India women all-rounder Prema Rawat now holds the record for the fastest fifty in all women's T20s. Rawat reached the milestone on Tuesday (Nov 3) in a Uttarakhand vs Hyderabad women's domestic T20 match in Pune. Rawat hit a 14-ball fifty to set the record as Uttarakhand Women posted a huge total of 187/2 in 20 overs. In reply, Hyderabad managed to score just 98/8 as Uttarakhand won the match by 89 runs. Before Rawat, Marie Kelly (for Warwickshire in 2022), Fatima Sana (for Pakistan in 2026), and Laura Harris (for Otago in 2025 and Surrey in 2026) held the record for the fastest fifty in women's T20s off 15 balls.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prasidh-krishna-fitness-clearance-coe-india-a-vs-new-zealand-a-3rd-test-1793716578743">Prasidh Krishna declared fit by CoE; set to fly to New Zealand for 3rd IND A tie</a><h2>India batter Rawat hits fastest fifty in women's T20s</h2>Uttarakhand were already dominating the match, thanks to a 50-ball 72 by skipper Raghvi Bist and a 34-ball 44 by Kanchan. Rawat came in to bat at number 4 with Uttarakhand at 129/2 in 17.1 overs. Rawat then went into beast mode, hitting six fours and four sixes on her way to an unbeaten 14-ball 50. She played only three dot balls in her innings and her fifty came at a strike rate of 357.14. Have a look at her innings below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 🚨

🎥 Glimpses of Prema Rawat's 14-ball half-century for Uttarakhand against Hyderabad in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy - the fastest fifty in Women's T20 cricket ✨👏

#SWT20Trophy | @mflone_ https://t.co/cM2HXdgENd&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2117512126948651443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is Prema Rawat?</h2>The 24-year-old made her debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women's Premier League (WPL) in the 2024/25 season, where she played three games and took one wicket in two innings. In the next season, she got to play three more matches and picked up two wickets in the only innings she bowled. In total, she has three wickets in six WPL games and two titles as well.She made her India debut against SA Women in June earlier this year and has played seven matches since. In her T20I career, Rawat has taken seven wickets, with 3/9 against Pakistan in the Asian Games being her best.&nbsp;

Indian all-rounder Prema Rawat smashed the fastest fifty in women’s T20 history, reaching 50 off just 14 balls for Uttarakhand against Hyderabad in Pune. Her unbeaten knock powered a massive 89-run victory.

India women all-rounder Prema Rawat now holds the record for the fastest fifty in all women's T20s. Rawat reached the milestone on Tuesday (Nov 3) in a Uttarakhand vs Hyderabad women's domestic T20 match in Pune. Rawat hit a 14-ball fifty to set the record as Uttarakhand Women posted a huge total of 187/2 in 20 overs. In reply, Hyderabad managed to score just 98/8 as Uttarakhand won the match by 89 runs. Before Rawat, Marie Kelly (for Warwickshire in 2022), Fatima Sana (for Pakistan in 2026), and Laura Harris (for Otago in 2025 and Surrey in 2026) held the record for the fastest fifty in women's T20s off 15 balls. Also Read - Prasidh Krishna declared fit by CoE; set to fly to New Zealand for 3rd IND A tie India batter Rawat hits fastest fifty in women's T20s Uttarakhand were already dominating the match, thanks to a 50-ball 72 by skipper Raghvi Bist and a 34-ball 44 by Kanchan. Rawat came in to bat at number 4 with Uttarakhand at 129/2 in 17.1 overs. Rawat then went into beast mode, hitting six fours and four sixes on her way to an unbeaten 14-ball 50. She played only three dot balls in her innings and her fifty came at a strike rate of 357.14. Have a look at her innings below:

Indian all-rounder Prema Rawat smashed the fastest fifty in women’s T20 history, reaching 50 off just 14 balls for Uttarakhand against Hyderabad in Pune. Her unbeaten knock powered a massive 89-run victory.

India's Prema Rawat, two-time WPL winner with RCB, hits fastest fifty in women's T20s

Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second Women’s Premier League title after defeating Delhi by six wickets in the WPL 2026 final. A dominant all-round performance sealed a memorable victory for RCB in the summit clash.


WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Beat Delhi By Six Wickets In The Final

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Harmanpreet Kaur here is a look at five batters with most runs in WPL history. The honorary list also features, Australia’s Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and India’s Shafali Verma. 

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Harmanpreet Kaur here is a look at five batters with most runs in WPL history. The honorary list also features, Australia’s Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and India’s Shafali Verma.&nbsp;

Nat Sciver-Brunt to Harmanpreet Kaur, 5 batters with most runs in WPL history

India’s legendary captain Harmanpreet Kaur added another feather to her already impressive hat on Tuesday (Jan 13) evening while playing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Representing the Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian player to complete 1000 runs in the WPL. Playing in her third season, the feat was achieved at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the exact same stadium where Harmanpreet lifted the ODI World Cup for India in November 2025.<h2>Harmanpreet creates history</h2>Now in her fourth season of the WPL, the skipper achieved the feat playing in her 30th match of the tournament. It took her 29 innings, having scored 1016 runs after the latest WPL contest against the Gujarat Giants. She achieved the feat with an average of 46.18 and a best of unbeaten 95. During this period, she has also scored 10 fifties. During this period, Harmanpreet also led the Mumbai Indians to two WPL titles, having won the inaugural season in 2023, followed by another one in 2025.&nbsp;England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt was the first player to complete 1000 runs in the WPL as Harmanpreet joined the elite list.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>A record-breaking 10th fifty-plus score by Kaur and her crucial partnerships with batters Amanjot Kaur and Nicola Carey guided the Mumbai Indians to a seven-wicket win over the Gujarat Giants. Harmanpreet brought up her 10th fifty-plus score in WPL, most by any batter in the tournament's history, outdoing Mumbai Indians' Nat Sciver-Brunt and UP Warriorz skipper Meg Lanning (nine each). Kaur now has 1,016 runs in 30 matches and 29 innings at an average of 46.18 and a strike rate of 146.18, with 10 fifties under her belt.&nbsp;Kaur also continued her brilliant form against the Giants. After this innings, she has slammed 422 runs at an average of 84.4 and a strike rate of 176.56 against GG, including five fifties.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Kaur shines in successful WPL run-chases, amassing 432 runs in just 12 innings at an impressive average of 72, with five half-centuries and a best score of 95.&nbsp;Following this victory, the Mumbai Indians have now won all eight games against the Gujarat Giants in the history of the WPL. That remains the only 100 percent record for a team against an opponent in the competition's history.&nbsp;This was the Mumbai Indians' second consecutive win in the ongoing WPL 2026 season, after losing to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener, propelling them to second place.

Now in her fourth season of the WPL, Harmanpreet Kaur achieved the feat playing in her 30th match of the tournament. It took her 29 innings, having scored 1016 runs after the latest WPL contest against the Gujarat Giants. 

India’s legendary captain Harmanpreet Kaur added another feather to her already impressive hat on Tuesday (Jan 13) evening while playing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Representing the Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian player to complete 1000 runs in the WPL. Playing in her third season, the feat was achieved at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the exact same stadium where Harmanpreet lifted the ODI World Cup for India in November 2025. Harmanpreet creates history Now in her fourth season of the WPL, the skipper achieved the feat playing in her 30th match of the tournament. It took her 29 innings, having scored 1016 runs after the latest WPL contest against the Gujarat Giants. She achieved the feat with an average of 46.18 and a best of unbeaten 95. During this period, she has also scored 10 fifties. During this period, Harmanpreet also led the Mumbai Indians to two WPL titles, having won the inaugural season in 2023, followed by another one in 2025. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt was the first player to complete 1000 runs in the WPL as Harmanpreet joined the elite list. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes What happened in the match? A record-breaking 10th fifty-plus score by Kaur and her crucial partnerships with batters Amanjot Kaur and Nicola Carey guided the Mumbai Indians to a seven-wicket win over the Gujarat Giants. Harmanpreet brought up her 10th fifty-plus score in WPL, most by any batter in the tournament's history, outdoing Mumbai Indians' Nat Sciver-Brunt and UP Warriorz skipper Meg Lanning (nine each). Kaur now has 1,016 runs in 30 matches and 29 innings at an average of 46.18 and a strike rate of 146.18, with 10 fifties under her belt. Kaur also continued her brilliant form against the Giants. After this innings, she has slammed 422 runs at an average of 84.4 and a strike rate of 176.56 against GG, including five fifties. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Kaur shines in successful WPL run-chases, amassing 432 runs in just 12 innings at an impressive average of 72, with five half-centuries and a best score of 95. Following this victory, the Mumbai Indians have now won all eight games against the Gujarat Giants in the history of the WPL. That remains the only 100 percent record for a team against an opponent in the competition's history. This was the Mumbai Indians' second consecutive win in the ongoing WPL 2026 season, after losing to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener, propelling them to second place.

Now in her fourth season of the WPL, Harmanpreet Kaur achieved the feat playing in her 30th match of the tournament. It took her 29 innings, having scored 1016 runs after the latest WPL contest against the Gujarat Giants.&nbsp;

Harmanpreet Kaur completes 1000 WPL runs, becomes first Indian player to achieve feat

The four bowlers to take a hatr-trick in WPL are: Issy Wong for MI in WPL 2023, Deepti Sharma vs UPW in WPL 2024, Grace Harris for UPW in WPL 2025, and Nandani Sharma being the latest on for DC in WPL 2026.

The four bowlers to take a hatr-trick in WPL are: Issy Wong for MI in WPL 2023, Deepti Sharma vs UPW in WPL 2024, Grace Harris for UPW in WPL 2025, and Nandani Sharma being the latest on for DC in WPL 2026.

Meet four bowlers with a hat-trick in WPL. Only one has a five-for

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will kick start their Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) campaign on Friday (Jan 9) as they take on 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Flooded with a galaxy of star names in their ranks, Mumbai will walk into the season as one of the favourites with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur trying to add another feather into her already impressive hat. While the team remains at the top, some unsung heroes have also contributed to the team’s success in recent times.&nbsp;Having been released from the Mumbai Indians squad after WPL 2025, it won’t be a long journey back for Kerala’s Sajeevan Sajana. Sajana was bought for ₹75 lakhs ($83,000) by the Mumbai Indians in the mega auctions held in November, as she will have a point to prove in the upcoming season. Ahead of the season opener, she caught up with WION’s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on the season and challenges while also addressing a potential place in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.&nbsp;Question: How does it feel to be back at the Mumbai Indians ahead of WPL 2026?I'm very happy to be part of the Mumbai Indians family again. I was a bit worried about the auction and so I didn't watch it. However, I was really happy as I always wanted to be part of the Mumbai Indians, a franchise where I played last year. I know the management, who have given me unparalleled support during my time at the franchise in the past.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Question: You have played a crucial role in the Mumbai Indians winning the WPL 2025. Do you think you can elevate your game this time as well?I'm a good all-rounder and can contribute in my batting, bowling and fielding as well. So this year I don’t want to miss any chances. I really got the fame only after I hit a match-winning six against the Delhi Capitals in the opening match of WPL 2024. However, that was not a fluke and I want to continue working hard and earn a place in the Playing XI. I am very confident that I will play a crucial role in the team’s success and defend the crown.&nbsp;Question: What was the moment like when MI bid for you and you returned to the side? What were you doing during the auctions?I was actually not watching that auction and felt very nervous while my brothers and friends were like how could you miss such a big occasion while I went for fishing. Fortunately, things went smoothly, and I was later informed that I was returning to the Mumbai Indians. I took a sigh of relief and was pleased after learning that I will be back with the best franchise in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Question: Do you think the Mumbai Indians have enough to win the WPL 2026 title?Yes, Harman didi (Harmanpreet Kaur) is leading from the front and she has the firepower to help us motivate. We also have the likes of Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews and Milly Illingworth who come with international experience. So I definitely think we could be in the mix for the WPL title and hopefully we retain it as well.&nbsp;Question: The Women’s T20 World Cup is not far away and your performance has paid dividends in the past. Do you aspire to be on the plane to England when the edition kicks off?I am not chasing that T20 World Cup squad spot for now; I am keeping my targets short-term. I just want to perform right now and focus on both batting and bowling. Of course, it is a dream to play in the Indian team, but focus remains on WPL. It was the WPL performance in 2024 that got me into the Indian team, so I am living in the current moment and keeping fingers crossed when the opportunity arrives.

Ahead of the WPL 2026 season opener, Mumbai Indians all-rounder Sajeevan Sajana caught up with WION’s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on the season and challenges while also addressing a potential place in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will kick start their Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) campaign on Friday (Jan 9) as they take on 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Flooded with a galaxy of star names in their ranks, Mumbai will walk into the season as one of the favourites with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur trying to add another feather into her already impressive hat. While the team remains at the top, some unsung heroes have also contributed to the team’s success in recent times. Having been released from the Mumbai Indians squad after WPL 2025, it won’t be a long journey back for Kerala’s Sajeevan Sajana. Sajana was bought for ₹75 lakhs ($83,000) by the Mumbai Indians in the mega auctions held in November, as she will have a point to prove in the upcoming season. Ahead of the season opener, she caught up with WION’s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on the season and challenges while also addressing a potential place in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Question: How does it feel to be back at the Mumbai Indians ahead of WPL 2026? I'm very happy to be part of the Mumbai Indians family again. I was a bit worried about the auction and so I didn't watch it. However, I was really happy as I always wanted to be part of the Mumbai Indians, a franchise where I played last year. I know the management, who have given me unparalleled support during my time at the franchise in the past. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Question: You have played a crucial role in the Mumbai Indians winning the WPL 2025. Do you think you can elevate your game this time as well? I'm a good all-rounder and can contribute in my batting, bowling and fielding as well. So this year I don’t want to miss any chances. I really got the fame only after I hit a match-winning six against the Delhi Capitals in the opening match of WPL 2024. However, that was not a fluke and I want to continue working hard and earn a place in the Playing XI. I am very confident that I will play a crucial role in the team’s success and defend the crown. Question: What was the moment like when MI bid for you and you returned to the side? What were you doing during the auctions? I was actually not watching that auction and felt very nervous while my brothers and friends were like how could you miss such a big occasion while I went for fishing. Fortunately, things went smoothly, and I was later informed that I was returning to the Mumbai Indians. I took a sigh of relief and was pleased after learning that I will be back with the best franchise in the world. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Question: Do you think the Mumbai Indians have enough to win the WPL 2026 title? Yes, Harman didi (Harmanpreet Kaur) is leading from the front and she has the firepower to help us motivate. We also have the likes of Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews and Milly Illingworth who come with international experience. So I definitely think we could be in the mix for the WPL title and hopefully we retain it as well. Question: The Women’s T20 World Cup is not far away and your performance has paid dividends in the past. Do you aspire to be on the plane to England when the edition kicks off? I am not chasing that T20 World Cup squad spot for now; I am keeping my targets short-term. I just want to perform right now and focus on both batting and bowling. Of course, it is a dream to play in the Indian team, but focus remains on WPL. It was the WPL performance in 2024 that got me into the Indian team, so I am living in the current moment and keeping fingers crossed when the opportunity arrives.

Ahead of the WPL 2026 season opener, Mumbai Indians all-rounder Sajeevan Sajana caught up with WION’s Aditya Pimpale and opened up on the season and challenges while also addressing a potential place in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Exclusive: Sajeevan Sajana backs Mumbai Indians to retain WPL title; determined for place in India T20 WC squad

The Women's Premier League 2026 is here. This is the first WPL edition after India's maiden ODI World Cup win in November last year. WPL 2026 will see a lot of Indian and international stars playing for five franchises. Some of the biggest names in this edition are India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, ODI World Cup player of the series Deepti Sharma, Player of the Final Shefali Verma, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt, Aussie veteran Meg Lanning to name a few.<h2>As the season gears up for start, here's all you need to know about WPL 2026</h2>Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals are the five teams in the tournament which is being played from Janaury 9 to February 5.Mumbai Indians are the defending champions, having won the WPL 2025 by beating three-time finalists Delhi Capitals by eight runs in the last year's final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the only other side to have won a WPL title - they had beaten Delhi Capitals in WPL 2024 to lift their maiden title.<h2>Who are the captain in WPL 2026?</h2>Mumbai Indians are led by India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur Royal Challengers Bengaluru are being led dashing India opener Smriti Mandhana Aussie all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is leading Gujarat Giants India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been captain of Delhi Capitals Aussie veteran Meg Lanning will be leading UP Warriorz<h2>WPL 2026 all squads</h2>Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Hayley Mathews, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Saika Ishaque, Rahila Firdous, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar and Milly IllingworthDelhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Laura Wolvaardt, Chinelle Henry, Sree Charani , Sneh Rana, Lizelee Lee, Deeya Yadav, Taniyaa Bhatia, Mamatha Madiwala, Nandani Sharma, Lucy Hamilton and Minnu ManiRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (C), Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundathi Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar and D HemalathaGujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Ayushi SoniUP Warriorz: Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, Asha Sobhana, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh, Tara Norris, Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, G Trisha and Pratika Rawal<h2>How the tournament is played?</h2>There will a totol of 20 league matches with each team playing every other team twice. The second and third placed team will play the eliminator at the end of league stage. The winner of the eliminator will face the league topper team in the final.<h2>Where the matches are being played?</h2>Out of 22 matches, including the eliminator and the final, first 11 matches will played at DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai while the rest of 11 matches will played in Vadodara.<h2>WPL 2026 Full Schedule –</h2><h3>Navi Mumbai leg</h3>Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru<h3>Vadodara leg</h3>Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Feb 3: Eliminator Feb 5: Final<h2>What time the matches start?</h2>The matches will start 7:30 PM India time with toss taking places at 7 PM. On double-header days, the first match will start at 3:30 pm in the afternoon while and second match at 7:30 pm. There are only tow double-header days in WPL 2026, on January 10 and 17.In the first match, Harmanpreet Kaur will face off Smriti Mandhana as two-time champions Mumbai Indians take on WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Navi Mumbai.

