The Gujarat Giants have won the toss and elected to field first in a high-stakes clash against the table-topping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium.
With RCB currently on a dominant four-game winning streak, Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner is looking to use the fresh pitch to break the leaders’ momentum.
Giants Shuffle the Pack: Anushka Returns, Debut for Kumari
The Gujarat Giants have made two notable changes to their lineup in pursuit of their third win of the season:
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Anushka Sharma Returns: After missing the last two fixtures due to injury, the key allrounder returns to bolster the middle order.
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Fresh Blood: 18-year-old medium-pacer Happy Kumari has been handed her WPL debut, replacing Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
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Outgoing: Shivani Singh also makes way as the Giants look for a more balanced bowling attack.
RCB Stick to the Winning Formula
On the other side, Smriti Mandhana’s RCB remains unchanged. Following a clinical performance against Delhi Capitals, the Bengaluru squad is brimming with confidence. Having already defeated the Giants by 32 runs earlier this season, RCB aims to solidify their spot at the summit of the table, where they currently boast a formidable +1.600 net run rate.
Pitch Report: A Batter’s Paradise?
According to former India legend Mithali Raj, the surface at Kotambi Stadium is a “hard wicket” that promises plenty of runs.
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For the Bowlers: Pacers can expect healthy bounce, though spinners might find little assistance.
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The X-Factor: The presence of dew later in the evening influenced Gardner’s decision to bowl first, as chasing might become easier under lights.
Confirmed Playing XIs
| Gujarat Giants |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Beth Mooney (wk) |
Grace Harris |
| Sophie Devine |
Smriti Mandhana (capt) |
| Anushka Sharma |
Georgia Voll |
| Ashleigh Gardner (capt) |
Gautami Naik |
| Georgia Wareham |
Richa Ghosh (wk) |
| Kanika Ahuja |
Radha Yadav |
| Bharti Fulmali |
Nadine de Klerk |
| Kashvee Gautam |
Sayali Satghare |
| Tanuja Kanwar |
Shreyanka Patil |
| Happy Kumari (Debut) |
Prema Rawat |
| Renuka Singh |
Lauren Bell |
