Match Overview
This evening clash at 7:30 PM IST will see Delhi Capitals Women, led by Meg Lanning, take on Gujarat Giants Women, captained by Ashleigh Gardner, in Lucknow. Both teams have strong line-ups, with Delhi boasting a powerful batting order including Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, while Gujarat relies on spin bowlers like Gardner and Sneh Rana. The Ekana Stadium pitch is expected to favor batsmen initially, with spinners possibly coming into play as the game progresses.
Squads and Key Players
Delhi Capitals have a balanced squad with new signings like Sarah Bryce and N Charani, while Gujarat Giants have bolstered their team with players like Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield. Key players to watch include Delhi’s Shafali Verma for her aggressive batting and Gujarat’s Ashleigh Gardner for her all-round impact.
Unexpected Detail
Interestingly, there was initial confusion with some sources listing the match time as 2:00 PM IST, but the official schedule confirms 7:30 PM IST, aligning with the night match (N) designation, which is less commonly debated for evening starts in cricket.
Comprehensive Match Analysis and Details
The 17th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, featuring Delhi Capitals Women versus Gujarat Giants Women, is set for Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India. This match, designated as a night game (N), is scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), providing an exciting evening of cricket for fans. Given the current time of 3:40 AM PST on March 7, 2025, which translates to 5:10 PM IST, the match is yet to begin, offering anticipation for an engaging contest.
Match Schedule and Venue
The match is part of the third season of the WPL, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), running from February 14 to March 15, 2025. The Ekana Cricket Stadium, with a capacity of 50,100, is known for its batting-friendly conditions, potentially favoring high scores, though spinners may find assistance as the game progresses. This venue hosts four matches in the tournament, including this crucial encounter.
Team Squads
Below are the detailed squads for both teams, reflecting their compositions for the 2025 season, with new signings and retained players enhancing their line-ups:
| Delhi Capitals Women Squad | Role |
|---|---|
| Meg Lanning (c) | Batter |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Batter |
| Shafali Verma | Batter |
| Radha Yadav | All-Rounder |
| Arundhati Reddy | All-Rounder |
| Shikha Pandey | Bowler |
| Taniyaa Bhatia | Wicket-Keeper |
| Minnu Mani | All-Rounder |
| Sneha Deepthi | Batter |
| Titas Sadhu | Bowler |
| Marizanne Kapp | All-Rounder |
| Jess Jonassen | All-Rounder |
| Alice Capsey | All-Rounder |
| Annabel Sutherland | All-Rounder |
| Niki Prasad | New Signing |
| Sarah Bryce | New Signing |
| Nandini Kashyap | New Signing |
| N Charani | New Signing |
| Gujarat Giants Women Squad | Role |
|---|---|
| Ashleigh Gardner (c) | All-Rounder |
| Beth Mooney | Wicket-Keeper |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Batter |
| Laura Wolvaardt | Batter |
| Harleen Deol | All-Rounder |
| Dayalan Hemalatha | All-Rounder |
| Sneh Rana | All-Rounder |
| Tanuja Kanwar | Bowler |
| Meghna Singh | Bowler |
| Kashvee Gautam | Bowler |
| Shabnam Shakil | Bowler |
| Mannat Kashyap | All-Rounder |
| Priya Mishra | Bowler |
| Bharti Fulmali | Batter |
| Disha Kasat | New Signing |
| Monica Patel | New Signing |
| Veda Krishnamurthy | New Signing |
| Lauren Cheatle | New Signing |
Key Players and Recent Form
Delhi Capitals, led by Meg Lanning, have shown consistency, with Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues forming a formidable opening pair, supported by all-rounders like Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen. Their recent performances suggest a strong batting line-up, aiming to secure a top spot for direct entry into the final. New signings like Sarah Bryce and N Charani add depth, particularly in the middle order and fielding.
Gujarat Giants, under Ashleigh Gardner, have shown improvement, especially after a commanding 81-run victory over UP Warriorz, with Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 96 being a highlight. Their spin attack, led by Gardner and Sneh Rana, could be crucial on a pitch that may turn later, while new signings like Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield bolster their batting.
Match Context and Expectations
This match is significant as Delhi Capitals, currently at the top with 10 points from seven matches, aim to solidify their position for a direct final berth, while Gujarat Giants, in third place, look to build on their recent win to climb higher. The night match timing at 7:30 PM IST aligns with the (N) designation, offering a strategic advantage for teams with strong evening performances. The Ekana Stadium’s conditions, favoring batsmen initially, may see high scores, but spinners could play a decisive role in the later stages.
Broadcast and Viewing Options
For fans unable to attend, the match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website (JioHotstar). This ensures wide accessibility for cricket enthusiasts to follow the action live.
Historical Context and Previous Encounters
While specific details of previous encounters in 2025 are limited, historical data from earlier WPL seasons shows competitive matches, with Delhi Capitals often edging out Gujarat Giants in key games, such as a 6-wicket win in the 10th match on February 25, 2025. This history suggests a closely contested match, with both teams eager to assert dominance.
Conclusion
This match promises an exciting battle, with Delhi Capitals’ batting prowess against Gujarat Giants’ spin attack, set against the backdrop of Lucknow’s large stadium. Fans can expect a thrilling night of cricket, with the outcome potentially influencing playoff standings.
