UP Warriorz are still searching for their first win in WPL 2025 and will hope a change in venue brings a change in fortunes. Under new captain Deepti Sharma, they have struggled to finalize their playing XI and batting order. Despite some individual performances—Kiran Navgire’s quick fifty, Chinelle Henry’s late hitting, and Sophie Ecclestone’s economical bowling—the team has failed to perform as a unit. They lack a strike bowler, with Saima Thakor dropped after one game, and fielding lapses have hurt them. Key middle-order players like Grace Harris and Tahlia McGrath have also underperformed.
In contrast, Delhi Capitals have won two out of three matches and appear settled. Their middle order, featuring Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp, has contributed well, while captain Meg Lanning regained form with a fifty against Warriorz in their previous match. Their pace attack has collectively taken 11 wickets in three games, further strengthening their position. Capitals are likely to stick with the same XI, preferring Niki Prasad’s batting depth over Radha Yadav’s spin.
Likely XIs
Delhi Capitals: Meg Lanning (capt), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce (wk), Niki Prasad, Shikha Pandey, Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani.
UP Warriorz: Kiran Navgire, Chamari Athapaththu, Vrinda Dinesh, Uma Chetry (wk), Deepti Sharma (capt), Tahlia McGrath/Grace Harris, Shweta Sehrawat, Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Kranti Goud.
Players to Watch
Shafali Verma, who has a strong record in Bengaluru, will look to convert her starts into a big score. Ecclestone has taken three of Warriorz’s seven wickets so far, with an economy of 5.87. Her spell in the powerplay could be crucial.
Key Stats
- Capitals have the second-best death bowling economy (8.53) in WPL 2025.
- Ecclestone and Deepti are the only Warriorz bowlers to bowl their full quota in both matches.
- Navgire’s 24-ball fifty against Capitals was the joint-fastest for Warriorz in WPL history.
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