Earlier in the year, the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League took the cricketing fraternity by storm, and one of the most dynamic outfits was the UP Warriorz, which is owned by Capri Sports, a Capri Global brand.
Led by the talismanic Alyssa Healy in the first season of the WPL, the UP Warriorz finished third, and will be looking to improve on that in the second season. With that in mind, the Jon Lewis coached team have announced the list of players they will be retaining for the upcoming season.
The UP Warriorz have retained their core group and have decided to hold on to the services of 5 of their overseas players, while the South African ace pacer Shabnim Ismail has been released. Also released from the squad are Devika Vaidya, Simran Shaikh and Shivali Shinde.
Players Retained:
Alyssa Healy (Overseas)
Deepti Sharma
Tahlia Mcgrath (Overseas)
Shweta Sehrawat
Grace Harris (Overseas)
Kiran Navgire
Sophie Ecclestone (Overseas)
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Laxmi Yadav
Anjali Sarvani
Parshavi Chopra
S Yashashri
Lauren Bell (Overseas)
Reflecting on the decision, coach Jon Lewis said, "At UP Warriorz, we are really excited about retaining the core of our team that got us to the playoffs of the WPL last year. In all team sport turnover of personnel is imperative. We value the contributions and efforts of all our players and wish them all the best for the forthcoming seasons. It will be a tougher challenge in WPL 2024 and we are all looking forward to taking up that challenge."
"We are pleased to have retained a majority of our squad. There is a good blend of experience and the exuberance of youth. We trust them to build upon the success of Season 1 and as a team we aim to play a brand of Cricket that inspires the next generation. I am confident that the team will do everything in its capacity to ensure that happens," said Kshemal Waingankar, COO, UP Warriorz.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the Indian Women's Cricket team squad for the upcoming England tour starting June 28th, 2025.
The Women in Blue will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the England Women's Cricket team.
Harmanpreet Kaur was named the captain of the both squads. Meantime, Smriti Mandhana was named the vice captain of the team.
Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare are a few of the new names in the squad who were not part of the Tri-Nation series-winning squad for India. Shafali Verma returned to the T20I squad after missing out for a few months due to being off form.
Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs South Africa Women's ODI Match Report | India storms into final with a phenomenal victory
India secured a spectacular victory against South Africa by 23 runs in the fifth match of Women's ODI Tri-series 2025 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. This made India reach 6 points to end at the top of points table and guarantee their place in the final.
India won by 23 runs in their second encounter with South Africa in Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025. With a spectacular century from Jemimah Rodrigues and two half centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, India posted a huge total of 337 runs, batting first.
They comfortably defended their total in the second innings, restricting South Africa to only 314 runs with a fall of 7 wickets. Amanjot Kaur played a key role in India's bowling attack by taking crucial wickets that helped in collapsing South Africa’s top-order.
India's batting supremacy in the first innings
Jemimah Rodrigues celebrates her second ODI century in the Tri-series match against SA-W. Image | ESPNcricinfo
India lost the toss and were put to bat first, which did not seem to bother them, as the batters completely owned the first inning. Their batting line-up dominated the entire inning till the very last ball. Even though Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol did not have any luck with the bat today, Smriti Mandhana, on the other hand, gave a steady start to the team.
The queen of consistency, Smriti, scored a much-needed 51 off 63 balls, accompanied by a stunning cameo from Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 28 runs from 20 balls. The real game changer was Jemimah Rodrigues and her spectacular knock of 123 from 101 balls which led the foundation for India towards a defendable total.
Then came another sensational knock from Deepti Sharma, who scored a classy 93 runs (from 84 balls) and played beautifully till the last over.
A series of powerful batting performances, with blazing boundaries and a solid start led India to this commendable total of 337 runs, which nearly seemed impossible after the fall of early wickets.
Deepti Sharma celebrating the dismissal of Chloe Tryon in the 49th over. Image | ESPNcricinfo
India made two changes ahead of the game, by handing debut to the left arm spinner, Shuchi Upadhyay, and bringing back Amanjot Kaur in the playing XI. The changes were in the favour of India, especially with Amanjot Kaur’s three-wicket haul.
