DC-W vs GG-W: The Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) face off against Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W) in the 17th match of WPL 2025 at Lucknow on March 7, 2025.

DC-W lead the points table with 5 wins in 7 matches, while GG-W, currently third, seek a crucial win to strengthen their playoff hopes. Their last encounter saw DC-W secure a 6-wicket victory. With DC-W in red-hot form and GG-W coming off an 81-run win, both teams are eager for victory.

Match Details

Ekana Cricket Stadium – Pitch Report & Playing Conditions

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has emerged as a key venue for T20 cricket, offering challenging yet balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers. While the stadium has world-class facilities, the pitch behavior varies, making team selection and strategies crucial for success.

T20 Statistics at Ekana Cricket Stadium (Last 10 Matches):

• Average First Innings Score: 127
• Matches Won Batting First: 50%
• Matches Won Batting Second: 50%
• Highest Score Set: 196/5 (MM vs KS, Sept 14, 2024)
• Highest Successful Run Chase: 196/5 (MM vs KS, Sept 14, 2024)
• Lowest Total Defended: 186/5 (UP-W vs GUJ-W, March 3, 2025)

1st Innings vs. 2nd Innings Performance (Last 10 Matches)

Playing Conditions at Ekana Stadium

Batting Friendliness

• The pitch generally does not favor high-scoring matches, with an average score of 127.
• Teams must focus on rotating the strike rather than depending on power-hitting.

Bowler Friendliness

• The pitch assists bowlers, particularly in the second innings.
• Spinners benefit from turn and grip, making them more effective than pacers.

Pace vs Spin Conditions

• Pacers: Find some assistance early on but struggle as the game progresses.
• Spinners: Have better control and impact, especially in the middle overs.

Tactical Considerations for Teams

The Ekana Stadium pitch offers an even contest between bat and ball, making strategic decisions crucial. While teams batting first and second have seen equal success, setting a target of 140+ can put pressure on the chasing side. Pace bowlers are most effective in the powerplay, where they can exploit any movement with the new ball, but as the game progresses, the spinners take control, especially in the middle overs where turn and grip come into play. Captains must rotate their bowlers wisely, using pacers early and spinners to apply pressure later, making adaptability key to success.

DC-W vs GG-W Lineups

Delhi Capitals Women:

Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce (wk), Niki Prasad, Shikha Pandey, Titas Sadhu, Minnu Mani.

Gujarat Giants Women:

Beth Mooney (wk), Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Deandra Dottin, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Meghna Singh, Tanuja Kanwar, Priya Mishra.

Probable Best Players – DC Women vs GG Women

Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W)

• Best Batter: Shafali Verma – Known for her explosive starts, Shafali Verma can take the game away in the powerplay with her aggressive stroke play. If she finds her rhythm, she can be a game-changer at the top of the order.
• Best Bowler: Marizanne Kapp – A genuine all-rounder, Kapp’s ability to swing the ball early and deliver breakthroughs makes her a key asset. Her experience in high-pressure matches could be crucial.

Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W)

• Best Batter: Beth Mooney – As a dependable opener and wicketkeeper, Mooney’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes her GG-W’s biggest batting threat.
• Best Bowler: Ashleigh Gardner – The captain and star all-rounder, Gardner’s off-spin can be lethal, especially on slower tracks. Her ability to take wickets in crucial moments makes her a match-winner.

Session Predictions & Tips – DC-W vs GG-W

First Innings Powerplay (Overs 1-6)

• Expected Runs: 25-35
• Wickets: 1-2
• Conditions: The Ekana Stadium pitch in Lucknow tends to favor bowlers early on, with low bounce and some assistance for pacers. Shafali Verma will look to take an aggressive approach, but Meghna Singh and Tanuja Kanwar could make early inroads with swing and seam movement.

First 10 Overs

• Expected Runs: 50-60
• Insights: The surface offers grip for spinners, which means batters like Beth Mooney and Jemimah Rodrigues need to rely on timing rather than power. Ashleigh Gardner’s spin could prove to be a game-changer, especially in slowing down the run rate.

Death Overs (Overs 16-20)

• Expected Runs: 30-40
• Strategy: The slow nature of the pitch makes hitting difficult in the final overs. Bowlers who rely on variations, slower balls, and yorkers will have an edge. Expect Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland to play a key role in finishing strong or restricting the opposition.

Match Prediction

Scenario 1: DC-W Bat First

• Projected Score: 125-135 runs
• Key Contributors: Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues to lay the foundation, while Jess Jonassen and Marizanne Kapp will be crucial in defending a below-par but competitive total.

Scenario 2: GG-W Bat First

• Projected Score: 120-130 runs
• Key Contributors: Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner to build a steady innings, with Tanuja Kanwar and Meghna Singh leading the charge in restricting DC-W’s chase.

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