Match Overview
The 18th match of the Women’s Premier League 2025 features Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB-W) facing off against UP Warriorz Women (UPW-W). Set at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, offering a night of exciting cricket.
Current Standings and Form
Both teams are in a tight spot in the standings. RCB-W has played 6 matches, winning 2 and losing 4, with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.244 and 4 points. UPW-W has played 7 matches, also with 2 wins and 5 losses, an NRR of -0.785, and 4 points. This match is critical for both to boost their playoff chances.
Unexpected Detail: Venue Impact
An interesting note is that Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium has seen high-scoring games recently, which could favor strong batting line-ups, potentially giving an edge to teams with robust openers like RCB-W’s Smriti Mandhana.
Comprehensive Report on the Match
This report delves into the details surrounding the 18th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, pitting Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB-W) against UP Warriorz Women (UPW-W) on March 8, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Given the current time of 03:53 AM PST on March 8, 2025, which translates to 5:23 PM IST, the match is yet to commence, with a scheduled start at 7:30 PM IST. This section provides a thorough analysis, including team details, current standings, and pre-match insights, ensuring a complete overview for cricket enthusiasts.
Match Schedule and Venue
The match is designated as a night game (“N”), starting at 7:30 PM IST, aligning with typical evening slots for T20 cricket in India to maximize viewership. The venue, Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, has hosted several WPL matches this season, with recent games indicating a batting-friendly pitch, potentially influencing team strategies. Fans can catch the live action on Sports18 for television coverage or stream it on JioCinema.
Team Squads
Below are the squads for both teams, based on the latest available information for WPL 2025:
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women:
- Smriti Mandhana (Captain)
- Danni Wyatt
- Ellyse Perry
- Sophie Devine
- Heather Knight
- Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
- Kanika Ahuja
- Asha Sobhana
- Shreyanka Patil
- Renuka Singh
- Georgia Wareham
- Megan Schutt
- Indrani Roy
- Poonam Khemnar
UP Warriorz Women:
- Deepti Sharma (Captain)
- Alyssa Healy (Wicketkeeper)
- Kiran Navgire
- Chamari Athapaththu
- Grace Harris
- Shweta Sehrawat
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
- Anjali Sarvani
- Parshavi Chopra
- Saima Thakor
- Laxmi Yadav
- Poonam Khemnar
- Vrinda Dinesh
These line-ups highlight key international and domestic players, with captains Mandhana and Sharma leading their respective sides, potentially influencing team morale and strategy.
Current Standings and Team Form
The points table, updated before this match, reflects the competitive nature of the league. The following table summarizes the standings as of recent matches:
| Rank | Teams | PLD | WON | LOST | NRR | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi Capitals (DC) (Q) | 8 | 5 | 3 | +0.396 | 10 |
| 2 | Gujarat Giants (GG) | 7 | 4 | 3 | +0.334 | 8 |
| 3 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 6 | 4 | 2 | +0.267 | 8 |
| 4 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 6 | 2 | 4 | -0.244 | 4 |
| 5 | UP Warriorz (UPW) | 7 | 2 | 5 | -0.785 | 4 |
RCB-W, with 4 points from 6 matches, has struggled recently, losing their last few games, which puts pressure on them to perform. UPW-W, also on 4 points from 7 matches, has had a tougher run, with a negative NRR indicating challenges in both batting and bowling. This match is pivotal for both teams to climb the table and enhance their playoff prospects.
Pre-match Analysis and Key Players
Given the current form, RCB-W will rely heavily on Smriti Mandhana, known for her aggressive opening, and Ellyse Perry, whose all-round capabilities could turn the game. For UPW-W, Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance and Alyssa Healy’s opening fireworks are crucial, especially on a pitch that favors high scores. The Ekana Stadium’s recent trend of high-scoring games, with teams like UPW defending totals, suggests that batting depth and bowling in the death overs will be decisive.
An unexpected detail is the potential impact of the Lucknow crowd, known to support local teams, which could boost UPW-W’s morale, adding an extra layer of competition. Historical data from earlier matches at this venue shows an average first innings score around 170, which could set the tone for a run-fest.
Viewing and Broadcasting
For fans eager to watch, the match will be broadcast live on Sports18, with streaming available on JioCinema, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The live toss is expected at 7:00 PM IST, adding to the pre-match excitement.
Conclusion
As the match approaches, both RCB-W and UPW-W face a critical juncture in their campaign. With the game yet to start, the focus is on strategy and key player performances, with the outcome potentially reshaping the points table. This report encapsulates all available details, providing a comprehensive guide for followers of the WPL 2025.