This is the first WPL edition after India's maiden ODI World Cup win in November last year. Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals are the five teams in the tournament which is being played from Janaury 9 to February 5.

The Women's Premier League 2026 is here. This is the first WPL edition after India's maiden ODI World Cup win in November last year. WPL 2026 will see a lot of Indian and international stars playing for five franchises. Some of the biggest names in this edition are India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, ODI World Cup player of the series Deepti Sharma, Player of the Final Shefali Verma, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt, Aussie veteran Meg Lanning to name a few. As the season gears up for start, here's all you need to know about WPL 2026 Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals are the five teams in the tournament which is being played from Janaury 9 to February 5. Mumbai Indians are the defending champions, having won the WPL 2025 by beating three-time finalists Delhi Capitals by eight runs in the last year's final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the only other side to have won a WPL title - they had beaten Delhi Capitals in WPL 2024 to lift their maiden title. Who are the captain in WPL 2026? Mumbai Indians are led by India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur Royal Challengers Bengaluru are being led dashing India opener Smriti Mandhana Aussie all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is leading Gujarat Giants India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been captain of Delhi Capitals Aussie veteran Meg Lanning will be leading UP Warriorz WPL 2026 all squads Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Hayley Mathews, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Saika Ishaque, Rahila Firdous, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar and Milly Illingworth Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Laura Wolvaardt, Chinelle Henry, Sree Charani , Sneh Rana, Lizelee Lee, Deeya Yadav, Taniyaa Bhatia, Mamatha Madiwala, Nandani Sharma, Lucy Hamilton and Minnu Mani Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (C), Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundathi Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar and D Hemalatha Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Ayushi Soni UP Warriorz: Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, Asha Sobhana, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh, Tara Norris, Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, G Trisha and Pratika Rawal How the tournament is played? There will a totol of 20 league matches with each team playing every other team twice. The second and third placed team will play the eliminator at the end of league stage. The winner of the eliminator will face the league topper team in the final. Where the matches are being played? Out of 22 matches, including the eliminator and the final, first 11 matches will played at DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai while the rest of 11 matches will played in Vadodara. WPL 2026 Full Schedule – Navi Mumbai leg Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vadodara leg Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Feb 3: Eliminator Feb 5: Final What time the matches start? The matches will start 7:30 PM India time with toss taking places at 7 PM. On double-header days, the first match will start at 3:30 pm in the afternoon while and second match at 7:30 pm. There are only tow double-header days in WPL 2026, on January 10 and 17. In the first match, Harmanpreet Kaur will face off Smriti Mandhana as two-time champions Mumbai Indians take on WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Navi Mumbai.

This is the first WPL edition after India's maiden ODI World Cup win in November last year. Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals are the five teams in the tournament which is being played from Janaury 9 to February 5.

WPL 2026 Guide: Full squads, new Captains, and complete schedule for Navi Mumbai & Vadodara

Deepti Sharma became the costliest player at the Women's Premier League auction, with teams spending ₹40.8 crore on 67 players.


WPL Auction 2026: India's World Cup Hero Deepti the costliest buy at WPL Auction

The Right to Match (RTM) option has been introduced for the WPL mega auction, allowing teams to match the highest bid for a former player and reclaim her.


Women's Premier League Auction 2026: Big names go under the hammer

The Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) auctions are all set to take place at the end of the month as the funfair for the next season begins. With the deadline for the retention window set for Nov 5, franchises will have the option to pick and release players from the current crop before entering the auction table. According to early reports, the WPL 2026 auctions are set to take place on November 27, which falls on a Thursday and will take place in the national capital, New Delhi.<h2>WPL auctions on November 27?</h2>After a huge success in the Women’s World Cup, the women’s game has got a huge platform as India lifted the trophy for the first time in its history. With this lift still new, the attention will be on the WPL auctions. Unlike other auctions, this will be the mega-auction version, meaning the franchises will have limited options to retain players and along with a fixed cap. If a report from India Today is believed, this year’s auction will be one to keep a close eye on as it is likely to take place in New Delhi on Nov 27.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-laura-wolvaardt-to-jemimah-rodrigues-5-highest-individual-scores-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-alyssa-healy-pratika-rawal-phoebe-litchfield-1762156095237">From Laura Wolvaardt to Jemimah Rodrigues, 5 highest individual scores in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025</a><h2>What is the retention slab?</h2><ul><li>Retention 1: ₹3.50 crore</li><li>Retention 2: ₹2.50 crore</li><li>Retention 3: ₹1.75 crore</li><li>Retention 4: ₹1 crore</li><li>Retention 5: ₹50 lakh</li></ul>This means a team retaining five players will have ₹9.25 crore deducted from its purse and will not be eligible for any RTM cards. Teams retaining four players will lose ₹8.75 crore but can use one RTM, while those with three retentions will have two RTMs.Each uncapped player retained will cost ₹50 lakh, and franchises are free to pay players more than the slab rate, with the excess deducted from their total purse.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-outstanding-laura-wolvaardt-continues-to-impress-takes-spot-in-icc-odi-women-s-batters-ranking-1762248693495">Outstanding Laura Wolvaardt continues to impress, takes top spot in ICC ODI women's batters ranking</a><h2>When is the registration deadline for WPL 2026?</h2>The BCCI has set November 18 as the last date for player registrations, while the final list of players eligible for the auction will be released on November 20.&nbsp;In 2025, the five Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises retained a total of 71 players, leaving just 19 spots up for grabs at the upcoming auction.

After a huge success in the Women’s World Cup, the women’s game has got a huge platform as India lifted the trophy for the first time in its history. With this lift still new, the attention will be on the WPL auctions.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) auctions are all set to take place at the end of the month as the funfair for the next season begins. With the deadline for the retention window set for Nov 5, franchises will have the option to pick and release players from the current crop before entering the auction table. According to early reports, the WPL 2026 auctions are set to take place on November 27, which falls on a Thursday and will take place in the national capital, New Delhi. WPL auctions on November 27? After a huge success in the Women’s World Cup, the women’s game has got a huge platform as India lifted the trophy for the first time in its history. With this lift still new, the attention will be on the WPL auctions. Unlike other auctions, this will be the mega-auction version, meaning the franchises will have limited options to retain players and along with a fixed cap. If a report from India Today is believed, this year’s auction will be one to keep a close eye on as it is likely to take place in New Delhi on Nov 27. ALSO READ | From Laura Wolvaardt to Jemimah Rodrigues, 5 highest individual scores in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 What is the retention slab? Retention 1: ₹3.50 crore Retention 2: ₹2.50 crore Retention 3: ₹1.75 crore Retention 4: ₹1 crore Retention 5: ₹50 lakh This means a team retaining five players will have ₹9.25 crore deducted from its purse and will not be eligible for any RTM cards. Teams retaining four players will lose ₹8.75 crore but can use one RTM, while those with three retentions will have two RTMs. Each uncapped player retained will cost ₹50 lakh, and franchises are free to pay players more than the slab rate, with the excess deducted from their total purse. ALSO READ | Outstanding Laura Wolvaardt continues to impress, takes top spot in ICC ODI women's batters ranking When is the registration deadline for WPL 2026? The BCCI has set November 18 as the last date for player registrations, while the final list of players eligible for the auction will be released on November 20. In 2025, the five Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises retained a total of 71 players, leaving just 19 spots up for grabs at the upcoming auction.

After a huge success in the Women’s World Cup, the women’s game has got a huge platform as India lifted the trophy for the first time in its history. With this lift still new, the attention will be on the WPL auctions.

New Delhi to host WPL 2026 auctions on November 27 as focus turns on Indian players amid World Cup success - Report

With an infectious energy on the field and an unshakable calm under pressure, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/amelia-kerr">Amelia Kerr</a> has cemented herself as one of the most formidable spin-bowling all-rounders in the women's game. Her piercing blue eyes and ever-present smile mask the fierce competitor within&mdash;one who thrives in high-stakes encounters and revels in the art of deception with the ball.
The New Zealand and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a> (MI) all-rounder has been riding a dream run, which reached another peak with MI&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> (WPL) title win. Kerr not only played a pivotal role in the franchise&rsquo;s triumph but also walked away as the Purple Cap holder for the most wickets in the season. Her 18 wickets at an average of 15.94, including a season-best of 5/38, solidified her dominance as a spin-bowling powerhouse.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mumbai-indians-reclaim-wpl-title-with-thrilling-win-as-delhi-capitals-lose-third-consecutive-final-8857123">Mumbai Indians reclaim WPL title with thrilling win as Delhi Capitals lose third consecutive final</a>
In the final against Delhi Capitals, Kerr delivered when it mattered most. Her spell of 2/25 in four overs derailed Delhi's chase of 150, removing the dangerous Jess Jonassen and Jemimah Rodrigues to ensure MI&rsquo;s grip on the game never loosened. Alongside her MI teammate Hayley Matthews, Kerr now holds the record for most wickets in a single WPL season.
<h2>Kerr's impact is undeniable&nbsp;</h2>
Her brilliance in franchise cricket is just the latest chapter in what has been an extraordinary run. The 2024 ICC Women&rsquo;s T20 World Cup saw Kerr at her absolute best, propelling New Zealand to their maiden title in the format. A defining performance in the final against South Africa&mdash;a well-paced 43 off 38 balls and match-winning figures of 3/24&mdash;earned her the 'Player of the Match' award. Throughout the tournament, she was the bowler every batter feared, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps at an astonishing average of 7.33.
Her exploits did not go unnoticed. Kerr was named the ICC Women's T20I Player of the Year for 2024, a fitting recognition for a year in which she made 387 runs and took 29 wickets&mdash;the most by any New Zealand woman in a single calendar year. With a bowling strike rate of just 13.6 across 18 matches, she was a constant menace, weaving webs around batters with her tactical brilliance and sharp turn.
Amelia Kerr is not just a bowler who takes wickets; she&rsquo;s an architect of collapses, a match-winner in her own right. Whether it&rsquo;s the grand stage of a World Cup final or the electric atmosphere of the WPL, one thing is certain&mdash;when the stakes are high, Amelia Kerr delivers. And with the kind of form she&rsquo;s in, her purple patch is far from over.

Sports, Cricket: Kerr not only played a pivotal role in the franchise’s triumph but also walked away as the Purple Cap holder for the most wickets in the season

With an infectious energy on the field and an unshakable calm under pressure, Amelia Kerr has cemented herself as one of the most formidable spin-bowling all-rounders in the women's game. Her piercing blue eyes and ever-present smile mask the fierce competitor within—one who thrives in high-stakes encounters and revels in the art of deception with the ball. The New Zealand and Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder has been riding a dream run, which reached another peak with MI’s Women's Premier League (WPL) title win. Kerr not only played a pivotal role in the franchise’s triumph but also walked away as the Purple Cap holder for the most wickets in the season. Her 18 wickets at an average of 15.94, including a season-best of 5/38, solidified her dominance as a spin-bowling powerhouse. Also Read: Mumbai Indians reclaim WPL title with thrilling win as Delhi Capitals lose third consecutive final In the final against Delhi Capitals, Kerr delivered when it mattered most. Her spell of 2/25 in four overs derailed Delhi's chase of 150, removing the dangerous Jess Jonassen and Jemimah Rodrigues to ensure MI’s grip on the game never loosened. Alongside her MI teammate Hayley Matthews, Kerr now holds the record for most wickets in a single WPL season. Kerr's impact is undeniable Her brilliance in franchise cricket is just the latest chapter in what has been an extraordinary run. The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup saw Kerr at her absolute best, propelling New Zealand to their maiden title in the format. A defining performance in the final against South Africa—a well-paced 43 off 38 balls and match-winning figures of 3/24—earned her the 'Player of the Match' award. Throughout the tournament, she was the bowler every batter feared, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps at an astonishing average of 7.33. Her exploits did not go unnoticed. Kerr was named the ICC Women's T20I Player of the Year for 2024, a fitting recognition for a year in which she made 387 runs and took 29 wickets—the most by any New Zealand woman in a single calendar year. With a bowling strike rate of just 13.6 across 18 matches, she was a constant menace, weaving webs around batters with her tactical brilliance and sharp turn. Amelia Kerr is not just a bowler who takes wickets; she’s an architect of collapses, a match-winner in her own right. Whether it’s the grand stage of a World Cup final or the electric atmosphere of the WPL, one thing is certain—when the stakes are high, Amelia Kerr delivers. And with the kind of form she’s in, her purple patch is far from over.

WPL 2025 | The Kerr effect: How Amelia became most feared spinner in women’s cricket

Meg Lanning&rsquo;s emotions were on full display as the final of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> slipped away from her team. A tear welled up in her eye, a fleeting moment of heartbreak after coming so close to victory. But as soon as the camera turned to her, she quickly wiped it away, replacing it with a composed smile. It was a brief yet powerful glimpse into the mindset of a champion&mdash;someone who feels the pain of defeat but chooses to face it with grace and dignity.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/meg-lanning">Meg Lanning</a> has nothing left to prove. She is, without a doubt, one of the greatest captains in cricket history. A six-time ICC trophy-winning leader, she has steered Australia to five T20 World Cup titles (2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023) and an ODI World Cup triumph in 2022. Add to that a Commonwealth Games gold medal (2022) and multiple domestic trophies, and you get a cricketer whose name is synonymous with success.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nz-vs-pak-t20-series-black-caps-romp-to-nine-wicket-win-in-first-match-8857753">NZ vs PAK T20 series: Black Caps romp to nine-wicket win in first match</a>
Yet, despite all her achievements, there is one trophy that continues to slip through her fingers&mdash;the Women&rsquo;s Premier League (WPL). For the third consecutive season, Lanning led the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals">Delhi Capitals</a> to the final, only to see her team falter when it mattered the most.
<h2>How Delhi Capitals fell short in final</h2>
The night was set for a grand showdown. Under the bright lights of the Brabourne Stadium, Meg Lanning led her Delhi Capitals onto the field, determined to end their finals curse. Facing them were the defending champions from the first season, Mumbai Indians, led by the ever-composed Harmanpreet Kaur. It was a battle of two of the fiercest teams in the Women's Premier League, but as the night unfolded, it turned into yet another heartbreak for Delhi.
Meg Lanning won the toss and put Mumbai into bat, trusting her bowlers to give them an edge. Her decision seemed justified early on when Marizanne Kapp struck twice in the powerplay, reducing Mumbai to 29/2. The Capitals' bowlers were on fire, and for a moment, it looked like they had their rivals pinned down.
But then, Mumbai&rsquo;s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, stepped up. Alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt, she weathered the storm, nudging singles and punishing loose deliveries. Their 89-run partnership turned the tide. Harmanpreet&rsquo;s calculated aggression, combined with Sciver-Brunt&rsquo;s calmness, helped Mumbai post a competitive total of 149/7. Delhi&rsquo;s bowlers had done well, but the feeling in the camp was clear&mdash;this was far from an easy chase.
<h2>Delhi&rsquo;s shaky start</h2>
Chasing 150 in a high-pressure final, Delhi needed a solid start. But what they got was the exact opposite.&nbsp;Shafali Verma fell in the very first over, trying to take on Saika Ishaque but mistiming her shot straight to mid-off. Meg Lanning, the pillar of Delhi&rsquo;s batting, looked determined to anchor the innings, but she too was undone by Amelia Kerr&rsquo;s sharp turn, trapped in front for 17. The scoreboard read 44/4, and the Capitals were sinking fast.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp tried to steady the ship, stitching together a fighting stand. Kapp played some crisp strokes, and Jemimah rotated the strike well, keeping the hopes alive. But just as the partnership was gaining momentum, Nat Sciver-Brunt returned to break it, removing Rodrigues for 30.
With 28 needed off the last two overs, the pressure was immense. Kapp fought hard, hitting a couple of boundaries, but the task proved too steep. Delhi fell agonisingly short, finishing at 141/8&mdash;just eight runs away from glory.
As the Mumbai Indians celebrated their back-to-back WPL titles, Meg Lanning stood motionless at the dugout, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and disbelief. She had led from the front all season, yet the trophy continued to elude her team.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s tough,&rdquo; she admitted later in the press conference. &ldquo;We fought hard, but we didn&rsquo;t execute well in key moments. Credit to Mumbai, they held their nerve when it mattered most.&rdquo;
For Delhi Capitals, this was their third straight loss in a WPL final. The pain of coming so close, yet falling short once again, was evident on every player&rsquo;s face. They had given it their all, but destiny had other plans.
As the dust settled on another dramatic final, one thing was clear&mdash;Delhi Capitals would be back, hungrier than ever. But for now, the night belonged to Mumbai, and Meg Lanning was left to ponder what might have been.

