The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has delivered a thrilling start, with high-scoring chases, last-ball nail-biters, and dominant performances setting the stage on fire. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals played out a dramatic encounter, where Arundhati Reddy’s last-ball dive sealed DC’s win in a two-wicket thriller.
UP Warriorz also found themselves in a tight chase against DC, but despite Kiran Navgire’s fireworks, they fell short. With the action now shifting to Bengaluru, let’s take a look at how each team has fared so far.
Points Table After Vadodara Leg
After the first leg, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) (+1.440) sits on top with 2 wins from 2 matches, followed by Delhi Capitals (-0.544) with 2 wins from 3 matches. Mumbai Indians (+0.783) is placed third with 1 win from 2 matches, while Gujarat Giants (-0.525) has 1 win from 3 matches. At the bottom, UP Warriorz (-0.495) are yet to open their account after 2 matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – A Flawless Start
Defending champions RCB have been dominant with two convincing wins. They opened their campaign with a record 202-run chase against Gujarat Giants, thanks to Richa Ghosh’s explosive 64* off 27 balls. The bowling unit, led by Renuka Singh (2/25), had earlier restricted GG to 201/5 despite Ashleigh Gardner’s (79 off 37) and Beth Mooney’s (56 off 42) efforts.
In their second match, Renuka (3/23) and Georgia Wareham (3/25) wreaked havoc against Delhi Capitals, bundling them out for 141. Smriti Mandhana (81 off 47) then led the chase alongside Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (42 off 33), securing a comfortable eight-wicket win.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – Grit and Fight in a Mixed Start
Delhi Capitals had an eventful first leg, securing two wins but also facing a tough loss. They started with a last-ball thriller against Mumbai Indians, where Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 80 off 59 wasn’t enough, as Niki Prasad (35 off 33) and Arundhati Reddy’s last-ball dive helped DC clinch a two-wicket victory. Sutherland (3/34) from the Delhi Capitals and Amelia Kerr (2/21) from the Mumbai Indians, were the key bowlers in the match.
However, they faltered against RCB, managing just 141, with their batting collapsing under pressure. But they bounced back with a seven-wicket win against UP Warriorz, riding on Meg Lanning’s classy 69 off 49 and contributions from Marizanne Kapp (29* off 17) and Annabel Sutherland (41* off 35).
Mumbai Indians (MI) – A Tale of Two Matches
Mumbai Indians suffered heartbreak in their opening game against DC, failing to defend 165 despite Sciver-Brunt’s 80 off 59 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 42* off 22. They bounced back strongly with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Giants, where Sciver-Brunt starred again (57 off 39 & 2/26). Their bowling was led by Hayley Matthews (3/16), Amelia Kerr (2/22), and Shabnim Ismail (1/17), who restricted GG to 120 before chasing it down comfortably.
Gujarat Giants (GG) – Sparkles but No Consistency
GG started with a batting masterclass against RCB, posting 201/5 with Gardner (79 off 37), Mooney (56 off 42), and Deandra Dottin (25 off 13) shining. However, they couldn’t defend it. They redeemed themselves against UP Warriorz, where Gardner (52* off 32 & 2/39) led the team to a six-wicket win. Priya Mishra (3/25), Dottin (2/34), and Kashvee Gautam (1/15) were instrumental in restricting UPW to 143/9.
Their final match in Vadodara saw an underwhelming batting show, as they were bowled out for 120 against MI and later in the second innings, MI won the match by 5 wickets as they scored 122 at 16.1 overs.
UP Warriorz (UPW) – Yet to Get Off the Mark
UPW has had a rough start, losing both matches. They first struggled against Gujarat Giants, posting 143/9, despite Priya Mishra’s (3/25) efforts with the ball. They then fell short against Delhi Capitals despite Kiran Navgire’s fiery 51 off 27 balls. Deepti Sharma (1/27) bowled well, but it wasn’t enough as DC comfortably chased down the target.
The WPL action now shifts to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Mumbai Indians on February 21 at 7:30 PM IST. With RCB unbeaten and playing their first home game, and MI finding form, this contest promises to be a cracker.
