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Tag: UP Warriorz

  • WPL 2025: Fans reacts as Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews’ brilliance helps Mumbai Indians beat UP Warriorz

    WPL 2025: Fans reacts as Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews’ brilliance helps Mumbai Indians beat UP Warriorz

    Mumbai Indians registered a dominant six-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on March 6. The match witnessed a stunning all-round performance from Hayley Matthews and a match-winning spell from Amelia Kerr, ensuring Mumbai’s fourth victory of the season.

    Amelia Kerr wreaked havoc with her leg-spin

    Batting first, the Warriorz posted 150/9 in their 20 overs, with Georgia Voll leading the charge. The opener played a brilliant knock of 55 off 37 balls, smashing 13 boundaries and providing her team with a solid foundation. Voll received good support from Grace Harris, who contributed 28 runs, as the duo stitched together a crucial 74-run partnership for the first wicket.

    However, Mumbai struck back as Kerr wreaked havoc with her leg-spin, picking up an impressive 5-wicket haul for 38 runs in her four-over spell. She removed key batters and ensured that the Warriorz couldn’t capitalize on their strong start. Captain Deepti Sharma chipped in with 27 runs, while Sophie Ecclestone added 16 to push the total to 150. Despite their promising opening stand, the hosts struggled against Mumbai’s disciplined bowling attack, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals.

    Also WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone engage in heated exchange during WPL 2025 clash

    Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt seal the win for Mumbai

    Chasing 151 for victory, Mumbai got off to a sensational start, thanks to an explosive 68-run knock from Matthews. The opener played with attacking intent, smashing eight fours and two sixes, ensuring that the pressure stayed on the the Warriorz bowlers. Matthews found an able partner in Nat Sciver-Brunt, who contributed a solid 37 runs, as the duo stitched together a 92-run stand, which effectively sealed the game in Mumbai’s favor.

    With such a strong foundation, Mumbai had no trouble in chasing down the target with six wickets in hand, securing their fourth win of the season. Meanwhile, the Warriorz continued to struggle, losing their fifth match out of seven in the tournament. Mumbai’s comprehensive performance, driven by Matthews’ aggressive batting and Kerr’s brilliant bowling, reaffirmed their position as one of the strongest contenders in WPL 2025.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also READ: Not MS Dhoni! Beth Mooney picks the greatest wicket keeper of all-time

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • Netizens erupt as Beth Mooney’s brilliant knock helps Gujarat Giants crush UP Warriorz by 81 runs

    Netizens erupt as Beth Mooney’s brilliant knock helps Gujarat Giants crush UP Warriorz by 81 runs

    Gujarat Giants delivered a commanding performance, registering a massive 81-run victory over UP Warriorz in the 15th match of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

    Riding on Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 96 off 59 balls, Gujarat posted a formidable 186/5 in 20 overs. In reply, the Warriorz crumbled under pressure, managing only 105 runs in 17.1 overs, thanks to a stellar bowling display led by Kashvee Gautam and Tanuja Kanwar. This emphatic win marked Gujarat’s third victory in the tournament, propelling them to the second spot in the WPL 2025 points table.

    Beth Mooney anchors Gujarat Giants to a mammoth total

    Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Gujarat got off to a shaky start as they lost Dayalan Hemalatha for just 2 runs in the opening over. However, Mooney showcased her class and took control of the innings with a magnificent knock, playing the anchor role while keeping the scoreboard ticking at an impressive strike rate. She formed a crucial 101-run partnership with Harleen Deol, who played a fine supporting role with a quick 45 off 32 balls before falling to Sophie Ecclestone. Mooney was at her aggressive best, piercing gaps with elegant stroke play and dominating the opposition bowlers. Even after Harleen’s dismissal, Mooney kept the momentum going, finding boundaries at regular intervals. Contributions from Deandra Dottin (17 off 8) and Ashleigh Gardner (11 off 10) ensured Gujarat finished with a massive 186/5 in their 20 overs, putting UP Warriorz under immense pressure.

