WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants Choose to Bowl First Against RCB
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the WPL 2025, Gujarat Giants won the toss and elected to bowl first against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Captain Ashleigh Gardner emphasized the ease of chasing in this tournament, while RCB's Smriti Mandhana reflected on the pressure of tight matches.
Key Takeaways
- The Gujarat Giants opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
- Ashleigh Gardner cited easier chasing as a reason for the decision.
- Gujarat made one change to their lineup.
- RCB also made one change, reintroducing a spinner.
- Smriti Mandhana discussed the team's resilience amid close losses.
Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Gujarat Giants have emerged victorious in the toss, choosing to bowl first against the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the 12th match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today.
Captain Ashleigh Gardner explained that the decision to bowl first was influenced by the fact that chasing appears to be somewhat simpler in this edition of the WPL.
“Chasing seems to be a little bit easier throughout the tournament. We discussed the powerplay. We just haven’t had many runs to work with,” Gardner stated at the toss.
Gujarat has made one adjustment to their playing XI, with spin allrounder D. Hemalatha replacing Simran Shaikh.
RCB also made a change, reintroducing legspinner Prema Rawat in place of left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht.
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana mentioned that she would have also chosen to bowl first and acknowledged the challenges of coping with narrow defeats. RCB has faced two close losses after winning two matches. However, Smriti noted that the team remains composed despite the ups and downs they have experienced thus far.
“It’s really tough when you lose tight games, but as a captain, I’d prefer that over losing by large margins. It’s been a roller-coaster ride, yet all the girls are maintaining their composure. Some players are unfamiliar with this kind of pressure, but wherever we play, the fans are incredibly supportive. The girls will adapt,” Smriti commented.
Playing XIs:
Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Ash Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra, Bharti Fulmali.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (c), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Sneh Rana, Prema Rawat, Renuka Singh Thakur.
