Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) are set to face Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W) in Match 17 of the ongoing Women’s Premier League 2025 at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, March 7.
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Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Preview
It’s Meg Lanning vs. Ashleigh Gardner once again, but the spotlight will be on Gujarat Giants, who have staged a remarkable comeback with two consecutive wins and are suddenly in the playoff race. After a rocky start with three losses in their first four matches, the Giants will be eager to wrap up their Lucknow leg on a high before heading to Mumbai for their final group-stage clash. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals were the first team to secure a playoff berth and will play their last league game on Friday, having won five of their seven matches to stay atop the points table.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals, having already secured a playoff spot, will now be aiming for a direct entry into the final, just as they have in the past two seasons. After an inconsistent start, they have found their rhythm at the perfect moment, registering dominant wins over Mumbai Indians and RCB to finish their Bengaluru leg on a high.
The Capitals return to action after a six-day break and will play their playoff match another six days later. Whether this gap affects their momentum remains to be seen. With multiple match-winners in their squad, they have consistently found ways to bounce back in contests. Given Lanning’s competitive nature, the Capitals are unlikely to take this match lightly despite already securing a knockout spot.
While they might have considered rotating their squad for this final league match, an extended break has already allowed ample rest, making it unlikely they will field anything less than their strongest XI. If they maintain their winning momentum and seal a third consecutive WPL final spot, the real challenge will be sustaining that form during the week-long gap before the title clash on March 15.
With their playoff hopes reignited after securing back-to-back victories for the first time in WPL history, Gujarat Giants now face the ultimate challenge against table-toppers Delhi Capitals on Friday (March 8) in their second-to-last league match.
The Giants’ campaign initially seemed to be following a familiar disappointing pattern, but dominant wins over Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz have propelled them to second place in the standings. For the first time in three seasons, they have a genuine opportunity to secure a playoff berth.
The Giants took time to settle but now appear to be a well-balanced unit. They experimented with different combinations and player roles, but as the tournament enters its crucial phase, they are playing with greater clarity. Their batting is no longer solely reliant on Gardner and Deandra Dottin, with Harleen Deol, Beth Mooney, and Phoebe Litchfield stepping up.
A key factor in their resurgence has been their batting lineup finally finding stability. The return to form of Harleen Deol and Ashleigh Gardner, coupled with Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 96 against UPW, has bolstered their top order—an area that had previously struggled to provide solid starts.
On the bowling front, Gujarat’s attack has been spearheaded by the relatively untested duo of Kashvee Gautam and Tanuja Kanwer, who have stepped up admirably. Gautam, despite an expensive start to the tournament, has since emerged as one of the most economical bowlers, maintaining an impressive 5.30 economy rate and claiming nine wickets. With multiple bowlers making significant contributions, Gujarat’s bowling unit remains their biggest asset, and they will be banking on early breakthroughs to disrupt the Capitals’ strong opening pair.
However, bowling remains their biggest asset. In the three matches they have won, Giants’ bowlers have taken 26 out of 30 possible wickets. Despite limited international experience, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, and Priya Mishra have collectively claimed 21 wickets across six matches, while all-rounders Gardner and Dottin have provided solid support.
When these teams met earlier in the tournament, the Capitals dominated, chasing down 128 with 29 balls to spare. With a playoff spot on the line, will the Giants be out for revenge this time?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 06
- Won by Delhi Capitals Women: 04
- Won by Gujarat Giants Women: 02
- Tied: 00
- No Result: 00
- First-ever Fixture: March 05, 2023
- Most-recent Fixture: February 25, 2025
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Pitch Report
The surface at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium tends to have low bounce. The weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with clear skies and no forecast of rain. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, aiming to gain early control and chase comfortably in the second innings. A target in the range of 160-170 should be a competitive total for the side setting the score in the upcoming WPL match.
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Form Guide
Delhi Capitals: WWW (last three matches, most recent first)
Gujarat Giants: WWL
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Team News and Predicted XI
Delhi Capitals Women – Team News
Capitals are expected to stick with the same lineup that convincingly defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 1.
Even after securing a playoff spot, they are unlikely to make changes to their successful combination.
Delhi Capitals Women – Predicted XI
- Meg Lanning (capt)
- Shafali Verma
- Jess Jonassen
- Jemimah Rodrigues,
- Annabel Sutherland
- Marizanne Kapp
- Sarah Bryce (wk)
- Niki Prasad
- Shikha Pandey
- Minnu Manni
- Shree Charani
Gujarat Giants Women – Team News
Despite D Hemalatha’s struggles as an opener in this tournament, the Giants have continued to back her at the top.
A change in the opening pair, with Deol or Litchfield partnering Mooney, seems unlikely. Following two consecutive victories, they may also opt to retain the same playing XI.
Gujarat Giants – Predicted XI
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- D Hemalatha
- Harleen Deol
- Ashleigh Gardner (capt)
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Deandra Dottin
- Kashvee Gautam
- Bharti Fulmali
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Meghna Singh
- Priya Mishra
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Players To Watch Out For
Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals Women)
Following three knocks in the 40s, Shafali Verma finally capitalized on her start, smashing an unbeaten 80 in Capitals’ last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She displayed remarkable control and composure in a challenging chase. With 167 runs in her last three outings and no qualification pressure, Shafali will be eager to maintain her fine form leading into the playoffs.
Tanuja Kanwar (Gujarat Giants Women)
Tanuja Kanwar had a slow start to this WPL, managing just one wicket in her first three outings. However, the left-arm spinner soon found her rhythm, claiming six wickets in the next three matches. She has provided key breakthroughs for the Giants, including a stellar 3 for 17 against UP Warriorz in Lucknow. With Capitals stacking their lineup with right-handers—Jonassen being the only left-hander in their top seven—Kanwar is set to play a crucial role on Friday.
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Delhi Capitals Women win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 40-45
- Gujarat Giants Women Total: 150-155
- Match Result: Delhi Capitals Women win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Gujarat Giants Women win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 50-55
- Delhi Capitals Women Total: 160-165
- Match Result: Gujarat Giants Women win the match
When and Where To Watch Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Women’s Premier League 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Friday, March 7, at Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane Named Kolkata Knight Riders Captain for IPL
FAQs
What is at stake for Gujarat Giants in their match against Delhi Capitals?
Gujarat Giants are fighting for a playoff spot after back-to-back wins, making their clash against table-toppers Delhi Capitals crucial for their qualification hopes.
How has Gujarat Giants’ bowling unit performed in WPL 2024?
Gujarat’s bowlers have been their biggest strength, with Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, and Priya Mishra collectively taking 21 wickets in six matches.
What is Delhi Capitals’ approach for their final league match?
Already in the playoffs, Delhi Capitals are unlikely to change their winning combination as they aim for a direct entry into the final.
How has Tanuja Kanwar contributed to Gujarat Giants’ resurgence?
After a slow start, Kanwar has picked up six wickets in her last three games, including a match-winning 3 for 17 against UP Warriorz.
What pitch conditions can be expected at Ekana International Cricket Stadium?
The pitch offers low bounce, and teams may prefer chasing, with a first-innings total of 160-170 being competitive.