Kaur picked up three crucial wickets by dismissing the opening pair with an economy less than 7. The early breakthrough was important as Lara Goodall and Tazmin Brits are the key batters and their partnership build-up could have been a trouble for India in the later stage. She also took the game-changer wicket of Annerie Dercksen in the 46th over, who was explosively taking the asking rate down with her batting.
Other players like Deepti Sharma picked 2 major wickets by bowling a tight line and length, and restricting the run-flow. Sree Charani and Pratika Rawal also took a wicket each.
South Africa’s chase in a must-win scenario
Annerie Dercksen during her knock of 81 runs from 80 balls. Image | Instagram
South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, did not play in today's match, and as a result, Chloe Tryon was handed the captaincy. SA failed to hold momentum in the game, despite great efforts from Annerie Dercksen, who scored 81 runs off 80 balls.
Even though they managed to take up 9 wickets in the first innings, the bowling unit was overall expensive today. Having a target of 338 runs on board required a good start in the second innings which completely fell short. The fall of early wickets led to top-order collapse, causing difficulties in building long-term partnerships.
The 72-runs partnership between Dercksen and Chloe Tryon, and the 67 runs (from 43 balls) knock from the skipper kept them alive in the game, but Indian bowlers sealed the victory towards the end.
India seals final spot after today's victory, South Africa’s journey ends
India secured their place in the Tri-Nation ODI series final with 3 wins out of 4 matches (6 points total). They will face Sri Lanka in the finals on 11th May, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
As for South Africa, another loss today led them to zero points after 3 matches. They will face Sri Lanka in their last match of this series, and winning that will get them to a maximum of 2 points. Therefore, today's match result confirmed South Africa’s Tri-series exit.
Score Summary
IND-W: 337/9 (50) | Jemimah Rodrigues 123; N. de Klerk 9-54-2
Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs South Africa Women's ODI Match Report | The Indian team march victories over the South Africans in a thrilling cricket match
India defeated South Africa by 15 runs in the second match of the Tri-Nation ODI series as they defended an imposing total, powered by a superb 78 from Pratika Rawal and solid contributions from the top 5.
India continue their winning run in the Tri-Nation Women's ODI series by defeating South Africa by 15 runs. After posting a daunting total of 276, with a stand out performance from Pratika Rawal scoring 78 of 91 balls, the South Africans came out with intent in the second half.
Tazmin Britz's century gave real hope to the South Africans, but she had to retire hurt due to cramps. The Indian team took crucial wickets during key moments and turned the match in their favor.
India set a strong total with a team effort
Smriti Mandhana(left) and Pratika Rawal(right) giving a good start to India's innings. Image | Outlook
India posted a strong total, thanks to a brilliant 78 from Pratika Rawal, who became the fastest to reach 500 ODI runs in women's cricket. Both Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues scored 41 runs pushing the total to 276.
For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout bowler with two wickets. Most of the others took one each, except Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon. However, Annerie Dercksen was quite expensive with the ball, which may have made the difference in the end.
South Africa starts strong but suffers setbacks
Chasing a big target, South Africa's openers came out firing, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers from the start. They made the most of the powerplay and built a strong 140-run stand, putting their team in a good position.
Laura Wolvaardt got a good start before getting out, while Tazmin Brits was in great form, scoring a brilliant century with ease. She got good support from Sune Luus for a while, but Luus’s dismissal came at a tough moment. Things got worse when Brits had to retire hurt due to cramps, with about 100 runs still needed.
The turning point
Sneh Rana(right) celebrating her wicket in the match. Image | Jagran English
That moment Brits retired hurt was the turning point of the match as India took full advantage by taking key wickets. Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen tried to keep South Africa in the game with some big hits. But things changed completely in the 48th over when Sneh Rana dismissed both batters and also removed Tazmin Brits, who had returned.
Rana finished with a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, and Deepti Sharmatook one wicket each.
South Africa, despite being in control for most of the chase, lost their last six wickets for just 21 runs and fell short by 15 runs in a match they seemed set to win.
Sneh Rana was named the Player of the Match for her fantastic fifer. She said she focused on using variations and taking the pace off the ball, just like her captain and the team had advised.
