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The third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will kick off on February 14, 2025, with a blockbuster opening clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Giants (GG). This high-intensity encounter at the BCA Stadium in Baroda will set the stage for an electrifying season, as both teams look to establish early momentum in the competition.
Rise of mammoth totals in the Women’s Premier League
The WPL has quickly evolved into a high-scoring tournament, with teams regularly posting mammoth totals. In its first two seasons, teams crossed the 200-run mark multiple times, showcasing the aggressive approach adopted by batters. WPL Season 3 is expected to continue this trend, with players refining their power-hitting skills and adapting innovative stroke play. The quality of pitches and shorter boundaries have further fueled the rise in big totals, making matches more entertaining. With top international stars and emerging talents competing, the WPL remains a platform for record-breaking performances.
Top 5 highest totals in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history
1. Delhi Capitals’ record-breaking 223/2 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru
During the 2023 season, Delhi Capitals (DC) set a massive target of 224 runs, posting an impressive 223/2 in their allotted 20 overs. This total was built on solid contributions across the board, including a key partnership that accelerated in the latter stages. The total was achieved at an impressive rate of 11.15 runs per over. RCB, who were set the target, could only manage 163/8 in reply, losing by 60 runs. The match also saw a remarkable performance from Tara Norris, who was named Player of the Match for her brilliant 5/29, which helped restrict RCB’s chase. DC’s dominance in this match set the tone for the tournament, showcasing their batting depth and overall team strength.
2. Delhi Capitals’ consistent dominance with 211/4 against UP Warriorz
On March 7, 2023, DC set another commanding total of 211/4 against UP Warriorz, achieving a run rate of 10.55 runs per over. This total proved to be challenging for UP, despite their strong batting lineup. DC’s innings featured explosive contributions from the middle order, with key partnerships that accelerated the scoring towards the end. Jess Jonassen’s all-round performance, where she scored a quickfire 42 not out off 20 balls and also took 3/43 with the ball, earned her the Player of the Match award. DC’s comprehensive performance with both bat and ball saw them secure a 42-run victory. This match further solidified DC’s reputation as one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Also READ: Top 5 leading run scorers in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history ft. Ellyse Perry
3. Mumbai Indians’ explosive 207/5 to thrash Gujarat Giants by 143 Runs
During the 2023 season match, Mumbai Indians (MI) put up an imposing total of 207/5 against Gujarat. The total was achieved at a run rate of 10.35 per over, which was challenging in the context of the match. Harmanpreet Kaur was the star with the bat, scoring a quick 65 off 30 balls, setting the foundation for MI’s imposing total. Gujarat, in response, were skittled out for just 64 runs in 15.1 overs, with MI Women winning by a massive 143 runs. This huge victory highlighted MI’s batting firepower and their ability to dominate both ends of the game, with a strong performance in the field backing up their batting efforts.
4. Gujarat Giants’ strong 201/7 set up 11-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Gujarat posted 201/7 against RCB Women on March 8, 2023, with a solid run rate of 10.05 per over. Despite a mid-innings slump, the late surge by the batting lineup took Gujarat to a competitive total. The innings was anchored by Sophia Dunkley, who scored a fiery 65 off 28 balls, playing a key role in their score. RCB, in reply, managed to score 190/6 in 20 overs, falling short by 11 runs. GG Women’s ability to score heavily in the latter stages of their innings proved crucial, and Dunkley’s explosive knock earned her the Player of the Match award. Gujarat’s win in this high-scoring encounter demonstrated their capability to chase big totals.
5. Gujarat Giants’ 199/5 lead to a 19-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024
In the 2024 season, Gujarat set a challenging target of 200, scoring 199/5 against RCB on March 6, 2024. This total was achieved at a steady rate of 9.95 runs per over, with key contributions coming from Beth Mooney, who top-scored with an unbeaten 85 off 51 balls. Mooney’s knock was the highlight of Gujarat’s innings, providing a strong foundation for their team. RCB Women, chasing 200, could only manage 180/8 in their 20 overs, losing by 19 runs. Mooney was named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings, and Gujarat’s victory showcased their depth in batting and their ability to finish strong in high-pressure situations.
Also READ: Women’s Premier League: Complete schedule for WPL 2025; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle Gujarat Giants in the opener
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.