The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 exploded into action with the second match delivering a triple treat – the debuts of three incredibly talented players: Sanskriti Gupta and Niki Prasad for Mumbai Indians, and Sarah Bryce for Delhi Capitals. Their first appearance on February 15th, 2025, in a thrilling clash between these two giants, promised a bright future for the league.
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Sanskriti Gupta: Madhya Pradesh’s Spin Sensation
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At just 20 years old, Sanskriti Gupta, an off-spinner from Madhya Pradesh, is already making waves. Her List-A record is seriously impressive: 32 wickets and 197 runs at an average of 19.69! Her contribution to her team’s massive win against Bengal in the 2024 Senior One-Day Trophy cemented her reputation. While her T20 experience (8 matches, 5 wickets) is still developing, her inclusion in the star-studded Mumbai Indians lineup speaks volumes. She’s poised to play a key role alongside experienced spinners like Hayley Mathews, Saika Ishaque, and Amelia Kerr, adding a crucial spin dimension to the team’s playoff push.
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Niki Prasad: From U-19 World Cup Glory to WPL Stardom
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Niki Prasad, captain of the victorious U-19 World Cup team, brings a blend of youthful energy and championship experience to the WPL. Her domestic record across U-19, U-23, and senior List-A cricket (27 games) shows consistent performance. Although her T20 appearances are limited (4 matches), her List-A batting speaks for itself – a century and two fifties showcase her explosive potential. This WPL opportunity is the perfect platform to build on her World Cup success and transition into senior international cricket. Delhi Capitals will be hoping her high-pressure performance translates into consistent scores.
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Sarah Bryce: A Seasoned International Makes Her Mark
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Sarah Bryce, sister of Scotland international Kathryn Bryce, arrives in the WPL with a wealth of international experience. Her impressive List-A career boasts 40 matches, 1319 runs at an average of 35.64, including 10 fifties and a century. But that’s not all – her T20 prowess is equally impressive: 128 matches, 2243 runs at an average of 25.78, and 9 fifties, playing for top teams like the Oval Invincibles (The Hundred Women) and the Sydney Sixers (WBBL). Her wicket-keeping skills add further value to her already considerable talent. She’s only the third player from an associate nation to feature in the WPL, following in the footsteps of her sister and Tara Norris (USA), adding a truly global dimension to the league.
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The Ripple Effect of These Debuts
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The arrival of Gupta, Prasad, and Bryce immediately elevates the WPL’s competitiveness. Their diverse skill sets and backgrounds add a fascinating dynamic to the matches. The mix of rising stars and seasoned pros creates an exciting unpredictability that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Their performance will not only impact their teams but will inspire a new wave of aspiring female cricketers.
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A Bright Future for Women’s Cricket
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The second match of WPL 2025 was more than just a game; it was a showcase of talent, a launchpad for extraordinary careers. Sanskriti, Niki, and Sarah made their mark, adding to the growing excitement around women’s cricket and the WPL. Their journey is only just beginning, and their impact on the league and the wider world of cricket is sure to be significant.