    The UP Warriorz bowlers struggled to contain Mooney, with all bowlers going for plenty. Ecclestone (2/34) and Deepti Sharma (1/37) were among the wickets, but their economy rates remained on the higher side. Kranti Goud (1/46 in 4 overs) had a forgettable outing, conceding runs at over 11 runs per over. Despite a few breakthroughs, the bowlers could not break Gujarat’s dominance, setting up a tough chase for the Warriorz.

    Also WATCH: Sophie Ecclestone rattles Harleen Deol’s stumps with a stunning delivery

    UP Warriorz collapse as Gujarat’s bowlers dominate in the WPL 2025 clash

    Chasing a challenging target of 187, the Warriorz got off to a horrendous start, losing three wickets inside the first over. Dottin struck twice, dismissing Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll for ducks, leaving UPW reeling at 2/2. Things worsened when Dinesh Vrinda fell cheaply for 1, as Gautam and Kanwar ripped through the batting lineup. Despite a fighting 25 off 30 balls from Grace Harris, the Warriorz never gained any momentum, as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Chinelle Henry’s late cameo of 28 off 14 was the only silver lining, but it was too little too late.

    Gujarat’s bowlers were relentless, with Gautam (3/11) and Kanwar (3/17) leading the charge. Dottin (2/14) and Ashleigh Gardner (1/9) also chipped in as the Warriorz folded for a mere 105 in 17.1 overs, succumbing to a crushing 81-run defeat. The disciplined bowling attack ensured Gujarat continued their impressive run in WPL 2025, moving up to second place in the points table with this commanding win.

    Here’s how netizens reacted:

    Also WATCH: Deandra Dottin cleans up Georgia Voll for a duck on her WPL debut with an absolute peach

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • UP-W vs GJ-W, Women’s Premier League 2025: Match Prediction, Dream 11 Team, Fantasy Tips and Pitch Report | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants

    UP-W vs GJ-W, Women’s Premier League 2025: Match Prediction, Dream 11 Team, Fantasy Tips and Pitch Report | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants

    UP Warriorz arrive at their home for the first time in Women’ Premier League (WPL) 2025 season as they face Gujarat Giants in an epic clash of the prestigious tournament.

    The Warriorz are currently placed 3rd in the points table with 2 wins and 3 losses. A win for the Warriorz at this point would solidify their position and put them right in the race for a spot in the playoffs. The Giants, on the other hand, are still at the bottom of the table with a poorer run rate than the Warriorz. They would aim to register a win against the Warriorz on their home ground and overtake other rival teams to jump upwards in the points table.

    Match Details: WPL 2025, Match 16

    • Date and Time: March 3 – 07:30 pm IST/ 02:00 pm GMT
    • Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

    Ekana Stadium Pitch Report:

    Unlike many other venues that are often seen as batting havens, the wickets at Ekana Stadium tend to favor the bowlers, particularly those who specialize in slower or spin deliveries. Last season’s IPL matches here yielded mixed results, with the pitch offering something for both batters and bowlers, depending on the conditions. However, the general trend has been that the surface provides more assistance to the bowlers, making it challenging for the batters to dominate.

    In WPL 2025 season, it will be intriguing to see how the pitch behaves, and whether it continues to offer an edge to the bowlers or if the batters will find a way to capitalize on it. The unique nature of the Ekana wicket always adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the game.

    UP-W vs GJ-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

    • Wicketkeeper: Beth Mooney
    • Batters: Harleen Deol, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat
    • All-rounders: Grace Harris, Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma, Ashleigh Gardner, Chinelle Henry
    • Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Kashvee Gautam

    Also Watch: Kashvee Gautam knocks over Richa Ghosh with a pinpoint yorker and celebrates in style

    UP-W vs GJ-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

    • Choice 1: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin (vc)
    • Choice 2: Deepti Sharma (c), Sophie Ecclestone (vc)

    UP-W vs GJ-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

    Priya Mishra, Bharti Fulmali, Laura Wolvaardt, Sayali Satchare

    UP-W vs GJ-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (March 3, 02:00 pm GMT):

    UP-W vs GJ-W (Image Source: X)

    Squads:

    UP Warriorz: Kiran Navgire, Vrinda Dinesh, Deepti Sharma (c), Tahlia McGrath, Shweta Sehrawat, Grace Harris, Uma Chetry (wk), Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone, Saima Thakor, Kranti Goud, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Alana King, Arushi Goel, Poonam Khemnar, Anjali Sarvani, Gouher Sultana.

    Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Harleen Deol, Prakashika Naik, Beth Mooney, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Bharti Fulmali, Laura Wolvaardt, Sayali Satchare, Danielle Gibson, Mannat Kashyap, Shabnam Shakil, Dayalan Hemalatha, Meghna Singh, Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield, Tanuja Kanwer

    Also Watch: Ashleigh Gardner strikes as Ellyse Perry records her first-ever WPL duck

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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  • WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Nat Sciver-Brunt shines as Mumbai Indians outclass UP Warriorz with a 8-wicket victory

    WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Nat Sciver-Brunt shines as Mumbai Indians outclass UP Warriorz with a 8-wicket victory

    Mumbai Indians (MI) registered a dominant 8-wicket win over UP Warriorz in the 11th match of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at Bengaluru. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Mumbai bowlers put up a disciplined show, restricting the Warriorz to 142/9 in 20 overs. Grace Harris played a blazing knock of 45 off 26 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered under pressure. In response, Mumbai chased down the target with ease in just 17 overs, courtesy of a sensational unbeaten 75 from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who anchored the chase alongside Hayley Matthews.

    UP Warriorz stumble after Grace Harris’ blistering knock

    The Warriorz started their innings on a shaky note, losing Kiran Navgire early for just one run. However, Harris provided the much-needed momentum, launching a counter-attack with six fours and two sixes. She found support from Dinesh Vrinda (33 off 30), and together they stitched an 81-run stand for the second wicket. But once Harris departed in the 10th over, the Warriorz collapsed rapidly, losing five wickets for just 24 runs. Deepti Sharma (4), Tahlia McGrath (1) and Shweta Sehrawat (19) failed to capitalize, as Mumbai bowlers, led by Sciver-Brunt (3/18) and Shabnim Ismail (2/33), kept them in check. Eventually, UP Warriorz could only muster 142/9, falling short of a competitive total.

    Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail knocks over Sophie Ecclestone’s middle stump with an absolute snorter

    Nat Sciver-Brunt’s masterclass guides MI to a comfortable chase

    Chasing 143, Mumbai had a brief setback when Yastika Bhatia fell for a duck in the fourth over. However, Hayley Matthews and Sciver-Brunt took control of the innings, stitching a 133-run partnership for the second wicket. Matthews played the perfect supporting role with a solid 59 off 50 balls, while Sciver-Brunt played an attacking brand of cricket, racing to 75 off just 44 balls, laced with 13 boundaries. The duo dismantled UP Warriorz’s bowling attack, ensuring Mumbai’s chase never looked in doubt. Harmanpreet Kaur finished things off in style with a boundary, sealing the win with 18 balls to spare. This victory propelled Mumbai further up the points table, reaffirming their status as strong title contenders.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Sanskriti Gupta bowls a ripper to get rid of Tahlia McGrath in the WPL 2025

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • Twitter reactions: Priya Mishra and Ashleigh Gardner shine in Gujarat Giants’ dominant win over UP Warriorz in the WPL 2025

    Twitter reactions: Priya Mishra and Ashleigh Gardner shine in Gujarat Giants’ dominant win over UP Warriorz in the WPL 2025

    Gujarat Giants displayed a dominant all-round performance to outclass UP Warriorz by six wickets in Match 3 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara on Sunday (February 16). A clinical bowling effort, spearheaded by Priya Mishra’s three-wicket haul, restricted UP Warriorz to 143/9, before Gujarat chased down the target with 12 balls to spare, thanks to Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive fifty.

    Priya Mishra’s game-changing spell restricts UP Warriorz

    The Warriorz struggled to build partnerships after electing to bat first, as the Giants’ bowlers, particularly Priya, struck at crucial junctures. Kiran Navgire started aggressively with 15 off 8 balls but fell early to Deandra Dottin. The middle order saw a brief resurgence through captain Deepti Sharma, who top-scored with 39 off 27 balls, but wickets continued to tumble. Priya’s decisive strikes removed Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris and Deepti, dismantling UPW’s momentum. A late cameo from Alana King (19 not out) pushed the total to 143/9, but it was below par on a good batting surface.