Sports, Cricket: For the second consecutive season, Meg Lanning led the Delhi Capitals to the WPL final, only to see her team falter when it mattered the most

Meg Lanning’s emotions were on full display as the final of the Women's Premier League slipped away from her team. A tear welled up in her eye, a fleeting moment of heartbreak after coming so close to victory. But as soon as the camera turned to her, she quickly wiped it away, replacing it with a composed smile. It was a brief yet powerful glimpse into the mindset of a champion—someone who feels the pain of defeat but chooses to face it with grace and dignity. Meg Lanning has nothing left to prove. She is, without a doubt, one of the greatest captains in cricket history. A six-time ICC trophy-winning leader, she has steered Australia to five T20 World Cup titles (2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023) and an ODI World Cup triumph in 2022. Add to that a Commonwealth Games gold medal (2022) and multiple domestic trophies, and you get a cricketer whose name is synonymous with success. Also Read: NZ vs PAK T20 series: Black Caps romp to nine-wicket win in first match Yet, despite all her achievements, there is one trophy that continues to slip through her fingers—the Women’s Premier League (WPL). For the third consecutive season, Lanning led the Delhi Capitals to the final, only to see her team falter when it mattered the most. How Delhi Capitals fell short in final The night was set for a grand showdown. Under the bright lights of the Brabourne Stadium, Meg Lanning led her Delhi Capitals onto the field, determined to end their finals curse. Facing them were the defending champions from the first season, Mumbai Indians, led by the ever-composed Harmanpreet Kaur. It was a battle of two of the fiercest teams in the Women's Premier League, but as the night unfolded, it turned into yet another heartbreak for Delhi. Meg Lanning won the toss and put Mumbai into bat, trusting her bowlers to give them an edge. Her decision seemed justified early on when Marizanne Kapp struck twice in the powerplay, reducing Mumbai to 29/2. The Capitals' bowlers were on fire, and for a moment, it looked like they had their rivals pinned down. But then, Mumbai’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, stepped up. Alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt, she weathered the storm, nudging singles and punishing loose deliveries. Their 89-run partnership turned the tide. Harmanpreet’s calculated aggression, combined with Sciver-Brunt’s calmness, helped Mumbai post a competitive total of 149/7. Delhi’s bowlers had done well, but the feeling in the camp was clear—this was far from an easy chase. Delhi’s shaky start Chasing 150 in a high-pressure final, Delhi needed a solid start. But what they got was the exact opposite. Shafali Verma fell in the very first over, trying to take on Saika Ishaque but mistiming her shot straight to mid-off. Meg Lanning, the pillar of Delhi’s batting, looked determined to anchor the innings, but she too was undone by Amelia Kerr’s sharp turn, trapped in front for 17. The scoreboard read 44/4, and the Capitals were sinking fast. Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp tried to steady the ship, stitching together a fighting stand. Kapp played some crisp strokes, and Jemimah rotated the strike well, keeping the hopes alive. But just as the partnership was gaining momentum, Nat Sciver-Brunt returned to break it, removing Rodrigues for 30. With 28 needed off the last two overs, the pressure was immense. Kapp fought hard, hitting a couple of boundaries, but the task proved too steep. Delhi fell agonisingly short, finishing at 141/8—just eight runs away from glory. As the Mumbai Indians celebrated their back-to-back WPL titles, Meg Lanning stood motionless at the dugout, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and disbelief. She had led from the front all season, yet the trophy continued to elude her team. “It’s tough,” she admitted later in the press conference. “We fought hard, but we didn’t execute well in key moments. Credit to Mumbai, they held their nerve when it mattered most.” For Delhi Capitals, this was their third straight loss in a WPL final. The pain of coming so close, yet falling short once again, was evident on every player’s face. They had given it their all, but destiny had other plans. As the dust settled on another dramatic final, one thing was clear—Delhi Capitals would be back, hungrier than ever. But for now, the night belonged to Mumbai, and Meg Lanning was left to ponder what might have been.

WPL 2025 | Meg Lanning: The champion who still waits for a WPL trophy

Mumbai Indians reclaimed the Women&rsquo;s Premier League (WPL 2025) title after they beat Delhi Capitals in the final on Saturday (Mar 15) by eight runs. The match played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai also means Delhi have registered an unwanted record of losing three consecutive WPL finals as they yet again fell short. On the other hand, this is Mumbai&rsquo;s second title having also won the inaugural season in 2021 under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JINKLOOOOOOO 😭💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaliRe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaliRe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAWPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAWPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvMI</a> <a href="https://t.co/RI8O8Rooml">pic.twitter.com/RI8O8Rooml</a>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1900972516920983853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Mumbai reclaim WPL title</h2>
Playing in a repeat of the 2023 final, there was no better luck for Delhi Capitals as they ended up on the losing side as they chased 150 runs to win. Having secured direct passage to the final, Delhi ran out of luck during the chase as they lost wickets at consistent intervals. Skipper Meg Lanning (13), Shafali Verma (4) and Jess Jonassen (13) were all dismissed in the opening seven overs.
Jemimah Rodrigues (30 off 21) showed little resistance with the bat but was not enough as DC lost wickets at consistent intervals. However, a late cameo from Marizanne Kapp (40 off 26) and Niki Prasad (25 off 23) almost had DC back in the match but Nat Sciver-Brunt&rsquo;s back-to-back wickets in the 18th over had Mumbai back in position to win the match.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/all-50-pakistan-cricketers-overlooked-in-the-hundred-draft-heres-why-8854794" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">All 50 Pakistan cricketers overlooked in The Hundred Draft &ndash; Here's why</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Harmanpreet Kaur shines with bat</h2>
Batting first Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur shined with the bat as she scored 66 off 44 as the hosts made poor start to their innings. Both openers Yastika Bhatia (8) and Hayley Matthews (3) were dismissed in the powerplay before Harmanpreet and Nat Sciver-Brunt (30 off 28) stitched a stand of 89 runs for the third wicket. After losing wickets later in the innings, Mumbai were restricted to 149/7 in their 20 overs.
The defeat in the final means Delhi have become the first team to register the unwanted record of hat-trick of losses in the WPL summit clash. They had lost to Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2023 final while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got the better of them in the WPL 2024 final.

Cricket, Sports: Mumbai Indians reclaimed the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2025) title after they beat Delhi Capitals in the final on Saturday (Mar 15) by eight runs.

Mumbai Indians reclaimed the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2025) title after they beat Delhi Capitals in the final on Saturday (Mar 15) by eight runs. The match played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai also means Delhi have registered an unwanted record of losing three consecutive WPL finals as they yet again fell short. On the other hand, this is Mumbai’s second title having also won the inaugural season in 2021 under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur. JINKLOOOOOOO 😭💙#AaliRe #MumbaiIndians #TATAWPL #DCvMI pic.twitter.com/RI8O8Rooml — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 15, 2025 Mumbai reclaim WPL title Playing in a repeat of the 2023 final, there was no better luck for Delhi Capitals as they ended up on the losing side as they chased 150 runs to win. Having secured direct passage to the final, Delhi ran out of luck during the chase as they lost wickets at consistent intervals. Skipper Meg Lanning (13), Shafali Verma (4) and Jess Jonassen (13) were all dismissed in the opening seven overs. Jemimah Rodrigues (30 off 21) showed little resistance with the bat but was not enough as DC lost wickets at consistent intervals. However, a late cameo from Marizanne Kapp (40 off 26) and Niki Prasad (25 off 23) almost had DC back in the match but Nat Sciver-Brunt’s back-to-back wickets in the 18th over had Mumbai back in position to win the match. ALSO READ | All 50 Pakistan cricketers overlooked in The Hundred Draft – Here's why Harmanpreet Kaur shines with bat Batting first Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur shined with the bat as she scored 66 off 44 as the hosts made poor start to their innings. Both openers Yastika Bhatia (8) and Hayley Matthews (3) were dismissed in the powerplay before Harmanpreet and Nat Sciver-Brunt (30 off 28) stitched a stand of 89 runs for the third wicket. After losing wickets later in the innings, Mumbai were restricted to 149/7 in their 20 overs. The defeat in the final means Delhi have become the first team to register the unwanted record of hat-trick of losses in the WPL summit clash. They had lost to Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2023 final while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got the better of them in the WPL 2024 final.

Mumbai Indians reclaim WPL title with thrilling win as Delhi Capitals lose third consecutive final

Australian all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/annabel-sutherland">Annabel Sutherland</a> has emphasised the importance of preparation as the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup approaches.
"We want as much intel as possible before playing the game. It is back in everyone's mind that the World Cup is coming up later this year," Sutherland was quoted saying to ESPNcricinfo.
A dynamic player known for her all-round abilities, Sutherland made her international debut in 2020 after excelling in domestic cricket with Victoria and the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. One of her standout performances came in the 2024 Test match against South Africa at the WACA, where she scored a stunning 210 runs and picked five wickets.
<h2 data-start="1201" data-end="1257">WPL vs WBBL</h2>
Having featured in both the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> (WPL), Sutherland shared her perspective on the contrasting cricketing cultures in Australia and India.
"Culturally, there's a significant difference with the Indian local players. I have really enjoyed spending time and getting to know them; that's a pretty cool part of playing the WPL. The WBBL has been around for ten years, so domestic players there are probably a bit more experienced and have a certain level of calmness. Indian players will continue improving with more exposure to high-pressure games," she explained.
When asked if she was working on any new bowling variations, Sutherland kept things under wraps.&nbsp;"Not that I'm willing to reveal. I'm always working on different things, but that's for everyone to see on the field," she said with a smile.
<h2 data-start="2174" data-end="2222">Crowd atmosphere: Chinnaswamy vs MCG</h2>
Comparing the energy of fans at Bengaluru&rsquo;s M. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chinnaswamy-stadium" rel="dofollow">Chinnaswamy Stadium</a> with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/melbourne-cricket-ground">Melbourne Cricket Ground</a> (MCG), Sutherland acknowledged the passionate Indian crowd.&nbsp;"Not intimidated. You have to embrace it. Indian crowds can be louder than 86,000 at the 'G'. They put up a pretty good competition in terms of noise, but atmosphere-wise, it&rsquo;s hard to beat an MCG final," she opined.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Sutherland highlighted the challenge of adapting to different venues.&nbsp;"The key part of a World Cup is moving around and playing at different venues. You want to get as much intel as possible before each game," she reiterated.
The 2025 ICC Women&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup, set to be the 13th edition, will take place in India, marking the country's fourth time as hosts after 1978, 1997, and 2013. This tournament will also be the last to feature just eight teams. Defending champions Australia will aim to secure their eighth title after their 2022 triumph.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Sutherland made her international debut in 2020 after excelling in domestic cricket with Victoria and the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL

Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland has emphasised the importance of preparation as the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup approaches. "We want as much intel as possible before playing the game. It is back in everyone's mind that the World Cup is coming up later this year," Sutherland was quoted saying to ESPNcricinfo. A dynamic player known for her all-round abilities, Sutherland made her international debut in 2020 after excelling in domestic cricket with Victoria and the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. One of her standout performances came in the 2024 Test match against South Africa at the WACA, where she scored a stunning 210 runs and picked five wickets. WPL vs WBBL Having featured in both the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and the Women's Premier League (WPL), Sutherland shared her perspective on the contrasting cricketing cultures in Australia and India. "Culturally, there's a significant difference with the Indian local players. I have really enjoyed spending time and getting to know them; that's a pretty cool part of playing the WPL. The WBBL has been around for ten years, so domestic players there are probably a bit more experienced and have a certain level of calmness. Indian players will continue improving with more exposure to high-pressure games," she explained. When asked if she was working on any new bowling variations, Sutherland kept things under wraps. "Not that I'm willing to reveal. I'm always working on different things, but that's for everyone to see on the field," she said with a smile. Crowd atmosphere: Chinnaswamy vs MCG Comparing the energy of fans at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Sutherland acknowledged the passionate Indian crowd. "Not intimidated. You have to embrace it. Indian crowds can be louder than 86,000 at the 'G'. They put up a pretty good competition in terms of noise, but atmosphere-wise, it’s hard to beat an MCG final," she opined. Looking ahead to the World Cup, Sutherland highlighted the challenge of adapting to different venues. "The key part of a World Cup is moving around and playing at different venues. You want to get as much intel as possible before each game," she reiterated. The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, set to be the 13th edition, will take place in India, marking the country's fourth time as hosts after 1978, 1997, and 2013. This tournament will also be the last to feature just eight teams. Defending champions Australia will aim to secure their eighth title after their 2022 triumph. (With inputs from agencies)

WPL 2025: Indian crowd vs MCG? Australian all-rounder and Delhi Capitals' Annabel Sutherland weighs in

DC-W vs MI-W WPL 2025 Final Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will lock horns in the final of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2025) as they meet for the second time in the summit clash. Having secured the top spot in the league phase Delhi got direct entry into the final while Mumbai got the better of Gujarat Giants to book their place in the final. Ahead of the WPL 2025 Final contest between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, here are all the details of the clash.&nbsp;
<h2 class="left">Where to watch the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match on TV?</h2>
The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will be telecast on Sports 18 Network in India.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="left">Where to watch the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match Live Streaming online on OTT?</h2>
The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
<h2 class="left">Which stadium will host the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match?</h2>
The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will be played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal left">What time will the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match starts?</h2>
The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will start at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday (Mar 15) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-injury-update-latest-news-blow-for-mumbai-indians-as-pacer-ruled-out-of-first-few-ipl-2025-games-8852847" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jasprit Bumrah injury update: Blow for Mumbai Indians as pacer ruled out of first few IPL 2025 games</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">WPL 2025 Final: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Squads<o:p></o:p></h2>
Delhi Capitals: Meg Lanning (c), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce (wk), Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Shikha Pandey, Titas Sadhu, Sneha Deepthi, Alice Capsey, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Taniya Bhatia, Nandini Kashyap, Nallapureddy Charani.
Mumbai Indians:&nbsp;Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Saika Ishaque, Jintimani Kalita, Amandeep Kaur, Akshita Maheshwari
&nbsp;

Sports, Cricket: Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will lock horns in the final of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2025) as they meet for the second time in the summit clash.

DC-W vs MI-W WPL 2025 Final Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will lock horns in the final of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2025) as they meet for the second time in the summit clash. Having secured the top spot in the league phase Delhi got direct entry into the final while Mumbai got the better of Gujarat Giants to book their place in the final. Ahead of the WPL 2025 Final contest between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, here are all the details of the clash. Where to watch the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match on TV? The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will be telecast on Sports 18 Network in India. Where to watch the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match Live Streaming online on OTT? The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Which stadium will host the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match? The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will be played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. What time will the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match starts? The Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 Final match will start at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday (Mar 15) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah injury update: Blow for Mumbai Indians as pacer ruled out of first few IPL 2025 games WPL 2025 Final: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Squads Delhi Capitals: Meg Lanning (c), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce (wk), Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Shikha Pandey, Titas Sadhu, Sneha Deepthi, Alice Capsey, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Taniya Bhatia, Nandini Kashyap, Nallapureddy Charani. Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Saika Ishaque, Jintimani Kalita, Amandeep Kaur, Akshita Maheshwari

DC-W vs MI-W Free Live Streaming | When and where to watch WPL 2025 Final Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians live online

Mumbai Indians will bid for their second Women&rsquo;s Premier League (WPL) title after they beat Gujarat Giants by 47 runs in the Eliminator contest on Thursday (Mar 13). The contest at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai saw Mumbai Indians record the third-highest total in WPL history as they smashed 213/4 in 20 overs with Hayley Matthews (77) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (77) being the architects.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Mumbai Indians in final<o:p></o:p></h2>
Tasked to chase 214, Gujarat did not have the best start as they lost Beth Mooney (6) in the first over of their innings. Harleen Deol (8) and skipper Ash Gardner (8) soon followed the Australian as Gujarat lost wickets at consistent intervals in their innings. At the end of the powerplay Gujarat had already lost wickets and were 43/3.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Danielle Gibson (34) and Phoebe Litchfield (31) then stitched a partnership of 38 runs before the former was dismissed. Soon Litchfield also went back to the pavilion as the Orange Army lost their way in the chase.<o:p></o:p>
Bharti Fulmali showed little resistance later in the innings as she scored 30 off 20 but it was not enough to take the side home. Hayley Matthews&rsquo; 31/3 proved to be the difference-maker as Mumbai Indians restricted GG to 166.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/aussie-t20i-skipper-mitchell-marsh-declared-fit-for-ipl-2025-after-missing-out-champions-trophy-with-injury-8849892" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aussie T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh declared fit for IPL 2025 after missing out Champions Trophy with injury</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt lead the show<o:p></o:p></h2>
Mumbai made a positive start to their innings despite Yastika Bhatia&rsquo;s early wicket as Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt put together 133 runs for the second wicket. Both had the opportunity to score maiden WPL hundreds but missed out in the dying moments of the innings. Harmanpreet Kaur then scored a quickfire 36 off 12 balls that included four sixes and was on course for the fastest fifty before she was dismissed on the final ball of the innings. <o:p></o:p>
Mumbai now face Delhi in the final on Sunday in what will be a repeat of the WPL 2023 final where the latter will have the opportunity to exact revenge. Mumbai won the inaugural edition in 2023 while Delhi have lost both the finals they have played.<o:p></o:p>

Cricket, Sports: Mumbai Indians will bid for their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title after they beat Gujarat Giants by 47 runs in the Eliminator contest.

