On the evening of February 18th, with the clock striking 7:30 PM IST, cricket enthusiasts will have their eyes fixed on Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. It’s the stage for the fifth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 as Gujarat Women go head-to-head with Mumbai Women.
As fans gear up for this thrilling encounter, here’s a comprehensive guide featuring the best Dream11 predictions, fantasy cricket tips, and insights into who might feature in the playing XI for this exciting match-up.
Match Details and Overview:
Both teams have had distinct starts to their campaign. Gujarat Women find themselves comfortably placed in second position on the points table with one win from two matches, while Mumbai Women, having played just once, are eager to climb from their current spot in fourth. Gujarat will want to ride the wave of their early success, whereas Mumbai Women aim to regain their winning form.
Head-to-Head Record:
Gujarat Women have yet to defeat Mumbai Women in their previous encounters, with Mumbai boasting four wins to date. This track record certainly adds an intriguing edge to the upcoming match.
Weather and Pitch Insights:
The weather is expected to be clear with temperatures around 30°C, making for a pleasant evening of cricket. The pitch at Kotambi Stadium tends to favor the batters, suggesting a high-scoring affair could be on the cards. Pace bowlers might find some advantage early on, but generally, it’s a batting paradise, with the average first-innings score usually around 156.
Chasing Teams’ Performance:
Chasing teams haven’t had the best of runs here, with a win percentage of just 40%. This insight might just play into the strategic planning of both captains when deciding whether to bat or bowl first.
Probable Playing XI:
For Gujarat Women, expect to see the likes of Beth Mooney handling the gloves, with talents such as Ash Gardner and Laura Wolvaardt adding strength to their batting lineup. Mumbai Women, on the other hand, will likely look to the experience of Hayley Matthews, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shabnim Ismail to steer their ship.
Key Players and Fantasy Tips:
- Ashleigh Gardner for Gujarat is a reliable all-rounder, vital with both bat and ball. She recently scored a valuable 52 runs alongside snatching a wicket.
- Hayley Matthews is crucial for Mumbai, providing balance with her batting and off-spin. Her recent two-wicket haul demonstrates her form and capability.
For captaincy and vice-captaincy in Dream11 predictions, Ashleigh Gardner and Hayley Matthews are prime choices, with Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur as solid alternatives in these roles.
Dream11 Teams:
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Team 1: Keeper – Beth Mooney; Batters – Harmanpreet Kaur, Laura Wolvaardt, Harleen Deol; All-rounders – Ashleigh Gardner (c), Natalie Sciver-Brunt (vc), Deandra Dottin; Bowlers – Shabnim Ismail, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Saika Ishaque.
- Team 2: Keeper – Beth Mooney; Batters – Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Laura Wolvaardt, Harleen Deol; All-rounders – Ashleigh Gardner, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews (c); Bowlers – Shabnim Ismail, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer.
Players to Avoid:
Simran Shaikh and Amanjot Kaur might not be the best choices due to their low fantasy points return in the last match.
Expert Advice:
For small leagues, Ashleigh Gardner is a top captaincy pick, while in grand leagues, Hayley Matthews could be a strategic choice. Keep an eye on Tanuja Tanwar and Saika Ishaque as punt picks.
Match Prediction:
While the past records heavily favor Mumbai Women, cricket is always an unpredictable sport, and Gujarat Women could well upset the statistics. However, based on their head-to-head dominance, Mumbai Women are favored to come out on top.
Tune in for what promises to be a spellbinding match, full of competitive spirit and gripping cricket at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium.