    Ashleigh Gardner’s brutal fifty steadies Gujarat Giants’ chase

    Chasing 144, the Giants suffered an early scare as Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha departed within the first two overs, leaving them reeling at 2/2. However, Gardner turned the game around with a counter-attacking 52 off 32 balls, finding support from Laura Wolvaardt (22) and Harleen Deol (34 not out). Gardner took on Warriorz’s spinners, striking five fours and three sixes, and stitched a crucial 55-run partnership with Wolvaardt to rebuild the innings. Though she fell to McGrath, Deol and Deandra Dottin (33 not out off 18) ensured a comfortable finish, sealing the win in 18 overs.

    Also READ: Out or Not out? DC co-owner Parth Jindal breaks silence over the controversial run-out decision against MI

    Sophie Ecclestone’s effort goes in vain as Gujarat dominate

    Sophie Ecclestone was the lone bright spot for UP Warriorz with figures of 2/16 in four overs, removing Wolvaardt and Hemalatha. However, the rest of the bowling unit lacked penetration, with King and Saima Thakor conceding 38 and 20 runs in their respective spells. Deepti’s four overs for 32 runs also failed to contain Gujarat’s aggressive approach. The Giants’ depth in batting and disciplined bowling ultimately handed them a well-deserved victory, earning them two crucial points in the tournament.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail celebrates aggressively after dismissing Meg Lanning in the WPL 2025

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • WPL 2025 [WATCH]: Priya Mishra’s magical over removes both Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris in no time

    WPL 2025 [WATCH]: Priya Mishra’s magical over removes both Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris in no time

    Priya Mishra’s magical over turned the game as she removed both Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris in quick succession during Match 3 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 between UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, shifting momentum dramatically in Gujarat’s favour and showcasing her brilliance under pressure in a defining spell.

    Priya Mishra’s removes Tahlia McGrath with a precise LBW decision

    In the 11th over, Priya struck a crucial blow by dismissing Tahlia McGrath for a duck, thanks to a contentious LBW call that went in her favor. Bowling a skiddy slider on a length, she deceived McGrath, who initially came forward but then quickly went back in an attempt to keep the ball out. The ball struck her pad, and the on-field umpire ruled it out as the appeal went up. However, McGrath immediately opted for a review, believing she had gotten an inside edge. The UltraEdge showed a spike, but third umpire Gayathri Venugopalan took her time to ensure accuracy. After closely analyzing multiple angles, she determined that the ball had hit the pad first before making contact with the bat, leading to McGrath’s dismissal. While the decision seemed to be a 50-50 call, the replays ultimately convinced the third umpire, and McGrath had to walk back for a duck, leaving UP  in deep trouble at 74/4.

    Also READ: Out or Not out? DC co-owner Parth Jindal breaks silence over the controversial run-out decision against MI

    Priya castles Grace Harris to leave UP Warriorz reeling

    Just two balls after removing McGrath, Priya delivered another massive breakthrough by clean bowling Harris, who had been a major threat in previous encounters. Harris, who had been the Player of the Match in two of her last three games against Gujarat, looked to take on Mishra but fell victim to a well-executed flighted delivery. Having just bowled a quicker one, Mishra enticed up this one, luring Harris into a slog across the line. The Australian batter completely missed the ball on the inside edge, and it crashed into the stumps, sending her back for a quickfire 4 off 2 balls. Mishra erupted in celebration, knowing the significance of this wicket, as Harris could turn the game around single-handedly. With her dismissal, UP slumped further to 78/5, putting Gujarat firmly in control of the contest.