Mumbai Indians will bid for their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title after they beat Gujarat Giants by 47 runs in the Eliminator contest on Thursday (Mar 13). The contest at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai saw Mumbai Indians record the third-highest total in WPL history as they smashed 213/4 in 20 overs with Hayley Matthews (77) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (77) being the architects. Mumbai Indians in final Tasked to chase 214, Gujarat did not have the best start as they lost Beth Mooney (6) in the first over of their innings. Harleen Deol (8) and skipper Ash Gardner (8) soon followed the Australian as Gujarat lost wickets at consistent intervals in their innings. At the end of the powerplay Gujarat had already lost wickets and were 43/3. Danielle Gibson (34) and Phoebe Litchfield (31) then stitched a partnership of 38 runs before the former was dismissed. Soon Litchfield also went back to the pavilion as the Orange Army lost their way in the chase. Bharti Fulmali showed little resistance later in the innings as she scored 30 off 20 but it was not enough to take the side home. Hayley Matthews’ 31/3 proved to be the difference-maker as Mumbai Indians restricted GG to 166. ALSO READ | Aussie T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh declared fit for IPL 2025 after missing out Champions Trophy with injury Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt lead the show Mumbai made a positive start to their innings despite Yastika Bhatia’s early wicket as Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt put together 133 runs for the second wicket. Both had the opportunity to score maiden WPL hundreds but missed out in the dying moments of the innings. Harmanpreet Kaur then scored a quickfire 36 off 12 balls that included four sixes and was on course for the fastest fifty before she was dismissed on the final ball of the innings. Mumbai now face Delhi in the final on Sunday in what will be a repeat of the WPL 2023 final where the latter will have the opportunity to exact revenge. Mumbai won the inaugural edition in 2023 while Delhi have lost both the finals they have played.

WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians down Gujarat Giants in Eliminator, to face Delhi Capitals in final

With a striking athletic build, piercing focus in her eyes, and an effortless confidence on the field, Danielle Gibson carries the aura of a natural competitor. Whether she&rsquo;s standing tall at the crease or charging in to bowl, there&rsquo;s an undeniable sense of purpose in the way she moves. But her journey to the grand stage of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL) wasn&rsquo;t always destined&mdash;it started in a much humbler place, waiting tables while figuring out her future.
&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t say working as a waitress really shaped my approach to sports,&rdquo; Danielle recalls, a thoughtful smile crossing her face. &ldquo;Back then, I was a lot younger, and I knew I needed to earn some money. It was just a little weekend job around school&mdash;a hobby, really, while I was figuring things out. I didn&rsquo;t particularly enjoy it, but it was necessary at the time. I was just pleased that I could start focusing on cricket sooner rather than later.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mi-w-vs-gg-w-free-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-wpl-2025-eliminator-mumbai-indians-vs-gujarat-giants-live-online-tv-and-app-8845393">MI-W vs GG-W Free Live Streaming | When and where to watch WPL 2025 Eliminator Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants live online</a>
Now, as a key player for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-giants">Gujarat Giants</a>, Danielle is embracing every moment of this incredible experience.&nbsp;&ldquo;Playing in the WPL with Gujarat Giants has been fantastic. I&rsquo;ve absolutely loved being a part of this team. We&rsquo;ve got a great group of girls, an amazing coaching staff, and our performances have been strong. I&rsquo;m really excited to watch the game tomorrow and see how we go.&rdquo;
Adjusting to a new team in a different country can be daunting, but she has taken it in stride. &ldquo;I think I&rsquo;ve adapted pretty well to the team dynamics. I&rsquo;m getting along with the domestic players, and I already knew some of the overseas players, so it&rsquo;s been nice to reconnect. It&rsquo;s also been great getting to know Ashleigh Gardner and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/phoebe-litchfield" rel="dofollow">Phoebe Litchfield</a>. Plus, India is such a cool country to visit. Before this, I had only ever been to Mumbai, so it&rsquo;s been exciting to explore new places.&rdquo;
<h2 data-start="1622" data-end="1719">'I want to make my debut in 50-over format'&nbsp;</h2>
As an all-rounder, Danielle knows her role is to contribute in every way possible.&nbsp;&ldquo;I just want to help out with everything&mdash;bowl some overs, take wickets, score some runs, and be as effective as possible in the field.&rdquo;
But her ambitions don&rsquo;t stop there. With an international season on the horizon, she has her eyes set on a bigger goal.&nbsp;&ldquo;My personal goal for this season and beyond is to make my debut in the 50-over format for England. That&rsquo;s the next big step. After this, I&rsquo;m heading back to Sydney for some A-tour matches, which will be a great experience.&rdquo;
For young cricketers looking to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple yet meaningful.&nbsp;&ldquo;Just keep having fun with it. Enjoy the game, play as many sports as you can because everything helps in the long run, and never be afraid to ask questions.&rdquo;
At the start of the WPL, Gujarat Giants were considered underdogs&mdash;few believed they would perform as well as they have. But their grit and teamwork have proven the doubters wrong.
&ldquo;I think our mindset has been key&mdash;we know partnerships are crucial, whether in a run chase or setting a target. Someone always needs to step up, and we&rsquo;ve all embraced that responsibility. With the ball, it&rsquo;s about everyone chipping in and taking as many wickets as possible. That&rsquo;s been our approach, and it&rsquo;s worked for us," she signed off with cheerfully.
And as she continues to chase her dreams, one thing is certain&mdash;this is only the beginning.

Cricket, Sports: Danielle's journey to the grand stage of the WPL wasn’t always destined—it started in a much humbler place, waiting tables while figuring out her future

With a striking athletic build, piercing focus in her eyes, and an effortless confidence on the field, Danielle Gibson carries the aura of a natural competitor. Whether she’s standing tall at the crease or charging in to bowl, there’s an undeniable sense of purpose in the way she moves. But her journey to the grand stage of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) wasn’t always destined—it started in a much humbler place, waiting tables while figuring out her future. “I wouldn’t say working as a waitress really shaped my approach to sports,” Danielle recalls, a thoughtful smile crossing her face. “Back then, I was a lot younger, and I knew I needed to earn some money. It was just a little weekend job around school—a hobby, really, while I was figuring things out. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but it was necessary at the time. I was just pleased that I could start focusing on cricket sooner rather than later.” Also Read: MI-W vs GG-W Free Live Streaming | When and where to watch WPL 2025 Eliminator Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants live online Now, as a key player for the Gujarat Giants, Danielle is embracing every moment of this incredible experience. “Playing in the WPL with Gujarat Giants has been fantastic. I’ve absolutely loved being a part of this team. We’ve got a great group of girls, an amazing coaching staff, and our performances have been strong. I’m really excited to watch the game tomorrow and see how we go.” Adjusting to a new team in a different country can be daunting, but she has taken it in stride. “I think I’ve adapted pretty well to the team dynamics. I’m getting along with the domestic players, and I already knew some of the overseas players, so it’s been nice to reconnect. It’s also been great getting to know Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield. Plus, India is such a cool country to visit. Before this, I had only ever been to Mumbai, so it’s been exciting to explore new places.” 'I want to make my debut in 50-over format' As an all-rounder, Danielle knows her role is to contribute in every way possible. “I just want to help out with everything—bowl some overs, take wickets, score some runs, and be as effective as possible in the field.” But her ambitions don’t stop there. With an international season on the horizon, she has her eyes set on a bigger goal. “My personal goal for this season and beyond is to make my debut in the 50-over format for England. That’s the next big step. After this, I’m heading back to Sydney for some A-tour matches, which will be a great experience.” For young cricketers looking to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple yet meaningful. “Just keep having fun with it. Enjoy the game, play as many sports as you can because everything helps in the long run, and never be afraid to ask questions.” At the start of the WPL, Gujarat Giants were considered underdogs—few believed they would perform as well as they have. But their grit and teamwork have proven the doubters wrong. “I think our mindset has been key—we know partnerships are crucial, whether in a run chase or setting a target. Someone always needs to step up, and we’ve all embraced that responsibility. With the ball, it’s about everyone chipping in and taking as many wickets as possible. That’s been our approach, and it’s worked for us," she signed off with cheerfully. And as she continues to chase her dreams, one thing is certain—this is only the beginning.

Exclusive | WPL 2025 - From serving tables to delivering yorkers: Danielle Gibson turns dreams into reality

MI-W vs GG-W WPL 2025 Eliminator Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue:&nbsp;Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants will fight for a place in the final of the Women's Premier League (WPL) as the two face at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (March 13). With Delhi Capitals already in the final, the winner of the contest will play in Sunday's summit clash. Ahead of the WPL 2025 Eliminator contest between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants, here are all the details of the clash.&nbsp;
<h2 class="left">Where to watch the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match on TV?</h2>
The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will be telecast on Sports 18 Network in India.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="left">Where to watch the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match Live Streaming online on OTT?</h2>
The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
<h2 class="left">Which stadium will host the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match?</h2>
The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will be played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal left">What time will the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match starts?</h2>
The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will start at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday (Mar 13) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/kush-maini-becomes-third-indian-to-join-formula-1-lands-alpine-role-as-test-and-reserve-driver-8843222" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kush Maini becomes third Indian to join Formula 1, lands Alpine role as test and reserve driver</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">WPL 2025 Eliminator: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Squads<o:p></o:p></h2>
Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Saika Ishaque, Jintimani Kalita, Amandeep Kaur, Akshita Maheshwari
Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (wk), Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Kashvee Gautam, Simran Shaikh, Phoebe Litchfield, Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra, Laura Wolvaardt, Danielle Gibson, Mannat Kashyap, Shabnam Md Shakil, Prakashika Naik, Sayali Satghare, Dayalan Hemalatha

Sports, Cricket - MI-W vs GG-W Free Live Streaming: Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants will fight for a place in the final of the WPL as the two face at the Brabourne Stadium.

MI-W vs GG-W WPL 2025 Eliminator Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants will fight for a place in the final of the Women's Premier League (WPL) as the two face at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (March 13). With Delhi Capitals already in the final, the winner of the contest will play in Sunday's summit clash. Ahead of the WPL 2025 Eliminator contest between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants, here are all the details of the clash. Where to watch the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match on TV? The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will be telecast on Sports 18 Network in India. Where to watch the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match Live Streaming online on OTT? The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Which stadium will host the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match? The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will be played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. What time will the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match starts? The Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match will start at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday (Mar 13) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST. ALSO READ | Kush Maini becomes third Indian to join Formula 1, lands Alpine role as test and reserve driver WPL 2025 Eliminator: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Squads Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Saika Ishaque, Jintimani Kalita, Amandeep Kaur, Akshita Maheshwari Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (wk), Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Kashvee Gautam, Simran Shaikh, Phoebe Litchfield, Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra, Laura Wolvaardt, Danielle Gibson, Mannat Kashyap, Shabnam Md Shakil, Prakashika Naik, Sayali Satghare, Dayalan Hemalatha

MI-W vs GG-W Free Live Streaming | When and where to watch WPL 2025 Eliminator Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants live online

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru wrapped up their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> campaign on a positive note, defeating Mumbai Indians by 11 runs on Tuesday (March 11) and denying them a direct berth in the final.
This result secured Delhi Capitals&rsquo; place in the final on March 15, as they finished atop the table. MI, meanwhile, will face Gujarat Giants in the eliminator on March 13 at the same venue. DC, entering their third consecutive final, will aim to finally claim the elusive title.
Batting first, RCB posted a commanding 199/3, powered by skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/smriti-mandhana">Smriti Mandhana</a>&rsquo;s 53 off 37 balls. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ellyse-perry">Ellyse Perry</a> (49 off 38), Richa Ghosh (36 off 22), and Georgia Wareham (31 off 10) provided strong contributions to boost the total.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/alcaraz-powers-into-indian-wells-last-16-sabalenka-gauff-keys-advance-8844483">Alcaraz powers into Indian Wells last 16, Sabalenka, Gauff, Keys advance</a>
In response, MI fell short and ended at 188/9. Despite an explosive 35-ball 69 from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sajeevan Sajana&rsquo;s quickfire 23 off 12, MI couldn't cross the finish line. Perry played a crucial role, dismissing Sciver-Brunt and Sajana at key moments.
RCB&rsquo;s bowling attack was led by all-rounder Sneh Rana, who impressed with figures of 3/26 in four overs. Wareham (1/29) and Kim Garth (2/33) also contributed to RCB&rsquo;s successful defense of their total.
<h2>Smriti finds form</h2>
Earlier, RCB got off to a flying start as Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana put on 41 runs in quick succession. Meghana, who struck a quickfire 26 off 13 balls, entertained the Brabourne Stadium crowd with her attacking strokes before falling to Hayley Matthews.
Mandhana, who had struggled throughout the season, found form and took the attack to the MI bowlers. She smashed Shabnim Ismail for an early boundary and punished <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/amelia-kerr">Amelia Kerr</a> for 22 runs in a single over, including two massive sixes. She reached her half-century with a stylish boundary off left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia before being caught at long-off.
Perry anchored the innings after Mandhana&rsquo;s dismissal, while Ghosh and Wareham provided the late fireworks to propel RCB past 190.&nbsp; Among MI bowlers, Matthews (2/37) was the most successful, but their attack struggled to contain RCB&rsquo;s aggressive batting.
Despite being out of the title race, RCB ended their season on a high, while MI will now have to battle through the eliminator for a shot at the championship.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: MI will face Gujarat Giants in the eliminator on March 13 at the same venue. DC, entering their third consecutive final, will aim to finally claim elusive title

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru wrapped up their Women's Premier League campaign on a positive note, defeating Mumbai Indians by 11 runs on Tuesday (March 11) and denying them a direct berth in the final. This result secured Delhi Capitals’ place in the final on March 15, as they finished atop the table. MI, meanwhile, will face Gujarat Giants in the eliminator on March 13 at the same venue. DC, entering their third consecutive final, will aim to finally claim the elusive title. Batting first, RCB posted a commanding 199/3, powered by skipper Smriti Mandhana’s 53 off 37 balls. Ellyse Perry (49 off 38), Richa Ghosh (36 off 22), and Georgia Wareham (31 off 10) provided strong contributions to boost the total. Also Read: Alcaraz powers into Indian Wells last 16, Sabalenka, Gauff, Keys advance In response, MI fell short and ended at 188/9. Despite an explosive 35-ball 69 from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sajeevan Sajana’s quickfire 23 off 12, MI couldn't cross the finish line. Perry played a crucial role, dismissing Sciver-Brunt and Sajana at key moments. RCB’s bowling attack was led by all-rounder Sneh Rana, who impressed with figures of 3/26 in four overs. Wareham (1/29) and Kim Garth (2/33) also contributed to RCB’s successful defense of their total. Smriti finds form Earlier, RCB got off to a flying start as Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana put on 41 runs in quick succession. Meghana, who struck a quickfire 26 off 13 balls, entertained the Brabourne Stadium crowd with her attacking strokes before falling to Hayley Matthews. Mandhana, who had struggled throughout the season, found form and took the attack to the MI bowlers. She smashed Shabnim Ismail for an early boundary and punished Amelia Kerr for 22 runs in a single over, including two massive sixes. She reached her half-century with a stylish boundary off left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia before being caught at long-off. Perry anchored the innings after Mandhana’s dismissal, while Ghosh and Wareham provided the late fireworks to propel RCB past 190. Among MI bowlers, Matthews (2/37) was the most successful, but their attack struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive batting. Despite being out of the title race, RCB ended their season on a high, while MI will now have to battle through the eliminator for a shot at the championship. (With inputs from agencies)

WPL 2025: RCB deny MI direct entry into final with 11-run win; DC through to title clash

With striking beauty, effortless grace, and an aura of quiet dominance, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ellyse-perry">Ellyse Perry</a> is more than just a cricketing icon&mdash;she&rsquo;s a revolution in motion. The Australian all-rounder, a blend of sophistication and sheer power, has taken the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL) by storm, leading the Orange Cap race with 323 runs in seven innings. Whether she&rsquo;s driving through covers with elegance or steaming in with the ball, Perry makes the game look effortlessly poetic.
Perry&nbsp;reflected on her incredible career, the explosive growth of women&rsquo;s cricket, and the electric atmosphere at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chinnaswamy-stadium">M Chinnaswamy Stadium</a>&mdash;now a fortress for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women&rsquo;s team on the&nbsp;RCB Bold and Beyond podcast.
Perry&rsquo;s love affair with Chinnaswamy began long before she wore RCB&rsquo;s red and gold. &ldquo;We went to the first-ever IPL match where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/brendon-mccullum">Brendan McCullum</a> smashed around 150 runs for KKR. I remember thinking that was the most insane thing ever. Now, to be on the same field, with a packed stadium so loud that we can&rsquo;t even communicate&mdash;it&rsquo;s incredible,&rdquo; she recalls. From being a wide-eyed fan in the stands to having thousands of voices chanting her name in the same venue, Perry&rsquo;s journey has come full circle.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2025-benched-but-not-broken-how-parunika-manifested-her-return-8838566">Exclusive-WPL 2025 | Benched, but not broken! How Parunika manifested her return</a>
Having made her international debut for Australia at just 17, Perry&rsquo;s career has spanned nearly two decades, something few players achieve at the highest level. The secret to her sustained excellence?&nbsp;Never stopping the learning process. &ldquo;I think the ability to keep learning has been my biggest motivation. Every year, the game gets a little bigger, a little better, and that constant evolution keeps me going. The challenge of improving never gets old,&rdquo; she shared.
Her insights into the mindset of young cricketers are fascinating. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s funny. When you&rsquo;re just starting, everything is so new that you don&rsquo;t even have time to overthink. You see young players come in, and it looks so easy for them because they have no expectations, no past experiences to draw from. They play with pure freedom,&rdquo; she said, reminiscing about her early days in the sport.
<h2 data-start="2174" data-end="2573">'Women can now have full-time careers in cricket'</h2>
Perry has been a front-row witness to the transformation of women&rsquo;s cricket. &ldquo;When I first started, hardly any of our matches were televised. Maybe one or two a year, and they were just warm-ups for men&rsquo;s games. The media narratives were always the same&mdash;questions about pay gaps, lack of attention, and limited opportunities. It felt like women&rsquo;s cricket was always positioned as an afterthought.&rdquo;
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. &ldquo;Now, every single match is covered. We have 30,000 people in the stadium every night. Women can now have full-time careers in cricket&mdash;not just as players, but as coaches, administrators, executives. It&rsquo;s incredible to see.&rdquo;
Since the inception of the WPL, Perry has naturally taken on a leadership role at RCB, guiding the team&rsquo;s young stars and embracing the ever-growing competition. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been amazing to see the domestic talent coming through. Meeting young players&mdash;whether at RCB or other franchises&mdash;just shows how big this opportunity is for them.&rdquo; The rapid improvement in standards has also caught her eye. &ldquo;Every season, I see more young girls coming through, and it&rsquo;s honestly a bit scary! Every year I return, there are new faces pushing the level even higher. The quality of cricket is rising faster than ever.&rdquo;
With her signature elegance and commanding presence, Ellyse Perry is shaping the future of the sport. Whether she&rsquo;s charging in with the ball, or standing under the bright lights of Chinnaswamy as thousands chant her name, Perry remains the epitome of class, power, and cricketing excellence.

