The 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) has started with high-octane cricket, delivering record-breaking chases and edge-of-the-seat thrillers. Last year’s finalists, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC), have both kicked off their campaigns in emphatic style. RCB pulled off the highest-ever run chase against Gujarat Giants, while DC scripted history by hunting down Mumbai Indians’ total. Both teams showcased resilience under pressure, boosting their morale as they aim to build a winning streak.

Injury Woes and Squad Adjustments:
Despite their strong starts, both sides face setbacks in player availability. RCB have been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Sophie Molineux, Sophie Devine, and Shreyanka Patil sidelined. Their absence forces Bengaluru to tweak their squad and rely on depth to maintain balance.

On the other hand, DC missed Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen in their opener due to illness but still managed to deliver a strong bowling performance. With a short turnaround between games, their availability remains uncertain. However, DC’s squad depth was evident in their composed chase against MI, proving they can handle pressure even without their star all-rounders.

RCB’s Bowling Worries vs. DC’s Tactical Strength:
RCB’s primary concern remains their bowling. Their attack struggled in the previous game, conceding heavily, which means their batting lineup must continue to overcompensate. The likes of Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and Richa Ghosh will need to fire again to keep them competitive.

Meanwhile, DC appear to have a more balanced squad. Even without Kapp and Jonassen, their bowling unit held its nerve against MI. The experience of Meg Lanning, combined with the explosive talent of Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, makes them a formidable unit heading into this clash.

Match Details:

• Date & Time: Monday, February 17, 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
• Pitch Report: The black-soil surface has assisted seamers and bowlers using variations, but dew has played a huge role in making batting easier in the second innings. The short boundaries make it a batting-friendly venue, and captains will likely prefer to chase.

Team News & Predicted Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
RCB are expected to retain the same XI unless unforeseen injuries occur. While their bowling unit leaked runs, the high-scoring nature of the tournament might push them to back their current combination.

Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana (c), Danny Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Prema Rawat, Joshitha VJ, Renuka Thakur.

Delhi Capitals (DC):
If Kapp and Jonassen return, DC will have a selection dilemma. Sarah Bryce, who played a crucial finishing role against MI, provides lower-order stability and is a sharp wicketkeeper. Alice Capsey might make way for Kapp, but Jonassen’s return remains uncertain depending on fitness.

Probable XI: Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp/Alice Capsey, Annabel Sutherland, Niki Prasad, Sarah Bryce (wk), Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani.

Conclusion:
DC hold the edge with a more well-rounded squad, but RCB’s explosive batting lineup makes them capable of turning the game on its head. Expect a high-scoring thriller, with both teams eager to maintain their winning momentum in WPL 2025.