucial 61 and 1/24 against GG, followed by an unbeaten 61 against RCB.
Deandra Dottin
The explosive West Indian has been a powerhouse for GG. She made an immediate impact with 25 off 13 and 1/41 against RCB before delivering a match-winning 33 off 18 and 2/34 versus UPW. Though she hit a rough patch, she roared back to form with 2/31 against RCB and 17 (8) alongside 2/14 against UPW. A veteran with 3,004 T20I runs and 71 wickets, Dottin remains a game-changer.
Marizanne Kapp
A linchpin in DC’s lineup, Kapp has been exceptional with both bat and ball. She started with 29 off 17 and 1/30 against UPW, followed by two consecutive two-wicket hauls (2/18 and 2/17). In her most recent outing, she returned figures of 1/18, dismissing the dangerous Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. Her WPL tally of 315 runs and 26 wickets in 22 matches speaks volumes about her value.
Bowlers:
Shikha Pandey
The experienced pacer has been a consistent performer for DC. She showcased her class with a stellar 2/14 against MI and continued her form with 1/27 (RCB), 1/39 (UPW), 2/18 (GG), 1/16 (MI), and 2/24 (RCB). With 28 wickets in 25 WPL matches and a best of 3/23, she has been DC’s go-to bowler in crunch moments.
Kashvee Gautam
The young all-rounder has been a revelation for GG this season. She made an early impact with 20 off 15 and figures of 2/15 against MI, scalping key players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Amelia Kerr. She continued to impress with 2/26 against DC, 1/17 against RCB, and a match-winning 3/11 against UPW. With nine wickets from six games at an economy of just 5.30, she has been a crucial asset for Gujarat.
Priya Mishra
The emerging spin talent had a slow start, conceding 29 runs in three wicketless overs on debut. But she turned the tide with 3/25 against UPW, dismissing star batters Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris, and Tahlia McGrath. She followed it up with 2/40 against MI and a tight 0/18 against RCB, proving her worth in big games.
With playoff spots on the line, the clash between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals promises fireworks. While DC have the comfort of an assured qualification, they will aim to cement their top spot. On the other hand, GG will be desperate to secure a crucial win and inch closer to a knockout berth. As fans gear up for an electrifying contest, the spotlight will be on these key players to deliver when it matters the most.
Loves all things female cricket