Sports, Cricket: From being a wide-eyed fan in the stands to having thousands of voices chanting her name in the same venue, Ellyse Perry’s journey has come full circle

With striking beauty, effortless grace, and an aura of quiet dominance, Ellyse Perry is more than just a cricketing icon—she’s a revolution in motion. The Australian all-rounder, a blend of sophistication and sheer power, has taken the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by storm, leading the Orange Cap race with 323 runs in seven innings. Whether she’s driving through covers with elegance or steaming in with the ball, Perry makes the game look effortlessly poetic. Perry reflected on her incredible career, the explosive growth of women’s cricket, and the electric atmosphere at M Chinnaswamy Stadium—now a fortress for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team on the RCB Bold and Beyond podcast. Perry’s love affair with Chinnaswamy began long before she wore RCB’s red and gold. “We went to the first-ever IPL match where Brendan McCullum smashed around 150 runs for KKR. I remember thinking that was the most insane thing ever. Now, to be on the same field, with a packed stadium so loud that we can’t even communicate—it’s incredible,” she recalls. From being a wide-eyed fan in the stands to having thousands of voices chanting her name in the same venue, Perry’s journey has come full circle. Also Read: Exclusive-WPL 2025 | Benched, but not broken! How Parunika manifested her return Having made her international debut for Australia at just 17, Perry’s career has spanned nearly two decades, something few players achieve at the highest level. The secret to her sustained excellence? Never stopping the learning process. “I think the ability to keep learning has been my biggest motivation. Every year, the game gets a little bigger, a little better, and that constant evolution keeps me going. The challenge of improving never gets old,” she shared. Her insights into the mindset of young cricketers are fascinating. “It’s funny. When you’re just starting, everything is so new that you don’t even have time to overthink. You see young players come in, and it looks so easy for them because they have no expectations, no past experiences to draw from. They play with pure freedom,” she said, reminiscing about her early days in the sport. 'Women can now have full-time careers in cricket' Perry has been a front-row witness to the transformation of women’s cricket. “When I first started, hardly any of our matches were televised. Maybe one or two a year, and they were just warm-ups for men’s games. The media narratives were always the same—questions about pay gaps, lack of attention, and limited opportunities. It felt like women’s cricket was always positioned as an afterthought.” Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. “Now, every single match is covered. We have 30,000 people in the stadium every night. Women can now have full-time careers in cricket—not just as players, but as coaches, administrators, executives. It’s incredible to see.” Since the inception of the WPL, Perry has naturally taken on a leadership role at RCB, guiding the team’s young stars and embracing the ever-growing competition. “It’s been amazing to see the domestic talent coming through. Meeting young players—whether at RCB or other franchises—just shows how big this opportunity is for them.” The rapid improvement in standards has also caught her eye. “Every season, I see more young girls coming through, and it’s honestly a bit scary! Every year I return, there are new faces pushing the level even higher. The quality of cricket is rising faster than ever.” With her signature elegance and commanding presence, Ellyse Perry is shaping the future of the sport. Whether she’s charging in with the ball, or standing under the bright lights of Chinnaswamy as thousands chant her name, Perry remains the epitome of class, power, and cricketing excellence.

WPL 2025 | Orange cap, red hot form: Ellyse Perry's love affair with Chinnaswamy stadium

Parunika Sisodia stands tall with a confident appearance, her expressive eyes reflecting the ambition and drive that have defined her journey. A fierce competitor on the field, she carries a quiet determination, an energy that fuels her every move. From the moment she picked up the ball, cricket became more than a game; it became her calling.
Having been a part of India's victorious U19 Women&rsquo;s World Cup squad, Parunika now finds herself navigating the complexities of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL), a stage that demands adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one&rsquo;s abilities. &ldquo;To be honest, U19 World Cup and the WPL are two very different stages,&rdquo; she shares with a smile. &ldquo;The experience and the level of players here are way ahead. U19 is still a growing stage, but it helped me gain that confidence that I can perform under pressure.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-harry-brook-opts-out-for-second-successive-season-faces-possible-two-year-ban-8838405">IPL 2025: Harry Brook opts out for second successive season, faces possible two-year ban</a>
The transition from youth cricket to a professional league like WPL can be daunting. For Parunika, it was a moment of realisation&mdash;this was no longer just about potential; it was about professionalism, discipline, and proving herself on a global stage. &ldquo;Being in the WPL has taught me that this isn&rsquo;t U19 anymore. You have to be strict with yourself, be professional, and always know why you did something.&rdquo;
Her journey with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a> (MI) began with an unexpected twist. After being part of the inaugural WPL season with Gujarat Giants, she was released. That moment of setback became her biggest motivation. &ldquo;It was my dream to be back in the WPL. I was with GG in the first season, but then I was dropped. That&rsquo;s when I told myself&mdash;I will come back as a better player,&rdquo; she recalls. &ldquo;The date MI announced my name as a replacement for Pooja was exactly one year after I had made that promise to myself.&rdquo;
Walking into the MI camp, she was met with warmth and guidance, particularly from head coach Charlotte Edwards. &ldquo;Charlotte ma&rsquo;am was very welcoming. The first day, she told me, &lsquo;No matter what, you are here, and we trust you. We&rsquo;ll clear your roles day by day. Just enjoy the game and be yourself.&rsquo; That gave me the confidence to feel at home.&rdquo;
<h2>'I talk to Amelia more than anyone else'</h2>
Having cricketing stalwarts around her has been another advantage. Sharing the dressing room with players like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harmanpreet-kaur">Harmanpreet Kaur</a>, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Hayley Matthews has been an invaluable learning experience. &ldquo;Harman looks like she&rsquo;s very strict on the field, but for me, she is the most calm person out there. She&rsquo;s fun, but if you don&rsquo;t do what&rsquo;s expected of you, you will see a different side of her,&rdquo; she laughs.
One of her closest mentors has been New Zealand's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/amelia-kerr">Amelia Kerr</a>, the ICC Cricketer of the Year. &ldquo;I talk to Amelia more than anyone else. She&rsquo;s guided me on where to bowl, how to set my field, and most importantly, to trust my own abilities.&rdquo;
Parunika&rsquo;s first wicket in the WPL was a defining moment. &ldquo;Before that ball, I had bowled a wide, and UP Warriorz even took a review. Then Harmanpreet just gave me a look, signaling where to bowl. I followed it, and I got my first wicket. I just looked at her and smiled. Getting your first WPL wicket is special, and that moment gave me so much confidence.&rdquo;
Her aspirations for the season are simple yet ambitious. &ldquo;I just want to learn as much as I can and contribute to my team&rsquo;s success. The experience matters the most, and I want to make the most of it. Hopefully, I willl come back the next season and deliver what everyone expects from me," she signed off with a smile.
Parunika&rsquo;s story is one of an unrelenting drive to prove herself. She is no longer just an aspiring cricketer; she is a player who belongs on this stage, ready to pave out her legacy in the world of women&rsquo;s cricket.

Sports, Cricket: Having been a part of India's victorious U19 Women’s World Cup squad, Parunika now finds herself navigating the complexities of the Women’s Premier League

Parunika Sisodia stands tall with a confident appearance, her expressive eyes reflecting the ambition and drive that have defined her journey. A fierce competitor on the field, she carries a quiet determination, an energy that fuels her every move. From the moment she picked up the ball, cricket became more than a game; it became her calling. Having been a part of India's victorious U19 Women’s World Cup squad, Parunika now finds herself navigating the complexities of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a stage that demands adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s abilities. “To be honest, U19 World Cup and the WPL are two very different stages,” she shares with a smile. “The experience and the level of players here are way ahead. U19 is still a growing stage, but it helped me gain that confidence that I can perform under pressure.” Also Read: IPL 2025: Harry Brook opts out for second successive season, faces possible two-year ban The transition from youth cricket to a professional league like WPL can be daunting. For Parunika, it was a moment of realisation—this was no longer just about potential; it was about professionalism, discipline, and proving herself on a global stage. “Being in the WPL has taught me that this isn’t U19 anymore. You have to be strict with yourself, be professional, and always know why you did something.” Her journey with Mumbai Indians (MI) began with an unexpected twist. After being part of the inaugural WPL season with Gujarat Giants, she was released. That moment of setback became her biggest motivation. “It was my dream to be back in the WPL. I was with GG in the first season, but then I was dropped. That’s when I told myself—I will come back as a better player,” she recalls. “The date MI announced my name as a replacement for Pooja was exactly one year after I had made that promise to myself.” Walking into the MI camp, she was met with warmth and guidance, particularly from head coach Charlotte Edwards. “Charlotte ma’am was very welcoming. The first day, she told me, ‘No matter what, you are here, and we trust you. We’ll clear your roles day by day. Just enjoy the game and be yourself.’ That gave me the confidence to feel at home.” 'I talk to Amelia more than anyone else' Having cricketing stalwarts around her has been another advantage. Sharing the dressing room with players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Hayley Matthews has been an invaluable learning experience. “Harman looks like she’s very strict on the field, but for me, she is the most calm person out there. She’s fun, but if you don’t do what’s expected of you, you will see a different side of her,” she laughs. One of her closest mentors has been New Zealand's Amelia Kerr, the ICC Cricketer of the Year. “I talk to Amelia more than anyone else. She’s guided me on where to bowl, how to set my field, and most importantly, to trust my own abilities.” Parunika’s first wicket in the WPL was a defining moment. “Before that ball, I had bowled a wide, and UP Warriorz even took a review. Then Harmanpreet just gave me a look, signaling where to bowl. I followed it, and I got my first wicket. I just looked at her and smiled. Getting your first WPL wicket is special, and that moment gave me so much confidence.” Her aspirations for the season are simple yet ambitious. “I just want to learn as much as I can and contribute to my team’s success. The experience matters the most, and I want to make the most of it. Hopefully, I willl come back the next season and deliver what everyone expects from me," she signed off with a smile. Parunika’s story is one of an unrelenting drive to prove herself. She is no longer just an aspiring cricketer; she is a player who belongs on this stage, ready to pave out her legacy in the world of women’s cricket.

Exclusive-WPL 2025 | Benched, but not broken! How Parunika manifested her return

In the ever-evolving world of women&rsquo;s cricket, Amanjot Kaur has emerged as a vital cog in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a>' setup in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> (WPL). A retained player for the 2025 season, Amanjot has seen her role evolve significantly, stepping up as a dependable all-rounder in the absence of key players. With her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, she has become an indispensable asset to the franchise.
Amanjot&rsquo;s journey in professional cricket has been one of perseverance and transformation. Initially, a top-order batter in domestic cricket, her transition into a lower-order finisher has been a defining aspect of her career with Mumbai Indians. The change wasn&rsquo;t easy, but under the guidance of MI&rsquo;s coaching staff and experienced teammates, she has honed her skills to become a well-rounded player.
&ldquo;This is my third year in the WPL, so my expectations from myself are higher,&rdquo; Amanjot shared. &ldquo;With Pooja not in the team, my role has increased. I have to finish matches from the lower order, and I wanted to contribute as a complete all-rounder, not just in bits and pieces.&rdquo;
<h2>Evolving as an all-rounder</h2>
Amanjot&rsquo;s performances in the ongoing WPL have reflected her growing maturity. Tasked with coming in to bat in the lower order, she has delivered crucial runs in pressure situations, ensuring that Mumbai Indians have the depth to finish matches strongly. As a bowler, her role has been clearly defined&mdash;coming in after the powerplay to contain runs and break crucial partnerships.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-indias-spin-advantage-net-bowler-reveals-kiwis-battle-against-turn-8835509">Champions Trophy: India&rsquo;s spin advantage? Net bowler reveals Kiwis&rsquo; battle against turn</a>
&ldquo;My role is very specific&mdash;I come in to bowl after the powerplay,&rdquo; she explains. &ldquo;At that point, it&rsquo;s crucial how you carry the team&rsquo;s momentum. If the powerplay went well, we need to build on it. If it didn&rsquo;t, I have to restrict runs and create pressure.&rdquo;
She stresses that execution is key, saying, &ldquo;Sometimes your plans don&rsquo;t work, but there&rsquo;s no pressure. I know my strengths, my variations, and how to use them effectively. My main goal is to bowl as many dot balls as possible and break those crucial partnerships that can change the game.&rdquo;
Playing in different cities presents its own challenges, but Amanjot was prepared. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve played a lot in the domestic circuit&mdash;Baroda, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow">Lucknow</a>, almost every state&mdash;so I had an idea of how the wickets would behave. We prepared accordingly, practicing on red and black soil in Baroda and Mumbai, which helped a lot.&rdquo;
Facing high-caliber opponents is another challenge, but Mumbai Indians' meticulous planning helps. &ldquo;We have a team room session where we plan for every batter. We decide in which areas to block them, how to avoid leaking runs. Death overs are planned separately, middle overs are planned separately. That clarity makes things easier for me.&rdquo;
Playing in front of the passionate MI Paltan is something she cherishes. &ldquo;Our fans are more excited than us! Playing in Mumbai, in front of them, brings a little pressure because they expect a lot from us. Sometimes things don&rsquo;t go our way, but we try our best to make sure they go home happy after watching the match.&rdquo;
Reflecting on her three years with Mumbai Indians, Amanjot credits the franchise for her growth. &ldquo;I started as a top-order batter in domestic cricket. When I debuted for MI, adjusting to a lower-order role was new for me. But MI helped me evolve, teaching me how to handle pressure and finish matches from that position.&rdquo;
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s a myth that lower-order batters have to hit 10-ball 20s every time,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Sometimes you don&rsquo;t have that much power, or you&rsquo;re naturally not a big hitter. But MI has helped me understand how to pace an innings, take matches deep, and break partnerships. I focus on all three aspects&mdash;batting, bowling, and fielding&mdash;which makes things easier for me.&rdquo;
As the WPL 2025 season comes to the business end, Amanjot Kaur remains a key player in Mumbai Indians' campaign. With her adaptability, composure, and all-round capabilities, she is proving why she is a name to watch out for in Indian cricket.

Sports, Cricket: A retained player for the 2025 season, Amanjot has seen her role evolve significantly, stepping up as a dependable all-rounder in the absence of key players

In the ever-evolving world of women’s cricket, Amanjot Kaur has emerged as a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians' setup in the Women's Premier League (WPL). A retained player for the 2025 season, Amanjot has seen her role evolve significantly, stepping up as a dependable all-rounder in the absence of key players. With her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, she has become an indispensable asset to the franchise. Amanjot’s journey in professional cricket has been one of perseverance and transformation. Initially, a top-order batter in domestic cricket, her transition into a lower-order finisher has been a defining aspect of her career with Mumbai Indians. The change wasn’t easy, but under the guidance of MI’s coaching staff and experienced teammates, she has honed her skills to become a well-rounded player. “This is my third year in the WPL, so my expectations from myself are higher,” Amanjot shared. “With Pooja not in the team, my role has increased. I have to finish matches from the lower order, and I wanted to contribute as a complete all-rounder, not just in bits and pieces.” Evolving as an all-rounder Amanjot’s performances in the ongoing WPL have reflected her growing maturity. Tasked with coming in to bat in the lower order, she has delivered crucial runs in pressure situations, ensuring that Mumbai Indians have the depth to finish matches strongly. As a bowler, her role has been clearly defined—coming in after the powerplay to contain runs and break crucial partnerships. Also Read: Champions Trophy: India’s spin advantage? Net bowler reveals Kiwis’ battle against turn “My role is very specific—I come in to bowl after the powerplay,” she explains. “At that point, it’s crucial how you carry the team’s momentum. If the powerplay went well, we need to build on it. If it didn’t, I have to restrict runs and create pressure.” She stresses that execution is key, saying, “Sometimes your plans don’t work, but there’s no pressure. I know my strengths, my variations, and how to use them effectively. My main goal is to bowl as many dot balls as possible and break those crucial partnerships that can change the game.” Playing in different cities presents its own challenges, but Amanjot was prepared. “I’ve played a lot in the domestic circuit—Baroda, Lucknow, almost every state—so I had an idea of how the wickets would behave. We prepared accordingly, practicing on red and black soil in Baroda and Mumbai, which helped a lot.” Facing high-caliber opponents is another challenge, but Mumbai Indians' meticulous planning helps. “We have a team room session where we plan for every batter. We decide in which areas to block them, how to avoid leaking runs. Death overs are planned separately, middle overs are planned separately. That clarity makes things easier for me.” Playing in front of the passionate MI Paltan is something she cherishes. “Our fans are more excited than us! Playing in Mumbai, in front of them, brings a little pressure because they expect a lot from us. Sometimes things don’t go our way, but we try our best to make sure they go home happy after watching the match.” Reflecting on her three years with Mumbai Indians, Amanjot credits the franchise for her growth. “I started as a top-order batter in domestic cricket. When I debuted for MI, adjusting to a lower-order role was new for me. But MI helped me evolve, teaching me how to handle pressure and finish matches from that position.” “There’s a myth that lower-order batters have to hit 10-ball 20s every time,” she says. “Sometimes you don’t have that much power, or you’re naturally not a big hitter. But MI has helped me understand how to pace an innings, take matches deep, and break partnerships. I focus on all three aspects—batting, bowling, and fielding—which makes things easier for me.” As the WPL 2025 season comes to the business end, Amanjot Kaur remains a key player in Mumbai Indians' campaign. With her adaptability, composure, and all-round capabilities, she is proving why she is a name to watch out for in Indian cricket.