    Here’s the video:

    Priya’s triple strike shifts momentum in Gujarat Giants’ favour

    Priya delivered a match-defining spell, dismantling UP’s middle order with three crucial wickets in quick succession. Her impactful bowling spell began with the dismissal of McGrath, where a skiddy delivery trapped the Australian batter LBW after a review confirmed pad-first contact. Just two balls later, Mishra outfoxed Harris with a beautifully flighted delivery, drawing her into an ill-fated slog that rattled the stumps. With UP already struggling, Mishra’s third scalp came in the 15th over when she removed captain Deepti Sharma, who had been holding the innings together with a fluent 39 off 27 balls. Trying to accelerate the scoring, Deepti lofted one towards long-on but found Ashleigh Gardner, completing Mishra’s three-wicket haul. Her spell of 3.6-0-25-3 ensured that UP remained under constant pressure, struggling to set a challenging total against Gujarat.

    Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail celebrates aggressively after dismissing Meg Lanning in the WPL 2025

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • GG vs UPW Match Prediction: Who will win the 3rd match? WPL 2025

    GG vs UPW Match Prediction: Who will win the 3rd match? WPL 2025

    UP Warriorz will be looking to start their campaign on a winning note when they face Gujarat Giants in the third game of the ongoing Women’s Premier League 2025 (WPL 2025). The game is scheduled to be played at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday (February 16).

    UP Warriorz will be opening their campaign in WPL 2025 with the upcoming game against Gujarat Giants. The Warriorz will be keen to start their campaign on a winning note as they look to bounce back after a disappointing performance last season. The Warriorz managed to win only three of their eight league games and finished at the fourth spot.

    On the other hand, Gujarat Giants have already played their first game of the season. They faced defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first game of WPL 2025 and lost the game by six wickets.

    The Giants did well with the bat and scored 201/5 but could not deliver with the ball as the Bengaluru-based outfit chased down the total with more than an over remaining. With the Warriorz and Giants now gearing up for the game between them, here are all the predictions for the match.

    GG vs UPW Match Prediction: Who will win the 3rd match? WPL 2025

    Match Details

    Match: GG vs UPW, match 3 of WPL 2025

    Date: February 16, 2025

    Time: 07:30 PM IST

    Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

    Live streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

    Live broadcast: Star Sports

    GG vs UPW Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record

    The rivalry between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz has been quite intense so far, with no team managing to gain a clear upper hand in this rivalry. The two teams have played four games against each other so far and each team has managed to win two games each.

    Total Matches Played: 4

    Gujarat Giants Won: 2

    UP Warriorz Won: 2

    Pitch Report & Conditions

    The first game of the WPL 2025 showed that the surface at the Kotambi Stadium will favor the batsmen more. Both the teams scored more than 200 runs in that game and the upcoming game between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz is also expected to be a high-scoring game.

    Teams will also prefer to chase at the venue because of the presence of dew. Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to chase down 202 runs against Gujarat with more than an over to spare and it could become a template for the teams going ahead in the tournament.

    Chasing Record:

    In the first WPL game held at the venue, the chasing team came out on top as Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to chase down 202 against Gujarat Giants.

    Before that, the Kotambi Stadium had hosted three Women’s ODIs in December last year when India hosted West Indies. In that series, the team batting second won once while the team batting first won twice.

    Weather Report

    The weather forecast shows no prediction for rain in Vadodara during the match day. The temperature is expected to hover in the 20s during the match.

    GG vs UPW Match Prediction – Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals Playing XIs:

    Gujarat Giants Playing XI:

    Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (wk), Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra, Kashvee Gautam

    UP Warriorz Playing XI:

    Chamari Athapaththu, Vrinda Dinesh, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, Uma Chetry (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Goud, Saima Thakor, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

    Form and Fitness

    There are no injury concerns for any of the two teams ahead of the match.

    Score Prediction

    Team 1st Innings 2nd Innings
    GG 180-190 150-160
    UPW 160-170 140-150

    GG vs UPW Players to perform prediction

    GG: Beth Mooney, Laura Wolvaardt, Ashleigh Gardner, Deandra Dottin, and Harleen Deol will be the key players for the Gujarat Giants.

    UPW: Chamari Athapaththu, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, and Kranti Goud will be the key players for UP Warriorz.

