The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : The third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 commenced in Vadodara today with an exciting opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Giants (GG) at Kotambi Stadium. The much-anticipated tournament has brought together some of the finest talents in women’s cricket, promising thrilling encounters throughout the season.
Winning the toss, Gujarat Giants opted to bat first and posted a formidable total of 201 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs. Captain Ashleigh Gardner led from the front, playing a captain’s knock of 79 runs off just 37 balls, which included some power-packed strokes. She was well-supported by Beth Mooney, who anchored the innings with a steady 56 runs off 42 balls. The duo’s stellar performance, along with contributions from the middle order, ensured that GG set a challenging target of 202 for RCB to chase.
In response, RCB, captained by Smriti Mandhana, got off to a shaky start. At the last update, the team was struggling at 27 for 2 in 3 overs, losing two crucial early wickets. The pressure is now on the middle order to stabilize the innings and chase down the target set by Gujarat Giants.
This season of the WPL features five teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Mumbai Indians. Matches will be played across four Indian cities—Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai—adding to the excitement and outreach of the tournament. The competition is set to run until March 15, culminating in a grand finale at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
With the introduction of the home-and-away format, fans across different cities will get the opportunity to witness top-tier women’s cricket live. The tournament also serves as a crucial platform for emerging players to showcase their talent and make a case for national selection.
Beyond the cricketing action, WPL 2025 has seen increased sponsorship and media coverage, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s cricket. The league continues to empower female athletes and inspire young aspiring cricketers across the country.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intense rivalries, breathtaking performances, and standout individual displays.
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