WPL 2025 | Mumbai Indians’ secret weapon? Two words: Amanjot Kaur

March 8th&mdash;International Women's Day. A day to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the world. But what if we imagined a different kind of celebration this year? What if, for just one day, some of India's top cricketers had the power to lead the country? Players of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</a> (RCB) women&rsquo;s team were asked what they would do if they became Prime Minister for a day, and their answers were nothing short of spectacular!
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/smriti-mandhana">Smriti Mandhana</a>: "I'll take out the taxes." Smriti kicked things off with a bold statement. No taxes for one year. That&rsquo;s the kind of decision that would make every citizen love their PM. "I think everyone will love me. The whole of India will love me. I&rsquo;ll be the Prime Minister again and again!," she joked.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyanka-patil">Shreyanka Patil</a>: "I think there should be a national holiday for cricket." Much like International Yoga Day, Shreyanka envisions a Cricket Day where the entire country picks up a bat and ball and celebrates the sport that unites millions.
Kanika Ahuja: "If I become the Prime Minister, I'll steal all the money and run away to another country." A cheeky answer, of course, but let&rsquo;s hope Kanika was just being playful!
Watch the full video here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
What would our Wonder Women do if they were made the Prime Minister of the country for a day? 😉 Some heartwarming, and some hilarious answers! Watch it only on <a href="https://twitter.com/bigbasket_com?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bigbasket_com</a> presents RCB Bold Diaries. 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B2%A8%E0%B2%AE%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%AERCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ನಮ್ಮRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPL2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WPL2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SheIsBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SheIsBold</a> <a href="https://t.co/e4Q8JVYYQg">pic.twitter.com/e4Q8JVYYQg</a>
&mdash; Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1893502727528800320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Prema Rawat: "I will give jobs to my friends who are unemployed." Prema seems to have a generous heart, thinking of all those who complain about unemployment.
Richa Ghosh: "What can you do in a day by becoming the Prime Minister?" Richa brought up a valid point&mdash;one day isn&rsquo;t enough. But she said that everyone will get leaves.
Raghvi Bisht: "Probably sleep again." A classic answer. After all, being Prime Minister is exhausting!
Renuka Singh: "It takes time to understand the system, and people won&rsquo;t even believe I&rsquo;ve become PM!"
Sabbineni Meghana: "I&rsquo;ll enjoy the luxury, sit in the PM&rsquo;s chair, and just take in the moment!" Jagravi had the most relatable response. Who wouldn&rsquo;t want to experience the power of that position, even for a day?
But amongst the jokes and lighthearted responses, there was one answer that stood out: "If I get to become the Prime Minister, I&rsquo;ll do something for all the street animals."
In the midst of tax cuts and cricket holidays, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ekta-bisht">Ekta Bisht</a> turned her focus to a cause close to her heart.
And as the conversation wrapped up, Jagravi Pawar added, "I'll go home every day and eat dal and rice." Because at the end of the day, no matter how powerful or influential, we all find comfort in the simplest joys.

Cricket, Sports: Players of RCB women’s team were asked the question what they would do if they became Prime Minister for a day, and their answers were nothing short of spectacular

March 8th—International Women's Day. A day to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the world. But what if we imagined a different kind of celebration this year? What if, for just one day, some of India's top cricketers had the power to lead the country? Players of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team were asked what they would do if they became Prime Minister for a day, and their answers were nothing short of spectacular! Smriti Mandhana: "I'll take out the taxes." Smriti kicked things off with a bold statement. No taxes for one year. That’s the kind of decision that would make every citizen love their PM. "I think everyone will love me. The whole of India will love me. I’ll be the Prime Minister again and again!," she joked. Shreyanka Patil: "I think there should be a national holiday for cricket." Much like International Yoga Day, Shreyanka envisions a Cricket Day where the entire country picks up a bat and ball and celebrates the sport that unites millions. Kanika Ahuja: "If I become the Prime Minister, I'll steal all the money and run away to another country." A cheeky answer, of course, but let’s hope Kanika was just being playful! Watch the full video here: What would our Wonder Women do if they were made the Prime Minister of the country for a day? 😉 Some heartwarming, and some hilarious answers! Watch it only on @bigbasket_com presents RCB Bold Diaries. 😂#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WPL2025 #SheIsBold pic.twitter.com/e4Q8JVYYQg — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 23, 2025 Prema Rawat: "I will give jobs to my friends who are unemployed." Prema seems to have a generous heart, thinking of all those who complain about unemployment. Richa Ghosh: "What can you do in a day by becoming the Prime Minister?" Richa brought up a valid point—one day isn’t enough. But she said that everyone will get leaves. Raghvi Bisht: "Probably sleep again." A classic answer. After all, being Prime Minister is exhausting! Renuka Singh: "It takes time to understand the system, and people won’t even believe I’ve become PM!" Sabbineni Meghana: "I’ll enjoy the luxury, sit in the PM’s chair, and just take in the moment!" Jagravi had the most relatable response. Who wouldn’t want to experience the power of that position, even for a day? But amongst the jokes and lighthearted responses, there was one answer that stood out: "If I get to become the Prime Minister, I’ll do something for all the street animals." In the midst of tax cuts and cricket holidays, Ekta Bisht turned her focus to a cause close to her heart. And as the conversation wrapped up, Jagravi Pawar added, "I'll go home every day and eat dal and rice." Because at the end of the day, no matter how powerful or influential, we all find comfort in the simplest joys.

Women’s Day special: What if RCB players became Prime Minister for a day? Here’s what they said - WATCH

Mumbai Indians&rsquo; all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/amelia-kerr">Amelia Kerr</a> wrote her name into the record books with a remarkable bowling performance against UP Warriorz in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL) 2025. The Kiwi leg-spinner became the first player from the MI Women&rsquo;s team to take a five-wicket haul, with figures of 5/38 in Lucknow. This achievement also places her in an exclusive club alongside Sri Lankan legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lasith-malinga">Lasith Malinga</a>, who was the first to take a fifer for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
<h2>A performance to remember</h2>
Kerr&rsquo;s spell was a masterclass in aggressive and strategic bowling. While she did concede a few boundaries, her ability to break through the opposition&rsquo;s lineup turned the tide in MI&rsquo;s favour. Reflecting on her performance, Kerr shared insights into her approach. She said, &ldquo;I just think about my bowling and try to keep it as simple as possible. If I do that, it allows me to be aggressive while restricting runs. I did concede a few, but the key is to take wickets and hold teams back. It&rsquo;s nice to contribute with the ball.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-former-india-head-coach-ravi-shastri-names-potential-x-factor-who-could-decide-the-final-8833113">Champions Trophy: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri names potential X-factor who could decide the final</a>
Her crucial breakthroughs ensured MI remained in control throughout the game, eventually securing a dominant victory.
Achieving a fifer for Mumbai Indians is a special milestone, but the connection with Lasith Malinga makes it even more significant. Kerr, who grew up watching the Sri Lankan speedster terrorise batters with his pinpoint yorkers, found it surreal to now share a record with him.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s very cool! I definitely watched him as a kid and always knew that when he came on, he would bowl a yorker and get a player out. Obviously, we&rsquo;re very different bowlers, but that&rsquo;s a really cool connection. He&rsquo;s probably one of the greatest to have ever played, with his unique style and impact.&rdquo;
While Malinga dominated with his slingy pace and toe-crushing yorkers, Kerr&rsquo;s brilliance lies in her deceptive leg-spin and ability to outfox batters with subtle variations. Yet, both share a common trait&mdash;turning games around for Mumbai Indians with their match-winning spells.
With this stellar performance, Kerr also ascended to the top of the WPL wicket-takers&rsquo; list, donning the prestigious Purple Cap. However, she remains focused on the bigger picture&mdash;helping MI win more matches and ultimately lifting the trophy.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s nice to contribute to a win today, and hopefully, there are more wins ahead for Mumbai Indians. There&rsquo;s still a long way to go, and we&rsquo;re taking each game as it comes. It&rsquo;s also great to have Nat (Sciver-Brunt) with the Orange Cap in our camp. These are pleasing signs for us as a team.&rdquo;

Sports, Cricket: The Kiwi leg-spinner became the first player from the MI Women’s team to take a five-wicket haul, with figures of 5/38 in Lucknow

Mumbai Indians’ all-rounder Amelia Kerr wrote her name into the record books with a remarkable bowling performance against UP Warriorz in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The Kiwi leg-spinner became the first player from the MI Women’s team to take a five-wicket haul, with figures of 5/38 in Lucknow. This achievement also places her in an exclusive club alongside Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga, who was the first to take a fifer for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. A performance to remember Kerr’s spell was a masterclass in aggressive and strategic bowling. While she did concede a few boundaries, her ability to break through the opposition’s lineup turned the tide in MI’s favour. Reflecting on her performance, Kerr shared insights into her approach. She said, “I just think about my bowling and try to keep it as simple as possible. If I do that, it allows me to be aggressive while restricting runs. I did concede a few, but the key is to take wickets and hold teams back. It’s nice to contribute with the ball.” Also Read: Champions Trophy: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri names potential X-factor who could decide the final Her crucial breakthroughs ensured MI remained in control throughout the game, eventually securing a dominant victory. Achieving a fifer for Mumbai Indians is a special milestone, but the connection with Lasith Malinga makes it even more significant. Kerr, who grew up watching the Sri Lankan speedster terrorise batters with his pinpoint yorkers, found it surreal to now share a record with him. “It’s very cool! I definitely watched him as a kid and always knew that when he came on, he would bowl a yorker and get a player out. Obviously, we’re very different bowlers, but that’s a really cool connection. He’s probably one of the greatest to have ever played, with his unique style and impact.” While Malinga dominated with his slingy pace and toe-crushing yorkers, Kerr’s brilliance lies in her deceptive leg-spin and ability to outfox batters with subtle variations. Yet, both share a common trait—turning games around for Mumbai Indians with their match-winning spells. With this stellar performance, Kerr also ascended to the top of the WPL wicket-takers’ list, donning the prestigious Purple Cap. However, she remains focused on the bigger picture—helping MI win more matches and ultimately lifting the trophy. “It’s nice to contribute to a win today, and hopefully, there are more wins ahead for Mumbai Indians. There’s still a long way to go, and we’re taking each game as it comes. It’s also great to have Nat (Sciver-Brunt) with the Orange Cap in our camp. These are pleasing signs for us as a team.”

WPL 2025: From watching Malinga to matching his feat: Amelia Kerr’s milestone for Mumbai Indians

Sarah Bryce&rsquo;s journey in the 2025 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL) has been nothing short of inspiring. As the only associate player in the ongoing edition, she has embraced the intensity of the competition, relishing both the challenges and the excitement of being part of a high-profile tournament.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s definitely been a high-intensity tournament with lots going on behind the scenes as well, which has been fun to be part of,&rdquo; she said, reflecting on her experience. Having already played in The Hundred and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-big-bash-league">Big Bash League</a>, Sarah credits those stints for helping her adapt to the pressures of the WPL. &ldquo;I think I&rsquo;ve been lucky to be involved in The 100 for a few years now and the Big Bash at the end of last year, which has helped prepare me a little bit for it.&rdquo;
Playing for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals">Delhi Capitals</a>, Sarah has featured in all the matches so far, making valuable contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps. Her WPL debut was particularly memorable, with a quickfire 21 runs off just 10 balls against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a>, shifting the momentum in her team's favor. Despite not always being required to make an impact with the bat, she has embraced her role with enthusiasm. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve not actually had to do a huge amount with the bat recently because we&rsquo;ve been doing so well, which has been great for the team. But I&rsquo;m really pleased with how it&rsquo;s been going.&rdquo;
Balancing the dual roles of wicketkeeper and batter is something Sarah enjoys, particularly the tactical element of the game. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s one of my favorite parts about cricket&mdash;the tactical side to it, the fact that you can be put in any sort of different situation and you&rsquo;ve got to find a way. I love that kind of thinking element.&rdquo; Adjusting to the number seven spot in the batting order has been a challenge, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a slightly new role than what I play in a lot of teams, but I&rsquo;m really enjoying the challenge of trying to figure that out.&rdquo;
<h2>'I love training sessions'</h2>
Beyond her on-field performances, Sarah has found great value in working with the Delhi Capitals&rsquo; coaching staff, particularly head coach Jonathan Batty. Having previously worked with him at the Oval Invincibles, she has enjoyed the opportunity to refine her game under his guidance. &ldquo;They&rsquo;ve all been brilliant. I&rsquo;ve absolutely loved the training sessions, getting to pick their brains and get little nuggets off them.&rdquo; The experience of sharing the dressing room with world-class players has been another highlight for her. &ldquo;You can just pick up so much from them, seeing them go about their business.&rdquo;
Looking ahead, Sarah is eager to carry this experience forward as she prepares to represent Scotland in the upcoming global qualifiers in Pakistan. &ldquo;Obviously, getting used to conditions in the subcontinent is going to be invaluable,&rdquo; she noted, emphasising how playing in the WPL will benefit her international career.
Her long-term ambitions remain focused on helping Scotland qualify for major tournaments, including the next T20 World Cup in England in 2026. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to be tough work because it&rsquo;s only an eight-team World Cup, but that&rsquo;s a big goal for us.&rdquo; For now, her focus remains on putting in performances that help her team succeed. &ldquo;Being able to put in performances to help whatever team I&rsquo;m playing in be successful is the main goal at the moment.&rdquo;
Sarah Bryce&rsquo;s journey in the WPL is a testament to her determination and the growing opportunities for associate players in top-tier leagues. Her presence in the tournament is not just about personal success but also about paving the way for more players from associate nations to be part of future editions.
&ldquo;Hopefully, I can represent associate nations well and get more of us in future editions,&rdquo; she signed off.&nbsp;With her talent, work ethic, and hunger to learn, she is well on her way to making a lasting impact in the world of women&rsquo;s cricket.

Sports, Cricket: Playing for the Delhi Capitals, Sarah has featured in all the matches so far, making valuable contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps

Sarah Bryce’s journey in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been nothing short of inspiring. As the only associate player in the ongoing edition, she has embraced the intensity of the competition, relishing both the challenges and the excitement of being part of a high-profile tournament. “It’s definitely been a high-intensity tournament with lots going on behind the scenes as well, which has been fun to be part of,” she said, reflecting on her experience. Having already played in The Hundred and the Big Bash League, Sarah credits those stints for helping her adapt to the pressures of the WPL. “I think I’ve been lucky to be involved in The 100 for a few years now and the Big Bash at the end of last year, which has helped prepare me a little bit for it.” Playing for the Delhi Capitals, Sarah has featured in all the matches so far, making valuable contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps. Her WPL debut was particularly memorable, with a quickfire 21 runs off just 10 balls against Mumbai Indians, shifting the momentum in her team's favor. Despite not always being required to make an impact with the bat, she has embraced her role with enthusiasm. “I’ve not actually had to do a huge amount with the bat recently because we’ve been doing so well, which has been great for the team. But I’m really pleased with how it’s been going.” Balancing the dual roles of wicketkeeper and batter is something Sarah enjoys, particularly the tactical element of the game. “That’s one of my favorite parts about cricket—the tactical side to it, the fact that you can be put in any sort of different situation and you’ve got to find a way. I love that kind of thinking element.” Adjusting to the number seven spot in the batting order has been a challenge, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly. “It’s a slightly new role than what I play in a lot of teams, but I’m really enjoying the challenge of trying to figure that out.” 'I love training sessions' Beyond her on-field performances, Sarah has found great value in working with the Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff, particularly head coach Jonathan Batty. Having previously worked with him at the Oval Invincibles, she has enjoyed the opportunity to refine her game under his guidance. “They’ve all been brilliant. I’ve absolutely loved the training sessions, getting to pick their brains and get little nuggets off them.” The experience of sharing the dressing room with world-class players has been another highlight for her. “You can just pick up so much from them, seeing them go about their business.” Looking ahead, Sarah is eager to carry this experience forward as she prepares to represent Scotland in the upcoming global qualifiers in Pakistan. “Obviously, getting used to conditions in the subcontinent is going to be invaluable,” she noted, emphasising how playing in the WPL will benefit her international career. Her long-term ambitions remain focused on helping Scotland qualify for major tournaments, including the next T20 World Cup in England in 2026. “It’s going to be tough work because it’s only an eight-team World Cup, but that’s a big goal for us.” For now, her focus remains on putting in performances that help her team succeed. “Being able to put in performances to help whatever team I’m playing in be successful is the main goal at the moment.” Sarah Bryce’s journey in the WPL is a testament to her determination and the growing opportunities for associate players in top-tier leagues. Her presence in the tournament is not just about personal success but also about paving the way for more players from associate nations to be part of future editions. “Hopefully, I can represent associate nations well and get more of us in future editions,” she signed off. With her talent, work ethic, and hunger to learn, she is well on her way to making a lasting impact in the world of women’s cricket.