    GG vs UPW Best Batter Prediction

    Who will score the most runs for GG in the match: Beth Mooney or Laura Wolvaardt

    Who will score the most runs for UPW in the match: Chamari Athapaththu or Deepti Sharma

    GG vs UPW Best Bowler Prediction

    Who will pick the most wickets for GG in the match: Ashleigh Gardner or Deandra Dottin

    Who will pick the most wickets for UPW in the match: Sophie Ecclestone or Deepti Sharma

    Conclusion: Who will win the match?

    UP Warriorz will be slight favorites for the GG vs UPW upcoming game and are expected to beat Gujarat Giants.

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  • Women’s Premier League: Team captains share their plans for WPL 2025

    Women’s Premier League: Team captains share their plans for WPL 2025

    The new season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14 with the opening match between Gujarat Giants and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The tournament is anticipated to have some nail-biting fixtures and exciting cricket action with the final scheduled to be held on March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

    As the teams gear up for the prestigious competition, captains of all 5 teams in the league shared insights on their respective team plans during a press conference organized by WPL’s official broadcaster Star Sports.

    Meg Lanning hopes her side wins their maiden title this season

    The skipper of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Meg Lanning, expressed confidence in her team’s performance, stating that they did almost everything right and remained one of the most dominant sides in the league. She believes there is no need for significant changes in their approach, as their overall strategy has been effective. However, the DC captain emphasized that success in high-stakes matches ultimately comes down to handling pressure. Lanning acknowledged that this is the one key area where DC would aim to improve in the upcoming season. Capitals were finalists of the league in the previous and have a star-studded squad featuring Jemimah Rodriguez, Marizanne Kapp, and Laura Wolvaardt.

    Harmanpreet Kaur expresses confidence in young turks

    Mumbai Indians’ captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the significant impact of the WPL in providing young Indian players with a platform to showcase their talent and earn national call-ups over the past two seasons. She credited the league for nurturing emerging cricketers and giving them invaluable exposure at the highest level. While refraining from naming specific players, Harmanpreet expressed confidence that several rising stars will make a lasting impression on the big stage this season.

    Also Read: WPL 2025: 5 Overseas players to watch out for in the Women’s Premier League

    Smriti Mandhana addresses injury concerns

    The captain of defending champions RCB, Smriti Mandhana, addressed the setback of losing key players like Sophie Devine to injury, acknowledging that such challenges are concerning but emphasizing the need to make the most of the squad at hand. She reaffirmed the team’s determination to defend their title despite the hurdles. Smriti also spoke about the electrifying experience of playing in front of the passionate Chinnaswamy crowd, describing RCB’s fan base as deeply emotional—where both love and criticism come in equal measure, but on a grand scale. However, she sees this intense fan engagement as a source of motivation, driving the team to give their absolute best, not just for themselves but for the dedicated supporters who invest their hearts in RCB.

    A new challenge for Deepti Sharma

    Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, newly appointed as captain of UP Warriorz following Alyssa Healy’s injury-enforced absence, acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with leading the team. However, having previously captained her state side, she remains confident in her ability to step up and deliver strong results. Deepti expressed her enthusiasm for new challenges, embracing the leadership role as an opportunity for growth. Deepti expressed her determination to make the most of this chance and is hopeful of guiding UP Warriorz to a successful campaign with her experience and strategic mindset.

    Ashleigh Gardner confident of the great leap forward

    After two disappointing seasons at the bottom of the points table, the Giants have made a strategic leadership change, appointing Ashleigh Gardner as captain in place of Beth Mooney. Gardner emphasized that the team is not dwelling on past setbacks but is fully focused on a stronger performance this season. She expressed confidence in the squad’s improved balance, highlighting the presence of greater international experience and promising young talent. While the ultimate goal is to compete for the title, Gardner stressed that the immediate priority is achieving significantly better results than in the previous two seasons, taking it one step at a time.

    Also Read: Women’s Premier League 2025 – Here’s how to buy tickets for WPL matches

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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  • UP Warriorz announce Alyssa Healy’s replacement for WPL 2025

    UP Warriorz announce Alyssa Healy’s replacement for WPL 2025

    UP Warriorz have brought in West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry as a replacement for Alyssa Healy in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025.

