The Lucknow leg of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is kicking off with UP Warriorz (UPW) facing off against Gujarat Giants (GG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. This match marks their first encounter on the Lucknow turf, creating excitement among UPW supporters who are eager to see their team perform well on home soil.
Both teams come to this match tied at four points from five outings, with each having won two matches and lost three. Currently, UPW holds the third position due to their superior net run rate, whereas GG sits at fifth. With the playoffs looming, this game serves as a must-win for both franchises, offering them the chance to gain momentum heading toward the decisive phase of the tournament.
Historically, UPW has had the upper hand, leading the head-to-head record with three victories to GG’s two across five matches. Nevertheless, the last encounter saw GG triumph over UPW by six wickets, which adds extra motivation for the Warriorz to reverse their fortunes this time around.
One focal point for UPW has been the lackluster performance from Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, who has found runs hard to come by this season. Having competed in five matches with only 26 runs to her name, including two ducks, her form has emerged as a significant concern. Strikingly, all instances of her dismissal have come at the hands of spinners—a trend she will need to break against her opponents' formidable bowling lineup. Given the spin-friendly conditions expected at the Ekana pitch, McGrath's place in the playing XI remains uncertain.
It's worth noting, UPW boasts one of the strongest spin divisions around, featuring skills from Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Alana King, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad. The pitch conditions, which typically favor spinners, could see UPW deploying several spin options during the match, presenting a tactical dilemma about which overseas players to include. If they utilize Alana King, the options are narrowed down to selecting between Georgia Voll, Grace Harris, or Tahlia McGrath for the final overseas position.
With Georgia Voll stepping up to replace Chamari Athapaththu, this match could be the perfect moment for UPW to bring her on board as McGrath's form has left room for reconsideration. Voll’s performance during the previous WBBL was impressive; she amassed 330 runs at an average of 30.00 and registered a remarkable strike rate of 144.73. Should Voll take the field, it can potentially rejuvenate the batting lineup by allowing Kiran Navgire to open alongside her, pushing Harris back to the middle-order where she typically thrives.
UPW captain Deepti Sharma commented on their strategy, saying, “We are going to bowl. Feel like there will be help for bowlers early on. It feels good to play at home.” Such confidence from Sharma reflects the team's belief heading toward this all-important clash.
On the opposing side, Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner expressed her expectations for the game: “Looks like a nice batting track. Expecting a high-scoring game. We need to adapt quickly to conditions.” With both teams launching their strategies, Gardner has set her aims high, indicating they will aim for anything over 170 runs, as such figures would greatly assist their quest for victory.
The atmosphere at the Ekana Stadium is electrifying, with fans expected to fill the stands as this women’s cricket festival begins. The match will be available for viewing on Star Sports and can also be streamed live on JioHotstar. With both teams needing this victory to stay competitive, expect nothing short of exhilarating cricket on show.
Currently, UPW's recent bout ended with disappointment, having lost to the Mumbai Indians by eight wickets, whereas GG has managed to bounce back with their last game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore resulting in victory. This sets the stage for what promises to be not only a tactical battle on the pitch but also one steeped heavily in psychological warfare as both teams strive for the edge.
Tonights' encounter will undoubtedly reflect the high stakes surrounding the match as both contenders look to make their mark on the tournament. With UP Warriorz needing to capitalize on their spin strength and the Giants hoping to outshine their rivals with big runs, the 2025 WPL is shaping up to become one of the most thrilling editions yet.
Catch all the action as the UP Warriorz hosting the Gujarat Giants promises to be more than just another game—this could be the defining moment for both squads as they fight for their playoff positions.