WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants eye playoffs berth in must-win clash
What's the story
The Women's Premier League (WPL) promises an exciting showdown as the Gujarat Giants take on the Delhi Capitals.
The match will be played at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow at 7:30 pm IST on March 7.
The Giants, who have recently won two matches on the trot, are now in the race for a playoff spot.
Now, they aim to finish their Lucknow leg strongly before heading to Mumbai for their final group match.
Here's more.
Resurgence
Giants's journey to the top
The Gujarat Giants had a rocky start, losing three out of their first four matches.
However, they have shown resilience and determination in their recent games.
Bowling has been the team's strength, with 26 of 30 possible wickets taken in their three wins.
Despite limited international experience, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, and Priya Mishra have impressed, claiming a combined 21 wickets across six matches.
Match-up
Capitals' preparation and past performance
Delhi Capitals, the first team to secure a playoff spot, will play their final league game on Friday.
With five wins in seven matches, they remain atop the points table.
Despite a six-day gap before this match and another before the playoffs, they won't underestimate the Gujarat Giants.
Meanwhile, in their last WPL 2025 clash, Capitals comfortably chased down 128 with 29 balls to spare.
Star players
Players to watch out for
Delhi Capitals' Shafali Verma is in top form, smashing an unbeaten 80 in her last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With 167 runs in her last three matches, she'll look to maintain her momentum heading into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants' Tanuja Kanwar has been a key player for her side, with important breakthroughs and brilliant bowling displays.
Squad updates
Team news and key stats
Delhi Capitals are unlikely to tinker with their winning combination, which defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 1.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants have continued with opening batter D Hemalatha at the top despite her lack of success in this tournament.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Ashleigh Gardner leads the Giants with 15 sixes, the most by any of their batters this season.
Meanwhile, Capitals rank second in death-over scoring (17-20) behind Mumbai Indians.
Points table
A look at the WPL 2025 points table
Capitals lead the table with 10 points, securing playoff qualification with a +0.482 NRR (5 wins, 2 losses).
Giants follow with six points (+0.357 NRR) from six games.
Mumbai sit third with six points (+0.166 NRR). RCB and UP Warriorz are fourth and fifth, respectively, with four points each (RCB: -0.244 NRR, UPW: -0.786 NRR).