Exclusive | A Scottish touch in Delhi’s blue: Sarah Bryce making her mark in WPL

The Women's Premier League (WPL) has brought a new level of excitement and competitiveness to franchise cricket, attracting top players from around the world.&nbsp;
In a candid conversation, 21-year-old Australian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/phoebe-litchfield">Phoebe Litchfield</a>, who plays for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-giants">Gujarat Giants</a>, shared her insights on adapting to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">WPL</a> environment, the leadership within her team, personal and team objectives, and the impact of experienced players while speaking to WION.
Born on April 18, 2003, in Orange, New South Wales, Litchfield's cricketing journey began in her backyard, playing alongside her father and brother. Her father, Andrew Litchfield, a former Sydney grade cricketer, played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent. At just 14, she was competing in men's cricket, an experience she credits for accelerating her ability to face fast bowling and adapt to higher levels of the game. &nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/the-final-shuffle-steve-smiths-odi-career-comes-to-a-close-8796381">The final shuffle: Steve Smith's ODI career comes to a close</a>
When asked about the differences between the WPL and other franchise leagues she has participated in, she highlighted the unique energy of the Indian crowd. "I think the biggest difference between WPL and all other franchise competitions is probably just the crowd over here and how the fans get around it. I think of Australia, England, all of those leagues are very competitive with WPL but I think the biggest difference is the crowd energy. They just love their cricket over here and that's probably the biggest difference I've found," she said.
Speaking about her team and its leadership under Ashleigh Gardner, she expressed how the team has been thriving under her guidance. "It's thriving. I think Ash plays a massive role in helping us feel comfortable to just perform, play freely and have so much fun. She's a very laid-back character and continues to do that with her captaincy and pretty much leads from the front with her actions. She's very comforting and kind in the way she goes about it so it's great," she shared.
<h2>'Want to make history with Gujarat Giants'&nbsp;</h2>
Regarding the team's objectives for the season, she stressed their goal of making history for Gujarat Giants. "To make finals. I think that's the biggest thing for our team. It's never been done in Gujarat's history so hopefully we can tick that box off. Obviously, it would be amazing to make the final and win it but the first step is to make the finals in Mumbai."
Phoebe also shared insights about adjusting bowling tactics given the batting-friendly conditions in recent matches. She admitted that while she is not directly involved in bowling strategies, Phoebe believes the key remains execution. "I'm not in the bowling meetings because I'm not a bowler but I don't think it changes much. It's probably nice that these types of wickets come now once we've had six to seven games to practice our bowling. It just comes down to execution. We know what we need to do, we've planned, we know the people we'll come up against. It's purely about executing at the top of your mark and reducing those boundary balls."
While discussing the impact of experienced players like Deandra Dottin, she emphasised the confidence they bring to the squad. "It's massive. Knowing that she's coming in after me or in and around me is massive. Having her, Ashleigh Gardner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/beth-mooney">Beth Mooney</a>, it just adds so much to our batting. A lot of trust in our ability to score big scores and knowing if one person doesn't come off, someone else will."
Looking ahead to her future in cricket and the role WPL plays in her career, she acknowledged how the league enhances her ability to perform under pressure. "I think WPL paves the way for a lot of young players to perform under pressure. That's the biggest thing I find with cricket. Coming over to these leagues and playing against the best players in the world, you've got to perform under pressure. As an Australian, we come over and play a lot in India. We've got a World Cup here in a bit. Going forward, it's obviously going to hopefully improve my skills. That's what I'm always looking forward to do. Keep improving and practicing. That's about it," she signed off.

Sports, Cricket: The 21-year-old Australian Phoebe Litchfield's cricketing journey began in her backyard, playing alongside her father and brother

The Women's Premier League (WPL) has brought a new level of excitement and competitiveness to franchise cricket, attracting top players from around the world. In a candid conversation, 21-year-old Australian Phoebe Litchfield, who plays for the Gujarat Giants, shared her insights on adapting to the WPL environment, the leadership within her team, personal and team objectives, and the impact of experienced players while speaking to WION. Born on April 18, 2003, in Orange, New South Wales, Litchfield's cricketing journey began in her backyard, playing alongside her father and brother. Her father, Andrew Litchfield, a former Sydney grade cricketer, played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent. At just 14, she was competing in men's cricket, an experience she credits for accelerating her ability to face fast bowling and adapt to higher levels of the game. Also Read: The final shuffle: Steve Smith's ODI career comes to a close When asked about the differences between the WPL and other franchise leagues she has participated in, she highlighted the unique energy of the Indian crowd. "I think the biggest difference between WPL and all other franchise competitions is probably just the crowd over here and how the fans get around it. I think of Australia, England, all of those leagues are very competitive with WPL but I think the biggest difference is the crowd energy. They just love their cricket over here and that's probably the biggest difference I've found," she said. Speaking about her team and its leadership under Ashleigh Gardner, she expressed how the team has been thriving under her guidance. "It's thriving. I think Ash plays a massive role in helping us feel comfortable to just perform, play freely and have so much fun. She's a very laid-back character and continues to do that with her captaincy and pretty much leads from the front with her actions. She's very comforting and kind in the way she goes about it so it's great," she shared. 'Want to make history with Gujarat Giants' Regarding the team's objectives for the season, she stressed their goal of making history for Gujarat Giants. "To make finals. I think that's the biggest thing for our team. It's never been done in Gujarat's history so hopefully we can tick that box off. Obviously, it would be amazing to make the final and win it but the first step is to make the finals in Mumbai." Phoebe also shared insights about adjusting bowling tactics given the batting-friendly conditions in recent matches. She admitted that while she is not directly involved in bowling strategies, Phoebe believes the key remains execution. "I'm not in the bowling meetings because I'm not a bowler but I don't think it changes much. It's probably nice that these types of wickets come now once we've had six to seven games to practice our bowling. It just comes down to execution. We know what we need to do, we've planned, we know the people we'll come up against. It's purely about executing at the top of your mark and reducing those boundary balls." While discussing the impact of experienced players like Deandra Dottin, she emphasised the confidence they bring to the squad. "It's massive. Knowing that she's coming in after me or in and around me is massive. Having her, Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, it just adds so much to our batting. A lot of trust in our ability to score big scores and knowing if one person doesn't come off, someone else will." Looking ahead to her future in cricket and the role WPL plays in her career, she acknowledged how the league enhances her ability to perform under pressure. "I think WPL paves the way for a lot of young players to perform under pressure. That's the biggest thing I find with cricket. Coming over to these leagues and playing against the best players in the world, you've got to perform under pressure. As an Australian, we come over and play a lot in India. We've got a World Cup here in a bit. Going forward, it's obviously going to hopefully improve my skills. That's what I'm always looking forward to do. Keep improving and practicing. That's about it," she signed off.

Exclusive | Phoebe Litchfield: Making waves in WPL, one shot at a time

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/beth-mooney">Beth Mooney</a> delivered a scintillating unbeaten knock of 96 as the Gujarat Giants thrashed UP Warriorz by 81 runs in a one-sided <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> (WPL) clash on Monday. Mooney fell just short of what could have been the season&rsquo;s first century, but her explosive 59-ball innings, laced with 17 boundaries, propelled the Gujarat Giants to a formidable 186/5.
In response, UP Warriorz crumbled under pressure, managing only 105 in 17.1 overs. The crushing defeat saw them slip from third to fifth in the points table, while Gujarat Giants climbed from the bottom to second place.
Chasing 187, UP Warriorz suffered a disastrous start, slumping to 36/5 by the eighth over. Their batters struggled against the Giants' disciplined bowling attack, failing to mount any resistance.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/legendary-mumbai-spinner-padmakar-shivalkar-dies-aged-84-8775423">Legendary Mumbai spinner Padmakar Shivalkar dies aged 84</a>
Deandra Dottin (2/14) set the tone with two crucial wickets in the very first over, dismissing Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll for ducks. Kashvee Gautam (3/11), Meghna Singh (1/21), Tanuja Kanwar (3/17), and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ashleigh-gardner" rel="dofollow">Ashleigh Gardner</a> (1/9) further dismantled the fragile batting lineup.
Grace Harris was the only specialist batter to make an impact, scoring 25 off 30 balls, while Vrinda Dinesh (1), captain Deepti Sharma (6), and Shweta Sehrawat (5) failed to contribute meaningfully. A late 14-ball 28 from Chinelle Henry and a 17-run effort from Uma Chetry reduced the margin of defeat but could not prevent UPW&rsquo;s collapse.
Earlier, the Gujarat Giants posted a competitive total, thanks to Mooney&rsquo;s commanding innings. The left-handed Australian anchored the innings, forming a crucial 101-run partnership with Harleen Deol (45 off 32 balls, six fours) after an early setback with the dismissal of Dayalan Hemalatha (2).
Mooney&rsquo;s aggressive stroke play saw her dispatch boundaries at will, but she was left stranded on 96, falling just short of a well-deserved century. With 10 runs needed for the milestone in the final over, she could only manage five.
Sophie Ecclestone (2/34) was the standout bowler for UP Warriorz, taking the key wickets of Deol and the dangerous Deandra Dottin (17).

Cricket, Sports: UP Warriorz only managed 105 in 17.1 overs. The defeat saw them slip from third to fifth in the points table, while Gujarat Giants climbed to second place

Beth Mooney delivered a scintillating unbeaten knock of 96 as the Gujarat Giants thrashed UP Warriorz by 81 runs in a one-sided Women's Premier League (WPL) clash on Monday. Mooney fell just short of what could have been the season’s first century, but her explosive 59-ball innings, laced with 17 boundaries, propelled the Gujarat Giants to a formidable 186/5. In response, UP Warriorz crumbled under pressure, managing only 105 in 17.1 overs. The crushing defeat saw them slip from third to fifth in the points table, while Gujarat Giants climbed from the bottom to second place. Chasing 187, UP Warriorz suffered a disastrous start, slumping to 36/5 by the eighth over. Their batters struggled against the Giants' disciplined bowling attack, failing to mount any resistance. Also Read: Legendary Mumbai spinner Padmakar Shivalkar dies aged 84 Deandra Dottin (2/14) set the tone with two crucial wickets in the very first over, dismissing Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll for ducks. Kashvee Gautam (3/11), Meghna Singh (1/21), Tanuja Kanwar (3/17), and Ashleigh Gardner (1/9) further dismantled the fragile batting lineup. Grace Harris was the only specialist batter to make an impact, scoring 25 off 30 balls, while Vrinda Dinesh (1), captain Deepti Sharma (6), and Shweta Sehrawat (5) failed to contribute meaningfully. A late 14-ball 28 from Chinelle Henry and a 17-run effort from Uma Chetry reduced the margin of defeat but could not prevent UPW’s collapse. Earlier, the Gujarat Giants posted a competitive total, thanks to Mooney’s commanding innings. The left-handed Australian anchored the innings, forming a crucial 101-run partnership with Harleen Deol (45 off 32 balls, six fours) after an early setback with the dismissal of Dayalan Hemalatha (2). Mooney’s aggressive stroke play saw her dispatch boundaries at will, but she was left stranded on 96, falling just short of a well-deserved century. With 10 runs needed for the milestone in the final over, she could only manage five. Sophie Ecclestone (2/34) was the standout bowler for UP Warriorz, taking the key wickets of Deol and the dangerous Deandra Dottin (17).

WPL 2025: Beth Mooney smashes 96 not out as Gujarat Giants thrash UP Warriorz

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/danielle-wyatt" rel="dofollow">Danielle Wyatt</a> had always been a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Watching legends like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> light up the Indian Premier League made RCB more than just a team for her&mdash;it was an emotion. The electric atmosphere, even through the television, made her dream of donning the iconic red and gold one day. Little did she know, that dream would become a reality.&nbsp;
</div>
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Her first taste of RCB merchandise came through an unexpected source&mdash;Mike Hesson. Unable to buy the green T-shirt in England, she reached out to the then RCB director, who graciously sent her one. The moment she put it on, she felt something special.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2025-sciver-brunts-all-round-show-matthews-fifty-power-mi-to-eight-wicket-win-over-upw-8759907">WPL 2025: Sciver-Brunt's all-round show, Matthews' fifty power MI to eight-wicket win over UPW</a>
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Of course, there was also that infamous tweet. Years ago, in sheer admiration of a Virat Kohli masterclass, she had tweeted something that spiraled out of control&mdash;news outlets in India splashed headlines claiming she wanted to marry Virat. It was meant to be banter, but the internet had other plans. Looking back, she laughed about it. Twitter had always been a space for her playful side.&nbsp;
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But admiration aside, it was Virat&rsquo;s consistency, loyalty, and impact that truly inspired her. He had been a pillar for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore">RCB</a> and Indian cricket, influencing countless young players, boys and girls alike, to take up the sport. And now, Danielle found herself in a similar position&mdash;a young boy from Mumbai had travelled all the way to Bangalore just to watch her play. The passion of Indian fans was unlike anything else. Selfies, autographs, cheers from the streets&mdash;it was all overwhelming yet deeply humbling. This was what made playing in India so special.&nbsp;
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Then came the call from her agent, Josh.&nbsp;
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&ldquo;RCB are keen,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
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But Danielle had been working on this move even before the call. She had been relentlessly nudging her close friend and WPL teammate, Smriti Mandhana. &ldquo;Smitty, come on, we&rsquo;ve got to play together in the WPL. It&rsquo;ll be amazing.&rdquo;&nbsp;
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And it happened. A month later, she got the confirmation&mdash;she was officially a part of RCB. The excitement was unreal. She called her wife, rang up her parents, and reveled in the joy of joining a franchise she had adored for so long. Soon, the thoughts of playing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium flooded her mind. The noise, the energy, the legacy&mdash;she couldn&rsquo;t wait.&nbsp;
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Her first day felt like the first day of school. New cricket bag, fresh kit, the excitement of wearing the RCB helmet&mdash;it was all surreal. She captured every moment, taking videos and photos, eager to share them.&nbsp;
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But with the joy came responsibility. Joining a franchise like RCB, especially as defending champions, brought pressure. The WPL was a high-stakes tournament, and she wanted to prove her worth. Cricket, especially T20s, could be unpredictable, but she was ready. She trained hard, leaned on Smriti for calmness, and focused on delivering.&nbsp;
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As she settled in, she found herself at the centre of playful banter. Fans called out to her, some getting her name right&mdash;Wyatt, while others called her &lsquo;Watt&rsquo; or &lsquo;Hodgie.&rsquo; It was all in good spirits, and she embraced it.&nbsp;
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And then came the mischief. Feeling comfortable in her new surroundings, she plotted her first prank.&nbsp;
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll just take one of Smitty&rsquo;s bats out of her bag,&rdquo; she whispered, laughing. &ldquo;She might cry.&rdquo;&nbsp;
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RCB was more than just a team&mdash;it was a family, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and an unbreakable bond. As she looked around at her teammates, donned in RCB colors, she felt the weight of her journey. From being a fan to becoming a part of the team, it had come full circle.&nbsp;
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The next few weeks promised excitement, challenges, and moments to cherish. But for Danielle Wyatt, one thing was certain&mdash;she was exactly where she was meant to be.&nbsp;
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Sports, Cricket: Her first taste of RCB merchandise came through Mike Hesson. Unable to buy the green T-shirt in England, she reached out to the then RCB director, who sent her one

Danielle Wyatt had always been a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Watching legends like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Virat Kohli light up the Indian Premier League made RCB more than just a team for her—it was an emotion. The electric atmosphere, even through the television, made her dream of donning the iconic red and gold one day. Little did she know, that dream would become a reality. Her first taste of RCB merchandise came through an unexpected source—Mike Hesson. Unable to buy the green T-shirt in England, she reached out to the then RCB director, who graciously sent her one. The moment she put it on, she felt something special. Also Read: WPL 2025: Sciver-Brunt's all-round show, Matthews' fifty power MI to eight-wicket win over UPW Of course, there was also that infamous tweet. Years ago, in sheer admiration of a Virat Kohli masterclass, she had tweeted something that spiraled out of control—news outlets in India splashed headlines claiming she wanted to marry Virat. It was meant to be banter, but the internet had other plans. Looking back, she laughed about it. Twitter had always been a space for her playful side. But admiration aside, it was Virat’s consistency, loyalty, and impact that truly inspired her. He had been a pillar for RCB and Indian cricket, influencing countless young players, boys and girls alike, to take up the sport. And now, Danielle found herself in a similar position—a young boy from Mumbai had travelled all the way to Bangalore just to watch her play. The passion of Indian fans was unlike anything else. Selfies, autographs, cheers from the streets—it was all overwhelming yet deeply humbling. This was what made playing in India so special. Then came the call from her agent, Josh. “RCB are keen,” he said. But Danielle had been working on this move even before the call. She had been relentlessly nudging her close friend and WPL teammate, Smriti Mandhana. “Smitty, come on, we’ve got to play together in the WPL. It’ll be amazing.” And it happened. A month later, she got the confirmation—she was officially a part of RCB. The excitement was unreal. She called her wife, rang up her parents, and reveled in the joy of joining a franchise she had adored for so long. Soon, the thoughts of playing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium flooded her mind. The noise, the energy, the legacy—she couldn’t wait. Her first day felt like the first day of school. New cricket bag, fresh kit, the excitement of wearing the RCB helmet—it was all surreal. She captured every moment, taking videos and photos, eager to share them. But with the joy came responsibility. Joining a franchise like RCB, especially as defending champions, brought pressure. The WPL was a high-stakes tournament, and she wanted to prove her worth. Cricket, especially T20s, could be unpredictable, but she was ready. She trained hard, leaned on Smriti for calmness, and focused on delivering. As she settled in, she found herself at the centre of playful banter. Fans called out to her, some getting her name right—Wyatt, while others called her ‘Watt’ or ‘Hodgie.’ It was all in good spirits, and she embraced it. And then came the mischief. Feeling comfortable in her new surroundings, she plotted her first prank. “I’ll just take one of Smitty’s bats out of her bag,” she whispered, laughing. “She might cry.” RCB was more than just a team—it was a family, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and an unbreakable bond. As she looked around at her teammates, donned in RCB colors, she felt the weight of her journey. From being a fan to becoming a part of the team, it had come full circle. The next few weeks promised excitement, challenges, and moments to cherish. But for Danielle Wyatt, one thing was certain—she was exactly where she was meant to be.