She added that she never gives up and always tries to give her best whenever the team needs her.
India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the team gave their 100% from the very first ball. She highlighted fielding as the key difference, saying they saved at least 20 runs.
She ended by saying she’s very happy with the bowlers, who gave everything to help secure the win.
Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI Match Report | Dominant India registers easy victory on Sri Lankan soil
India defeated Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the rain-affected opening match of the Tri-Nation ODI series with stellar bowling and batting performances, including a half-century from Pratika Rawal and valuable knocks from Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol.
India started the Tri-Nation Women's ODI series with a winning note as they defeated the host Sri Lanka by 9 wickets. India chased down Sri Lanka's 148-run target with 56 balls remaining in the match after Indian spinners dominated the Sri Lankan batters in the first innings.
The match was initially interrupted by rain which resulted in the loss of overs, reducing to 39 overs a side. Indian announced their arrival with an impressively controlled victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium stadium, Colombo.
Indian spinners dominated the game from the start
The Sri Lankan team, batting first, struggled to build partnership and were bowled out for 147 in 38.1 overs. Indian bowlers dominated the entire first inning with Arundhati Reddy dismissing the Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and getting an early wicket for the team. It followed by an exceptional bowling performance leading to a constant flow of wickets, which completely shattered Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.
Sneh Rana during her 3-wicket haul in the first match of Tri-Nation ODI Series IND-W vs SL-W. Image | Instagram
Sneh Rana was a star performer, who took 3 crucial wickets for India, with Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani taking 2 wickets each. Additionally, the on-field efforts of the Indian team was commendable in today's match.
During the second inning, India started off comfortably with the bat, without trying to rush things out. The opening pair, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, formed a partnership of 54 runs for the first wicket. Smriti Mandhana missed out on her 31st ODI half-century and was dismissed at 43 (off 46 balls).
Harleen Deol came to bat next and played composed cricket, scoring 48 runs from 71 balls. Sri Lanka failed to take more wickets, and Harleen Deol sealed the win for India with her exceptional half-century from 62 balls.
Both teams fielded 2 debutants
Sree Charani and Kashvee Gautam before their debut for India in the ODI Tri-series against Sri Lanka. Image | Instagram
Kashvee Gautam (22-year-old), who impressed the fans with her bowling for Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2025, along with the star of Delhi Capitals, Sree Charani (20-year-old), made their Internationaldebut for India in this match. Charani picked up 2 wickets with an economy of 3.25 in today's match.
Sri Lanka also handed debuts to Malki Madara and Piumi Badalge.
India's shield-like batting power
Pratika Rawal and Harleen Kaur during their partnership of 87 runs from 119 balls against Sri Lanka. Image | Instagram
The Indian batters showcased an amazing quality of batting in this format. Smriti Mandhana, along with Pratika Rawal, provided a good start in the initial overs. They kept the flow of runs going with their bat. Smriti departed at 43 (from 46 balls) while trying to loft the ball over the bowler (Inoka Ranaweera), and wasn't lucky enough to make it through.
Harleen Deol stepped in after the wicket and made no mistakes, adding 48 runs off 71 balls from her bat. Pratika Rawal scored 50 off 62 balls, putting the winning runs on the board for India.
It felt like Indian batters were quite difficult to get out and stood up like solid walls, without losing their wickets.
Steady headstart for India
India's win has lift up the team's spirit and confidence to another level. This was also a glimpse of the solid form and composure that the players hold in this Tri-series squad.
In today's match, each bowler had an economy below 5, and the batters were incredible in chasing down the total, without losing many wickets.
The challenge ahead for Sri Lanka
This defeat against India serves as a reminder for Sri Lanka to assess and improve their shortcomings. They failed to build partnership throughout the game, which led to a low total on the board. Hasini Perera's 30 from 46 balls was the highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in this match.
Immediate Reflections and Long-term Goals
This being the ODI World Cup year, the immediate reflections for both the teams would be to shape their strategies, set grounds and make effective adjustments with the stage of the Tri-Nation ODI series among India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
Deandra Dottin's iconic century off 38 balls is the fastest in the history of Women's T20Is. Here are the phenomenal top 10 fastest centuries in women's T20Is.
