WPL 2025: Ekana Stadium Set to Host Third Phase with UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Opener

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium will commence the third phase of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, which begins on the 3rd of March. Indeed, this falls among the very historic events for this competition because in 2023, for the first time, the UP Warriorz will host this stadium. It was owned in the later stages of its life by the Indian National Team and Lucknow Super Giants, a franchise of the Indian Premier League/IPL.

A Historic Moment for WPL 2025

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Ekana Stadium will be one of the major venues for the WPL 2025. The stadium, from March 3-8, will see an action-packed four matches that will witness UP Warriorz ina  major battle against the likes of Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Match Schedule at Ekana Stadium

March 3: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants (Opening match at Ekana Stadium)

March 5: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians

March 7: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants (Reverse fixture)

March 8: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Weather Conditions & Playing Factors

Days will see a temperature range of 26°C and 30°C, while nights will see temperatures range between 13 to 16°C during matches at Lucknow. Although rain is not predicted, dew could prove to be a significant element during evening matches and tip the competition in favor of the chasing side.

Pitch Report: A Bowling-Friendly Venue

This place has never favored the batsmen alone. For example, the very famous Mumbai Wankhede Stadium, where everyone makes runs, Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium has always been known to capture the minds of bowlers-eager beater. Its surface has variable bounce and turn, which becomes challenging to score, especially in the middle overs.

The Ekana Stadium, having mixed fortunes in the IPL, will make for fascinating viewing in the WPL 2025. In the end, it will come down to the teams that can adjust to the slower conditions and plan their bowling accordingly.

Notable Women’s T20I Records at Ekana Stadium

• March 21, 2021: In an interesting clash, South Africa Women scored 159 runs with 4 wickets intact as they defeated India Women at 158.
• March 20, 2021: South Africa Women scored 133 runs, while India Women could score only 130 runs, thus registering a third successive win for South Africa Women.
• March 23 2021: India Women completed their 112-run chase against South Africa with a comfortable score of 114 runs in under 11 overs.

Key Players to Watch

• UP Warriorz: Alyssa Healy (captain), Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Shweta Sehrawat. 
• Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (captain), Ashleigh Gardner, Harleen Deol, and Sneh Rana. 

Different venues bring different qualities of batting and bowling, but what matters is if they would adjust to the surface of Lucknow well.

WPL Match Prediction for UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants

Keeping the conditions and strengths of the two teams in mind, UP Warriorz looks a better bet when it comes to a balanced squad and home advantage. Gujarat Giants can pose some serious threats with their explosive batting and excellent all-rounders, too.

Conclusion

With the ever-increasing stature of WPL 2025, this year, the venue expanding to more host sites, such as Ekana Stadium, adds to the reach in providing top-notch cricket action to fans. Each emerges in matches; the trend of WPL match prediction will play a significant role in assessing which teams are adapting better to the conditions. Excitement awaits before Tata WPL 2025 as players and fans gear up for some exceptional contests at the historic grounds of Lucknow.

FAQs

1. In Ekana Stadium, how many matches will take place within the remaining WPL 2025 terms?

Four matches will take place during this time at Ekana Stadium from March 3 to 8, including the UP Warriorz matches against the Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

 

2. What will be the pitch conditions at the Ekana Stadium for WPL 2025?

The pitch at Ekana Stadium is very favorable for spinners and slower bowlers; it is not quite batter-friendly, and therefore, lower scores might not be unusual. 

 

3. Will dew play a part in the matches at Ekana Stadium?

Yes, dew is possible, especially in evening matches, which makes it favorable for teams that chase.

 

4. Who has the best squad overall at Ekana Stadium?

The squad of UP Warriorz looks balanced for those conditions, with Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma, and Sophie Ecclestone adding to the team.

 

5. So, can the Gujarat Giants defeat the UP Warriorz at Ekana Stadium?

Though UP Warriorz is considered a home team, star hitters like Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner from the Gujarat Giants will be effective in turning the tables in favor of the Giants.