TOP STORIES
WPL 2025: Defending Champions RCB Women set to battle Gujarat Giants Women in WPL opener

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is back for another riveting season, and the opening match on Friday will be quite thrilling. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women will face off against Gujarat Giants Women, marking the start of what is expected to be another high-octane season.
As RCB women look to defend their title, Gujarat Giants will be determined to make a statement and challenge the champions from the very beginning. Giants will kick off their campaign under the leadership of Ashleigh Gardner, who is vastly experienced.
After claiming the WPL title in the 2024 season with a series of commanding performances, RCB women have solidified themselves as one of the most successful and well-balanced teams in the competition.
The team, led by Smriti Mandhana, boasts a star-studded lineup, including explosive players like Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ellis Perry and Richa Ghosh. On the other side, Gujarat Giants Women will be looking to shake off the disappointment of last season and set a new tone for the 2025 season. Giants possess the services of Beth Mooney (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Harleen Deol, and Deandra Dottin.
HEAD TO HEAD
Matches: 4
GG Women: 2
RCB Women: 2
Gujarat Giants probable XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Simran Shaikh, Sayali Satghare, Meghna Singh, Tanuja Kanwar, Kashvee Gautam, Mannat Kashyap
Royal Challengers Bengaluru probable XI: Smriti Mandhana (c), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, S Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Raghvi Bist, Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Jagravi Pawar, Kim Garth, Renuka Singh.
Tags
More News

Heinrich Klassen calls time on international career
South African wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klaasen has retired from international cricket, bringing an end to a seven-year career.
“It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket,” Klaasen wrote on Instagram.
“It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the f...

Stuart Broad to join South Africa as consultants ahead of WTC final
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has joined South Africa squad as a consultant ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Broad’s vast experience and expertise are expected to bolster South Africa’s preparations as they aim to outplay defending champions Australia in the upcoming WTC final.
This is Broad’s first coaching role sinc...

Glenn Maxwell retires from ODI cricket
Australia’s highly talented batter Glenn Maxwell has retired from ODI cricket effective immediately, but he will be available for T20I cricket.
"I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with [ Chair of Selectors] George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts...

“I love big occasions”: Shreyas Iyer on his masterclass knock
Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer remained unfazed amid the mounting pressure, blazing an unbeaten 87 to power Kings into the final of the IPL 2025. His innings not only showcased clean hitting but also smart game awareness, as he single-handedly guided PBKS to the final for the first time in 11 years. His knock was rife with eight sixes and five fours as Punjab chased d...

Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer slapped with fines
Mumbai Indians’ skipper Hardik Pandya and Punjab Kings’ leader Shreyas Iyer were slapped with fines for slow over-rates during their IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 match in Ahmedabad on Sunday night. Shreyas Iyer was fined ₹24 lakhs as it was his team's second offence of the season. Their first offence was during a match against Chennai Sup...