Centuries in T20Is are a treat to watch. Over the years, some incredible cricketing talents across the globe have set the bar high with their records. This article celebrates the art of power-hitting by logging the top 10 fastest centuries in Women's cricket.
Check out the Top 10s that left the fans and bowlers amazed in the competitive T20 format.
10. Hayley Matthews | (53 balls) vs Australia, 2023
Hayley Matthews celebrating her fastest T20 century against Australia in 2023. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The West Indies captain Hayley Matthews scored a crucial ton in their record-breaking run chase against Australia. She is known for excelling in the T20 format. They succeeded in defeating Australia on their home soil with the help of this knock in 2023.
Matthews has scored 2 centuries in T20Is so far. It took her only 53 balls for this, which makes it one of the fastest centuries in Women's cricket.
9. Meg Lanning | (53 balls) vs Ireland, 2014
Meg Lanning, the former Australian captain, holds the ninth position with her timeless century against Ireland in the Women's T20 World Cup, 2014. Lanning is one of the finest cricketers of all time, with seven World Cup titles under her name.
She scored 125 runs off 65 balls in this innings and was also the top run-scorer of the tournament.
The former captain of the Nepal Women's Team, Rubina Chhetry, scored a record-breaking century in a match of ACC Women's Premier Cup against Maldives in 2024. She hit 10 fours and 5 sixes, leading the team to a total of 227 runs on the board.
Her century off 52 balls paved the way to achieve one of the highest totals of Women's T20Is by an Asian country.
7. Danni Wyatt-Hodge | (52 balls) vs India, 2018
Danni Wyatt-Hodge after her record-breaking ton against India in 2018. Image | BBC
The attacking opener of England Women's Team, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, scored a magnificent century from just 52 balls against India in 2018. She’s widely known for her composed batting style in this format, providing a headstart to the team.
Wyatt helped England reach the milestone of one of the highest successful run chases in the history of Women's T20Is with her vital knock.
This is yet another ton from the Australian legend that became one of the fastest centuries in women's cricket, making her appear on the list twice. She took 53 balls to score the century, and was also unbeaten in the inning.
Lanning also holds the record for most centuries in Women's ODIs, which says a lot about her exceptional abilities.
5. Fargana Hoque | (51 balls) vs Maldives, 2019
Fargana Hoque celebrating her maiden T20 century off 51 balls against Maldives. Image | Sports Tak
Fargana Hoque, the right-handed Bangladeshi batter scored her maiden T20 century off 51 balls in 2019, which was fastest in a lot. With this remarkable century against Maldives, Hoque became the second woman from Bangladesh to score a T20 century.
4. Harmanpreet Kaur | (49 balls) vs New Zealand, 2018
Harmanpreet Kaur, the current Indian captain, secured the fourth position with her maiden T20 century in 2018. She scored this off just 49 balls during the ICC Women's World T20, against New Zealand.
Kaur showcased some fearless cricketing class and became the first Indian woman to score a century in a T20 International.
3. Tamsin Beaumont | (47 balls) vs South Africa, 2018
Tamsin Beaumont, the right-handed English batter, scored an impressive century off 47 balls against South Africa in 2018. She is known for her ability to score runs in all cricketing formats and noteworthy fielding.
2. Alyssa Healy | (46 balls) vs Sri Lanka, 2019
The current Australian captain, Alyssa Healy, scored her maiden T20 century off 46 balls against Sri Lanka in 2019. In this inning, she played a spectacular knock of 148* from 61 balls, which is the highest individual score in women's T20Is by an Australian.
This performance brings her to the second position in the table of fastest centuries in Women's cricket of all time.
1. Deandra Dottin | (38 balls) vs South Africa, 2010
Deandra Dottin smashing the fastest century in the history of Women's T20Is in 2010. Image | Associated press
As we come down to the final name, Deandra Dottin’s extraordinary century off 38 balls is the long-standing record that has remained in the no. 1 rank for over a decade. This West Indies all-rounder scored her groundbreaking maiden century against South Africa in 2010.
Dottin is the first woman to score a century in the history of T20 cricket. She is widely recognised for her explosive batting power and has set an unforgettable benchmark worldwide.