    Alyssa Healy out of WPL 2025 due to injury

    Healy, who was set to lead the team, has been forced to withdraw due to a stress reaction in her right foot, an injury that follows previous plantar fascia ruptures.

    With Healy sidelined, the franchise is yet to finalize its new captain. Leading candidates for the role include Sri Lankan veteran Chamari Athapaththu, Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, and Indian star Deepti Sharma. Meanwhile, Uma Chetry is expected to step in as the team’s wicketkeeper.

    Also READ: Women’s Premier League: Mumbai Indians appoints new assistant coach for the WPL 2025

    UP Warriorz acquire the replacement player for INR 30 lakh

    Henry, an experienced T20 player for the West Indies, has featured in 62 T20Is, accumulating 473 runs and taking 22 wickets. The Warriorz secured her services for INR 30 lakh, adding depth to their squad ahead of the season opener.

    UP Warriorz will kick off their WPL 2025 campaign on February 16 at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, facing Gujarat Giants in what promises to be an exciting contest.

    Also READ: Women’s Premier League – Parthiv Patel and Veda Krishnamurthy predict the potential winner of WPL 2025

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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  • Big blow for UP Warriorz as captain Alyssa Healy pulls herself out of WPL 2025

    Big blow for UP Warriorz as captain Alyssa Healy pulls herself out of WPL 2025

    Australia and UP Warriorz captain Alyssa Healy has officially withdrawn from the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 due to a stress injury in her right foot. The star wicketkeeper-batter has been struggling with injuries over the past year, and this latest setback raises concerns about her long-term playing career.

    The upcoming third edition of the WPL will be played across four cities – Vadodara, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Mumbai—from February 14 to March 15. However, Healy, who led the UP Warriorz in the first two seasons, will not be a part of the tournament this time around. Her absence is a major blow to the team, considering her vast experience and leadership skills.

    Alyssa Healy’s injury struggles: A timeline of setbacks

    Healy’s injury issues date back to October 2024, when she suffered a torn plantar fascia during the T20 World Cup. The foot injury forced her to miss a couple of crucial games, including Australia’s semifinal clash against South Africa. Following this, she endured a knee injury, which kept her out of a significant portion of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and the home ODI series against India.

    When Australia toured New Zealand for an ODI series, Healy played but was limited to a batting-only role to ensure she was fit for the Ashes ODIs. During the one-off Ashes Test, she once again played as a specialist batter, handing over wicketkeeping duties to Beth Mooney. While she returned to her wicketkeeping role in the Ashes ODIs, she had already missed the T20I series and several key fixtures earlier in the season. Now, with a recurring stress injury in her right foot, Healy has been ruled out of the WPL 2025, extending her injury layoff even further.

    Also READ: Shreyanka Patil reveals what she’d love to steal from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Smriti Mandhana

    UP Warriorz react to Healy’s withdrawal from WPL 2025

    The Warriorz franchise officially confirmed Healy’s absence on their social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the loss of their captain. Their statement read:

    “Captain @ahealy77 has opted out of the upcoming #TATAWPL due to a foot injury. While she won’t be donning the Yellow and Purple this season, she’ll always be a Warrior. The #WarriorzSena will miss her, but we know she’ll be cheering from afar. Wishing you a speedy recovery!” 

    This announcement comes as a significant setback for the UP Warriorz, who heavily relied on Healy’s leadership. Over the past two seasons, she played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s strategy and guiding them through intense WPL campaigns.

    A big loss for Women’s Premier League

    Healy’s withdrawal from the WPL 2025 comes just days after another star cricketer, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, announced an indefinite break from domestic cricket. Losing two senior international players significantly impacts the overall star power of the league, as both Healy and Devine have been crucial figures in women’s franchise cricket.

    For the Warriorz, Healy’s absence will not only affect their batting lineup but also their strategic depth and leadership dynamics. The team will now have to rely on alternative leadership options while hoping for a strong replacement signing. As the WPL 2025 nears, all eyes will be on the Warriorz’ next move – who will replace Healy, and more importantly, who will be entrusted with the captaincy

    Also READ: Women’s Premier League: Complete schedule for WPL 2025; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle Gujarat Giants in the opener

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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