Gujarat Giants vs WPL 2025 Opener Defending RCBW: Live Score and Updates
Women’s Premier League 2025 began on a thrilling note with an opening match as charged as it had threatened to be when Gujarat Giants took on defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCBW) in a high-intensity game. The match, staged at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was every bit live wire that it threatened to be, the two collosal sides showcasing a goodnatured display. The stadium was packed to its rafters, as the balance of the planet’s millions caught up on it from the world on TV while switching in time to view the start of what will prove an electrifying campaign. Following is a full match report of the match, player, and what this means for the upcoming tournament.
Match Preview: Giants vs. RCBW
Gujarat Giants, led with able mercurial skipper Smriti Mandhana, wanted point to establish themselves against RCBW as they came to field after disastrous last season final. They, supported by incredible off-season signings, wished to begin good this time by winning in the presence of champions. RCBW, always stubborn leader Ellyse Perry leading them, would try to defend title and begin new series of victories.
The match wpl was not only a battle of talent but also a battle of strategy since there was a mix of seasoned international and young guns on both teams.
Toss and Team Lineups
RCBW opted to bat first after the toss, WPL which was a surprise given the dew factor in the second half of the night. However, Perry was sure that her team could chase an ask that would be challenging.
RCBW Playing XI:
- Ellyse Perry (c)
- Smriti Mandhana
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Sophie Devine
- Shafali Verma
- Deepti Sharma
- Pooja Vastrakar
- Radha Yadav
- Renuka Singh
- Megan Schutt
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Gujarat Giants Playing XI:
- Beth Mooney (c & wk)
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Deandra Dottin
- Sneh Rana
- Shabnim Ismail
- Mansi Joshi
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Georgia Wareham
- Monica Patel
First Innings: RCBW Set a Competitive Total
RCBW started in a blaze of fire,Wpl courtesy of an interesting partnership between Sophie Devine and Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana was particularly in destroyer mode, pushing limits for the sake of it and having the crowd bow down to her signature cover drives. Devine was a good support partner, rotating the strike and providing occasional hints of her promise as a power-hitting finisher.
Big bowlers were not able to keep the runs going in the initial phase, but Ashleigh Gardner cut short the stand by giving Devine out of the pavilion after registering a well-crafted 45. Mandhana was in her destruction mode and had settled perfectly to play a blockbusta half-century when Shabnim Ismail’s pace proved too good for her.
Middle order Richa Ghosh-Deepti Sharma pair infused life into RCBW. 30 run-a-ball contribution from Ghosh and 25 from Sharma saw the side through to a determined 165/6 of 20 overs.
RCBW Key Performers
- Smriti Mandhana: 68 in 42 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes)
- Sophie Devine: 45 in 30 balls (6 fours, 1 six)
- Richa Ghosh: 30 in 18 balls (4 fours, 1 six)
Gujarat Giants Bowling Highlights:
- Shabnim Ismail: 2/28 in 4 overs
- Ashleigh Gardner: 1/32 in 4 overs
- Sneh Rana: 1/25 in 3 overs
Second Innings: Gujarat Giants’ Chase
According to 166, Gujarat Giants started slowly, the openers Beth Mooney and Harmanpreet Kaur attempting to set a good platform. But RCBW’s Renuka Singh opened prematurely and got Kaur back for 12. Mooney constructed the innings throughout the match by playing a captain’s game.
Jemimah Rodrigues provided the much-needed push with a elegant 40, but Giants lost wickets at regular intervals, causing pressure on the tailenders. Deandra Dottin’s 25 in 12 balls brought the team back into the game, but RCBW bowlers didn’t bat an eyelid during the death overs.
The Giants were defeated by 10 runs as they managed only 155/8 in 20 overs.
Gujarat Giants’ Key Performers:
- Beth Mooney: 55 (40 balls, 7 fours, 1 six)
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 40 (28 balls, 5 fours)
- Deandra Dottin: 25 (12 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
RCBW Bowling Highlights: - Renuka Singh: 3/30 in 4 overs
- Megan Schutt: 2/25 in 4 overs
- Ellyse Perry: 1/20 in 3 overs
The match was a reflection of the improving standard and competitive spirit of the WPL. Rampage of fielding by RCBW and brilliance of Mandhana were the winners. Determination of Mooney and last-over attacking enthusiasm of Dottin for Giants were the decisive factors, but weakness of middle order led them to leave vulnerable where they had to enhance their game.
Player of the Match
wpl Smriti Mandhana richly deserving of the Player of the Match award as she hit that game-winning 68. Her inning was what RCBW’s victory depended on and gave the world reasons on why she’s still one of the most respected batswomen going around in women’s cricket.
What’s Next?
WPL 2025 will be more thrilling meetings as franchise teams battle it out to top the podium. RCBW will attempt to carry winning momentum forward, and Gujarat Giants will counterattack in the following game. World-class stars playing right under their noses in WPL will astonish global cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
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Conclusion
A Promising Beginning to WPL 2025 whoman cricket