GG-W vs RCB-W Match Analysis

Gujarat Giants Women and Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women will play each other in the WPL, 2025 1st game on February 14, 2025, at 08:00 PM BST at The Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. 

Following their humiliation at the hands of RCBW in Bengaluru, the Giants recovered in Delhi by successfully defending a 199-run total. The players who won that game, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney, will be playing for Gujarat this season. The majority of their key hitters from the previous season are still with them. The Giants’ batting order will be further strengthened by the addition of all-round batsman Deandra Dottin.

For RCBW, notable changes include the omission of Nadine de Klerk and Sophie Devine. They have brought in Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Heather Graham as replacements for the two overseas players. Overall, the defending champions have a strong squad that is sure to present a tough challenge to the hosts in this match.

GG-W vs RCB-W Team Preview & Squads

Gujarat Giants Women

Gujarat Giants are entering this season with a solid squad, featuring some big names. However, despite their strong lineup last year, their performances fell short of expectations.

Of the two wins they secured last season, one was against RCB Women in Delhi. Wolvaardt and Mooney will play key roles at the top of the order and need to provide the hosts with a strong start.

It remains to be seen if Deandra Dottin will make it into the XI, but her inclusion could add strength to the middle order, which was lacking last season. Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield are also crucial players in the middle order and must deliver impactful performances to build the innings and set up a strong finish. Dayalan Hemalatha will be responsible for the finishing duties.

The squad includes several all-rounders like Harleen Deol, Meghna Singh, and Danielle Gibson, giving skipper Beth Mooney a variety of options to enhance the batting depth and add variety to the bowling attack.

With no Lea Tahuhu or Kathryn Bryce in the squad this year, Ashleigh Gardner will carry the primary wicket-taking responsibility, supported by Tanuja Kanwar and Shabnam Md Shakil.

While bowling remains a concern for the Giants heading into this game, they have a wealth of options in their squad and will back themselves to start the season with a win.

Gujarat Giants Women Squads

Gujarat Giants Women Squads

Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Simran Shaikh, Laura Wolvaardt, Ashleigh Gardner, Deandra Dottin, Danielle Gibson, Mannat Kashyap, Sayali Satghare, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra, Shabnam Shakil, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Prakashika Naik. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women 

RCB Women have made significant changes to their squad, bringing in Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Heather Graham. Wyatt-Hodge is highly likely to make the XI, as she is a reliable batter whose addition won’t disrupt the team balance. Graham, a consistent all-rounder for Australia, may face tougher competition for a spot in the XI due to the presence of several other bowling all-rounders.

Smriti Mandhana leads a strong batting lineup that includes Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh in the middle order. Georgia Wareham, who provides much-needed depth, follows in the lower middle order, further strengthening the batting depth.

The lineup is deep, with Shreyanka Patil and Sophie Molineux also offering options in the lower order. This depth also gives the skipper plenty of flexibility in the bowling department.

Mandhana will be the key batter for RCB Women, with her form being crucial to the team’s success. She will be eager to open the innings alongside Wyatt-Hodge. Renkuka Thakur Singh will lead the bowling attack, with support from all-rounders like Molineux, Wareham, and Patil. Kim Garth, who replaces Kate Cross in the bowling unit, will be another key figure in the squad.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Squads

Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Sabbhineni Meghana, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Kanika Ahuja, Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Shreyanka Patil, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Asha Sobhana, Sophie Devine, Ekta Bisht, Renuka Singh, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Sophie Molineux, VJ Joshitha, Jagravi Pawar, Prema Rawat.

Gujarat Giants Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women outfield report 

Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Last season, the only T20 match played here was won by the team batting first. On this field, the Gujarat Giants lost to the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 WPL while chasing 106 runs. But since it’s an evening match, we believe chasing would be a better option. Moreover, because it’s the first game of the season, the ground would be very batting-friendly.

Vadodara will have bright, sunny skies with a high of 33 degrees Celsius. Around the time of the match in the evening, the weather would remain clear. During the game, the temperature drops to 23 degrees, and there are no indications of clouds or rain.

About this pitch, not much is known. The average score for the first innings in the three one-day internationals that have taken place here is 278 runs. Despite its reputation as a high-scoring location, the most recent Twenty20 match played here ended in a very low score. This time, we anticipate a nice wicket for batting. To be in a competitive position, the first-batting squad should aim for something over 165.

Gujarat Giants Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 4 matches, each won 2.

Gujarat Giants Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women has a 55% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.