RCB-W vs UP-W: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 continues with an exciting encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) and UP Warriorz Women (UPW-W) at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

RCB Women have had an inconsistent season so far, winning just two out of six matches. They suffered a big defeat against Delhi Capitals Women in their last game and will be looking to bounce back. Their last meeting with UPW Women ended in a dramatic Super Over loss, making this a must-win match for them.

UP Warriorz Women have also struggled, winning only two out of seven games. Their form has dipped recently, with multiple losses in a row. They desperately need a win to keep their WPL 2025 playoff hopes alive.

Match Details

• Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Tournament: Women’s Premier League 2025

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.

RCB-W vs UP-Wl Lineups

UP Warriorz

Grace Harris, Kiran Navgire, Georgia Voll, Vrinda Dinesh, Deepti Sharma (c), Shweta Sehrawat, Uma Chetry (wk), Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone, Gouher Sultana, Kranti Goud

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Smriti Mandhana (c), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Kanika Ahuja, Richa Ghosh (wk), Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Ekta Bisht

Best Batters to Watch

RCB Women

Ellyse Perry – The experienced Australian all-rounder has been in sensational form, scoring 485 runs in her last 10 matches at an average of 97 and a strike rate of 137. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes her RCB’s biggest batting threat.

UP Warriorz Women

Deepti Sharma – The star Indian all-rounder has been UPW’s most consistent performer with the bat, scoring 321 runs at an average of 40.13 and a strike rate of 128.4. She will play a key role in stabilizing the innings and finishing strong.

Best Bowlers to Watch

RCB Women

Renuka Singh – The pace spearhead has taken 10 wickets in her last 10 matches with an economy of 7.88. Her ability to strike early in the powerplay will be crucial for RCB’s chances.

UP Warriorz Women

 Deepti Sharma – Apart from her batting, Deepti has also been impressive with the ball, taking 12 wickets at an economy of 7.45. Her all-round ability makes her a vital asset for UPW.

Session Predictions & Tips – RCB-W vs UPW-W

First Innings Powerplay (Overs 1-6)

• Expected Runs: 30-40
• Wickets: 1-2
• Conditions: The early overs will see some assistance for pacers, with Renuka Singh (RCB-W) and Sophie Ecclestone (UPW-W) expected to extract movement. However, batters like Ellyse Perry and Deepti Sharma will look to capitalize on any loose deliveries.

First 10 Overs

• Expected Runs: 65-75
• Insights: Spinners will come into play early, with Georgia Wareham (RCB-W) and Deepti Sharma (UPW-W) trying to control the middle phase. Batters such as Richa Ghosh and Grace Harris will need to be patient and pick the right moments to accelerate.

Death Overs (Overs 16-20)

• Expected Runs: 35-45
• Strategy: As the pitch slows down, hitting big shots will be difficult. Bowlers who can mix up their pace—like Deepti Sharma and Marizanne Kapp—will be key in the final overs. Expect Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry to anchor RCB’s finish, while UPW will rely on Grace Harris for late fireworks.

Match Prediction

Scenario 1: RCB-W Bat First

• Projected Score: 150-165 runs
• Key Contributors: Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh to set the tone, while Renuka Singh and Georgia Wareham will play crucial roles in defending the total.

Scenario 2: UPW-W Bat First

• Projected Score: 135-145 runs
• Key Contributors: Deepti Sharma and Grace Harris to provide stability, with Sophie Ecclestone and Tanuja Kanwar leading the bowling attack to defend the score.

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