UPW vs GGTW Match Preview & Prediction | WPL 2025

Match Details:

• Fixture: UP Warriorz Women vs Gujarat Giants Women, 15th Match, Women’s Premier League 2025
• Date: Monday, March 03, 2025
• Time: 11:00 PM IST
• Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Current Standings & Context

With both UP Warriorz (UPW) and Gujarat Giants (GGT) tied at 4 points in the mid-table scramble, this clash becomes a pivotal battle for playoff contention. UPW (4th) and GGT (5th) have identical records (2 wins, 3 losses), but net run rate separates them. A win here could propel either team into the top three, adding high stakes to this encounter.

Recent Form Analysis

UP Warriorz (LLWTL): Inconsistent but resilient. Their Super Over win against RCB showcased fighting spirit, but heavy losses to MI and DC exposed batting frailties. Spin-heavy attacks (Ecclestone, Deepti) thrive at Ekana, but their middle order (Harris, McGrath) needs firepower.
Gujarat Giants (LWLLW): Revived after a morale-boosting win over RCB. Ashleigh Gardner’s leadership and Laura Wolvaardt’s form are positives, but their bowling unit (excluding Kashvee Gautam) remains vulnerable under pressure.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• GGT Won: 2
• UPW Won: 3
  Recent Fixture (Feb 16, 2025): GGT won by 6 wickets.

Key Players to Watch

UP Warriorz:

1. Deepti Sharma (All-rounder): Match-winner with bat and ball; her economy (5.8 this season) will be vital on a slow Ekana track.
2. Grace Harris (Power Hitter): Needs to anchor the middle order after recent failures.
3. Sophie Ecclestone (Spin Spearhead): Ekana’s turning pitches suit her attacking lines (9 wickets in 5 games).

Gujarat Giants:

1. Ashleigh Gardner (Captain & All-rounder): Game-changer with 12 wickets + 180 runs this season.
2. Laura Wolvaardt (Opener): Consistency key—averages 42 in WPL 2025.
3. Kashvee Gautam (Pacer): Emerging star; her 3/20 vs RCB turned the tide.

Pitch & Conditions

The Ekana Stadium traditionally favors spinners and disciplined bowling. Batters must adapt to slower bounce, making powerplay partnerships crucial. Dew could play a role in the second innings, tempting captains to chase.

Tactical Insights

• UPW’s Edge: Home advantage + spin trio (Ecclestone, Deepti, King). Must exploit GGT’s middle-order fragility.
• GGT’s Counter: Attack UPW’s shaky top order early. Use Gardner’s off-spin against UPW’s right-heavy lineup.

Prediction

UP Warriorz to Win (55-45 edge).
Why? UPW’s spin dominance at Ekana and Deepti Sharma’s all-round prowess could outfox GGT’s inconsistent batting. However, if Gardner and Wolvaardt fire, GGT might replicate their Feb 16 victory. Expect a low-scoring thriller decided by key moments in the middle overs.

X-Factor: Chamari Athapaththu’s explosive cameo or Shabnam Shakil’s death bowling could swing the game.

Stats don’t lie, but pressure does. Who holds their nerve? Tune in for a WPL classic!