From fangirl to firepower: Wyatt’s RCB dream comes true!

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews smashed commanding fifties after a superb bowling effort as the Mumbai Indians hammered UP Warriorz by eight wickets in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> match here on Wednesday.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/nat-sciver-brunt">Sciver-Brunt</a> continued her sensational form, finishing with figures of 3/18 as MI restricted UPW to 142/9 after opting to bowl first.
The England all-rounder then played a match-winning knock of 75 not out off 44 balls, including 13 fours, forming an 82-ball 133-run second-wicket partnership with Matthews (59 off 50 balls) to guide MI to victory in just 17 overs.
MI's third consecutive win propelled them to the top of the standings with six points, while UPW remained in fourth place after their fourth loss in six encounters with MI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-ibrahims-177-helps-afghanistan-knock-out-england-8759862">Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim's 177 helps Afghanistan show England the door</a>
MI's chase started quietly, with Matthews being dropped by Ecclestone early. After seven dot balls, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yastika-bhatia">Yastika Bhatia</a> was dismissed off Deepti Sharma's bowling, leaving MI at 6/1 in the 4th over. Matthews then responded with a four and a six, before Sciver-Brunt took charge, smashing three consecutive fours off Saima Thakor in a 15-run over, as MI ended the power play at 33/1.
Sciver-Brunt continued her explosive hitting, striking consecutive fours off Chinelle Henry in a 13-run over. Ecclestone came next, and the England batter blasted three more fours in the 13th over to bring up her fifty off just 29 balls.
In the 16th over, Matthews joined the fun, smashing a six off Grace Harris before adding two more fours in a 22-run over. She too brought up her fifty off 45 balls.
Although Matthews was dismissed by Ecclestone in the 17th over, the damage had already been done, and MI reached the target with ease. Earlier, UPW had made a solid start as Harris, opening the innings, struck six fours and two sixes in a fiery knock. She added 79 runs for the second wicket with Vrinda Dinesh (33), but UPW suffered an inexplicable collapse, losing four wickets for just 12 runs and never recovered.
Sciver-Brunt was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while spinner Sanskriti Gupta (2/11) played a key role with a twin strike. Shabnim Ismail (2/33) also chipped in with two wickets, and Amelia Kerr (1/24) and Hayley Matthews (1/38) claimed one wicket each.
UPW lost Kiran Navgire early, but Harris's aggressive stroke play, particularly against Ismail and Matthews, kept the pressure on MI. Vrinda also found her rhythm, hitting Sciver-Brunt for two fours and driving Ismail to the ropes.
However, the momentum shifted when Amelia Kerr removed Harris in the 10th over, sparking a collapse. UPW lost three more wickets, including that of captain Deepti Sharma, in quick succession.
After Grace's departure, Gupta struck twice, dismissing Vrinda and Tahila McGrath in consecutive balls, while Matthews accounted for Deepti in the 12th over, leaving UPW reeling at 93/5.
Sciver-Brunt then cleaned up the lower order, dismissing Shweta Sehrawat (19) and Henry (7) as UPW lost their way.

Sports, Cricket: Sciver-Brunt continued her sensational form, finishing with figures of 3/18 as MI restricted UPW to 142/9 after opting to bowl first

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews smashed commanding fifties after a superb bowling effort as the Mumbai Indians hammered UP Warriorz by eight wickets in their Women's Premier League match here on Wednesday. Sciver-Brunt continued her sensational form, finishing with figures of 3/18 as MI restricted UPW to 142/9 after opting to bowl first. The England all-rounder then played a match-winning knock of 75 not out off 44 balls, including 13 fours, forming an 82-ball 133-run second-wicket partnership with Matthews (59 off 50 balls) to guide MI to victory in just 17 overs. MI's third consecutive win propelled them to the top of the standings with six points, while UPW remained in fourth place after their fourth loss in six encounters with MI. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim's 177 helps Afghanistan show England the door MI's chase started quietly, with Matthews being dropped by Ecclestone early. After seven dot balls, Yastika Bhatia was dismissed off Deepti Sharma's bowling, leaving MI at 6/1 in the 4th over. Matthews then responded with a four and a six, before Sciver-Brunt took charge, smashing three consecutive fours off Saima Thakor in a 15-run over, as MI ended the power play at 33/1. Sciver-Brunt continued her explosive hitting, striking consecutive fours off Chinelle Henry in a 13-run over. Ecclestone came next, and the England batter blasted three more fours in the 13th over to bring up her fifty off just 29 balls. In the 16th over, Matthews joined the fun, smashing a six off Grace Harris before adding two more fours in a 22-run over. She too brought up her fifty off 45 balls. Although Matthews was dismissed by Ecclestone in the 17th over, the damage had already been done, and MI reached the target with ease. Earlier, UPW had made a solid start as Harris, opening the innings, struck six fours and two sixes in a fiery knock. She added 79 runs for the second wicket with Vrinda Dinesh (33), but UPW suffered an inexplicable collapse, losing four wickets for just 12 runs and never recovered. Sciver-Brunt was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while spinner Sanskriti Gupta (2/11) played a key role with a twin strike. Shabnim Ismail (2/33) also chipped in with two wickets, and Amelia Kerr (1/24) and Hayley Matthews (1/38) claimed one wicket each. UPW lost Kiran Navgire early, but Harris's aggressive stroke play, particularly against Ismail and Matthews, kept the pressure on MI. Vrinda also found her rhythm, hitting Sciver-Brunt for two fours and driving Ismail to the ropes. However, the momentum shifted when Amelia Kerr removed Harris in the 10th over, sparking a collapse. UPW lost three more wickets, including that of captain Deepti Sharma, in quick succession. After Grace's departure, Gupta struck twice, dismissing Vrinda and Tahila McGrath in consecutive balls, while Matthews accounted for Deepti in the 12th over, leaving UPW reeling at 93/5. Sciver-Brunt then cleaned up the lower order, dismissing Shweta Sehrawat (19) and Henry (7) as UPW lost their way.

WPL 2025: Sciver-Brunt's all-round show, Matthews' fifty power MI to eight-wicket win over UPW

Delhi Capitals delivered a clinical performance to outclass Gujarat Giants by six wickets in a one-sided <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL) encounter on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shafali-verma">Shafali Verma</a>&rsquo;s explosive 44 off 27 balls and Jess Jonassen&rsquo;s unbeaten 61 off 32 powered Delhi to a comfortable chase of 128 in just 15.1 overs.
With this victory, Delhi moved to the top of the points table with three wins in five matches, though their net run rate remained negative (-0.223).
After Gujarat Giants posted a modest 127/9, Delhi lost captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/meg-lanning">Meg Lanning</a> early for just 3. However, Shafali and Jonassen took charge with an aggressive 74-run stand for the second wicket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-over-100-pakistani-policemen-dismissed-for-refusing-duty-8756871">Champions Trophy 2025: Over 100 Pakistani policemen dismissed for refusing duty</a>
Shafali was at her destructive best, smashing five fours and three sixes before being trapped leg-before by Ashleigh Gardner. Jonassen, however, ensured there were no hiccups, playing a brilliant counter-attacking knock laced with nine boundaries and two sixes. Her first half-century of the season sealed a dominant win for Delhi.
Despite losing Jemimah Rodrigues (5) and Annabel Sutherland (1) in quick succession towards the end, Delhi cruised home without much trouble.
Earlier, Gujarat Giants endured a horrific start, crumbling to 60/6 by the halfway mark. The Delhi Capitals' pace trio of Marizanne Kapp (2/17), Shikha Pandey (2/18), and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/annabel-sutherland">Annabel Sutherland</a> (2/20) ripped through the top order, leaving Gujarat reeling in the powerplay.
Kapp set the tone by dismissing Harleen Deol (5) and trapping Phoebe Litchfield (0) leg-before. Pandey then struck twice in the fourth over, removing Beth Mooney (10) and Kashvee Gautam (0) in quick succession, both caught in the deep.
Titas Sadhu (1/15) added to Gujarat&rsquo;s misery, dismissing skipper Ashleigh Gardner (3), while Sutherland ended Deandra Dottin&rsquo;s brief resistance at 26.
Batting at No. 8, Bharti Fulmali fought back with an unbeaten 40 off 29 balls, hitting two sixes and four fours to drag Gujarat past 125. However, the lack of partnerships meant they never looked set for a competitive total.
With a well-rounded performance, Delhi Capitals reaffirmed their status as title contenders. While their bowling unit dismantled Gujarat&rsquo;s batting, their chase was executed with authority. Despite some late wickets, they never looked in danger.
The Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, remain under pressure, needing a turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Cricket, Sports: With this victory, Delhi moved to the top of the points table with three wins in five matches, though their net run rate remained negative (-0.223).

Delhi Capitals delivered a clinical performance to outclass Gujarat Giants by six wickets in a one-sided Women’s Premier League (WPL) encounter on Tuesday. Shafali Verma’s explosive 44 off 27 balls and Jess Jonassen’s unbeaten 61 off 32 powered Delhi to a comfortable chase of 128 in just 15.1 overs. With this victory, Delhi moved to the top of the points table with three wins in five matches, though their net run rate remained negative (-0.223). After Gujarat Giants posted a modest 127/9, Delhi lost captain Meg Lanning early for just 3. However, Shafali and Jonassen took charge with an aggressive 74-run stand for the second wicket. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Over 100 Pakistani policemen dismissed for refusing duty Shafali was at her destructive best, smashing five fours and three sixes before being trapped leg-before by Ashleigh Gardner. Jonassen, however, ensured there were no hiccups, playing a brilliant counter-attacking knock laced with nine boundaries and two sixes. Her first half-century of the season sealed a dominant win for Delhi. Despite losing Jemimah Rodrigues (5) and Annabel Sutherland (1) in quick succession towards the end, Delhi cruised home without much trouble. Earlier, Gujarat Giants endured a horrific start, crumbling to 60/6 by the halfway mark. The Delhi Capitals' pace trio of Marizanne Kapp (2/17), Shikha Pandey (2/18), and Annabel Sutherland (2/20) ripped through the top order, leaving Gujarat reeling in the powerplay. Kapp set the tone by dismissing Harleen Deol (5) and trapping Phoebe Litchfield (0) leg-before. Pandey then struck twice in the fourth over, removing Beth Mooney (10) and Kashvee Gautam (0) in quick succession, both caught in the deep. Titas Sadhu (1/15) added to Gujarat’s misery, dismissing skipper Ashleigh Gardner (3), while Sutherland ended Deandra Dottin’s brief resistance at 26. Batting at No. 8, Bharti Fulmali fought back with an unbeaten 40 off 29 balls, hitting two sixes and four fours to drag Gujarat past 125. However, the lack of partnerships meant they never looked set for a competitive total. With a well-rounded performance, Delhi Capitals reaffirmed their status as title contenders. While their bowling unit dismantled Gujarat’s batting, their chase was executed with authority. Despite some late wickets, they never looked in danger. The Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, remain under pressure, needing a turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.

WPL 2025: All-round Delhi Capitals thrash Gujarat Giants by six wickets

Chinelle Henry's (62) record-equalling half-century and four wickets each for Kranti Goud and Grace Harris gave UP Warriorz their maiden win in the third edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> as they beat Delhi Capitals by 33 runs here on Saturday.
UP-W came roaring back into the contest riding on Henry's excellent 23-ball 62, studded with eight sixes and two fours, to set a 178-run target for the Delhi side.
Henry etched her name in the record books in the first half when she hit an 18-ball fifty to register the joint-fastest fifty in WPL history in terms of balls faced, joining Sophia Dunkley who recorded the feat in 2023 edition for Gujarat Giants against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The unheralded Goud then broke the back of Delhi Capitals' chase as they could only manage 144 in 19.3 overs.&nbsp;The 21-year-old uncapped Goud accounted for DC's top-order &mdash; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shafali-verma">Shafali Verma</a> (24), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/meg-lanning">Meg Lanning</a> (5), Jemimah Rodrigues (56) &mdash; and later on Jess Jonassen (5) to return 4-0-25-4.
In their previous meet, Delhi had clinched a commanding seven-wicket win a few days ago but to their credit, UPW produced an all-round performance to record their maiden win in the competition.
The victory lifted UP Warriorz from the bottom of the points table as they moved one place above to get to the fourth. They now have two points from three matches after one win and two defeats.
On the other hand, Lannings' Delhi remained third with four points in as many games. DC have won two and lost as many so far this season.&nbsp;Delhi were in trouble when Lanning was cleaned up by Goud in the fifth over and Verma failed to push on despite a positive start, making 24 off 30 balls with four fours.
For Delhi, India batter Rodrigues waged a lone battle of sorts to make a fine 56 off 35 balls with eight fours and a six but her effort went in vain.&nbsp;After their top-order flopped, Delhi's strong middle-order also could not make a dent when their overseas trio of Marizanne Kapp (9), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/annabel-sutherland">Annabel Sutherland</a> (5) and Jess Jonassen (5) fell in quick succession.
Earlier, West Indies' Henry struck eight sixes and two fours in her 23-ball 62 and provided a much-needed impetus to UPW, who were limping at one stage at 91 for six after 14 overs.&nbsp;The right-handed Caribbean batter struck three sixes in Arundhati Reddy's penultimate over of the innings to bring up her fifty in only 18 balls.
Henry's whirlwind knock at No. 8 lifted UP Warriorz out of doldrums as they were facing the risk of being restricted for a moderate total after each of their specialist batters had flopped.
Brief scores: UP Warriorz: 177/9 in 20 overs (Tahlia McGrath 24, Chinelle Henry 62; Marizanne Kapp 2/18, Arundhati Reddy 2/52, Jess Jonassen 4/31) beat Delhi Capitals: 144 all out in 19.3 overs (Shafali Verma 24, Jemimah Rodrigues 56; Kranti Goud 4/25, Grace Harris 4/15) by 33 runs.

Sports, Cricket: UP-W came roaring back into the contest riding on Henry's excellent 23-ball 62, studded with eight sixes and two fours, to set a 178-run target for the Delhi side

Chinelle Henry's (62) record-equalling half-century and four wickets each for Kranti Goud and Grace Harris gave UP Warriorz their maiden win in the third edition of the Women's Premier League as they beat Delhi Capitals by 33 runs here on Saturday. UP-W came roaring back into the contest riding on Henry's excellent 23-ball 62, studded with eight sixes and two fours, to set a 178-run target for the Delhi side. Henry etched her name in the record books in the first half when she hit an 18-ball fifty to register the joint-fastest fifty in WPL history in terms of balls faced, joining Sophia Dunkley who recorded the feat in 2023 edition for Gujarat Giants against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The unheralded Goud then broke the back of Delhi Capitals' chase as they could only manage 144 in 19.3 overs. The 21-year-old uncapped Goud accounted for DC's top-order — Shafali Verma (24), Meg Lanning (5), Jemimah Rodrigues (56) — and later on Jess Jonassen (5) to return 4-0-25-4. In their previous meet, Delhi had clinched a commanding seven-wicket win a few days ago but to their credit, UPW produced an all-round performance to record their maiden win in the competition. The victory lifted UP Warriorz from the bottom of the points table as they moved one place above to get to the fourth. They now have two points from three matches after one win and two defeats. On the other hand, Lannings' Delhi remained third with four points in as many games. DC have won two and lost as many so far this season. Delhi were in trouble when Lanning was cleaned up by Goud in the fifth over and Verma failed to push on despite a positive start, making 24 off 30 balls with four fours. For Delhi, India batter Rodrigues waged a lone battle of sorts to make a fine 56 off 35 balls with eight fours and a six but her effort went in vain. After their top-order flopped, Delhi's strong middle-order also could not make a dent when their overseas trio of Marizanne Kapp (9), Annabel Sutherland (5) and Jess Jonassen (5) fell in quick succession. Earlier, West Indies' Henry struck eight sixes and two fours in her 23-ball 62 and provided a much-needed impetus to UPW, who were limping at one stage at 91 for six after 14 overs. The right-handed Caribbean batter struck three sixes in Arundhati Reddy's penultimate over of the innings to bring up her fifty in only 18 balls. Henry's whirlwind knock at No. 8 lifted UP Warriorz out of doldrums as they were facing the risk of being restricted for a moderate total after each of their specialist batters had flopped. Brief scores: UP Warriorz: 177/9 in 20 overs (Tahlia McGrath 24, Chinelle Henry 62; Marizanne Kapp 2/18, Arundhati Reddy 2/52, Jess Jonassen 4/31) beat Delhi Capitals: 144 all out in 19.3 overs (Shafali Verma 24, Jemimah Rodrigues 56; Kranti Goud 4/25, Grace Harris 4/15) by 33 runs.

WPL 2025: Henry, Goud give UP Warriorz maiden win of season, beat Delhi Capitals

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