Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium is an important venue for T20 cricket, hosting IPL, international matches, and now WPL 2025. The pitch favors spinners and slows down as the match goes on, making it harder to play big shots later.
In Women’s T20Is, teams batting second have won every match. The pitch helps spinners in the second innings, so batters must play carefully and build their innings. However, IPL matches here have seen high scores, meaning WPL 2025 could bring a mix of challenges for both batters and bowlers.
This pitch report will explain how the surface behaves, the role of weather, the best batting plans, and the bowlers who can shine. Let’s get started!
BRSABV Ekana Stadium Overview
| Name | BRSABV Ekana Stadium |
|---|---|
| Location | Lucknow, India |
| Established | 2017 |
| Capacity | 50,000 |
| Pitch Type | Spin-friendly, slows down |
| Avg 1st Inns (W-T20I) | 133 |
| Avg 2nd Inns (W-T20I) | 135 |
| Highest W-T20I Total | 159/4 (SA Women, 2021) |
| Most Runs (W-T20I) | Shafali Verma – 130 runs |
| Best Bowling (W-T20I) | Rajeshwari Gayakwad – 3/9 |
| Highest IPL Total | 235/6 (KKR, 2024) |
| IPL Bat 1st Win % | 50% (7/14 matches) |
Pitch-type batting or Bowling friendly?
The pitch at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium is generally spin-friendly, making life easier for slower bowlers, especially in Women’s T20 matches. It’s not the easiest surface for batting, but players who take their time can score well. While IPL games here have seen some high totals, WPL 2025 might favor spinners more due to slightly slower conditions.
How the Pitch Plays in Each Innings
1st Innings: Batting is easier early on, but the pitch slows down later. Teams batting first should aim for at least 150 to stay competitive.
2nd Innings: Chasing teams have dominated in Women’s T20Is, winning every match played here. However, as the game progresses, the ball grips more, making shot-making tougher in the final overs.
Average Scores at Ekana Stadium
- Women’s T20I 1st Innings Average: 133
- Women’s T20I 2nd Innings Average: 135
- Overall T20 1st Innings Average: 151
- Overall T20 2nd Innings Average: 126
With chasing teams having a strong record, captains winning the toss might prefer to bowl first.
Expected Weather Forecast
The weather in Lucknow during WPL 2025 is expected to be clear and warm, with minimal chances of rain. Evening matches might experience a drop in temperature, making conditions more comfortable for players. However, humidity levels could rise, leading to the possibility of dew in the second innings.
Impact of Dew & Toss on Match Outcome
Dew Factor: If dew sets in during the second innings, it will make bowling difficult, especially for spinners, as the ball becomes harder to grip. This could make chasing easier.
Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first, given the 100% win record for chasing sides in Women’s T20Is at this venue.
If there’s no dew, batting first and posting a total of around 150-160+ could be a winning strategy. Spinners will be key, especially if dew does not play a big role.
Considering the stats and conditions, the toss could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the match.
Which Type of Bowlers Will Be Effective?
Spinners (especially left-arm & wrist spinners) – The slow nature of the pitch at Ekana Stadium favors spinners, particularly in the second innings when the surface starts gripping. Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s 3/9 in Women’s T20Is at this venue highlights how effective spin can be.
Pace Bowlers with variations – Fast bowlers who rely on slower balls, cutters, and yorkers will have more success than those who depend on raw pace. The pitch doesn’t offer much for out-and-out fast bowlers.
Powerplay Pacers – New ball bowlers can get some movement early on, but they need to strike in the first few overs before the pitch slows down.
Ideal Batting Approach for Teams
First Innings Approach:
Steady Start: Since the pitch is not the easiest for stroke play, batters should avoid early risks and focus on building partnerships.
Target 150+: A score above 150 can be competitive, given the average first-innings score of 133 in Women’s T20Is.
Take Advantage of the Powerplay: The best scoring opportunities come in the first six overs before spinners dominate.
Chasing Strategy:
Rotate Strike Against Spinners: Since spinners will play a key role, batters must focus on strike rotation rather than boundary-hitting.
Use the Dew Factor (If Present): If dew sets in, batting will become easier, and aggressive stroke play can be effective.
Maintain Wickets for Death Overs: With the pitch slowing down, a well-set batter in the final overs can be the difference between winning and losing.
Final Thought
Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium has a spin-friendly pitch, where chasing teams have performed better in Women’s T20Is. The toss is crucial, as captains may prefer to bowl first due to dew. A target of 150+ is ideal for teams batting first, as the pitch slows down, making stroke play harder.
Batters should score quickly in the Powerplay, as spin becomes dominant later. In the middle overs, rotating strike is key since big shots are difficult.
Spinners, especially wrist spinners and left-arm bowlers, will be game-changers. The Pacers should use slower balls and cutters. Early wickets in the Powerplay can help defend totals.
Success in WPL 2025 will depend on smart batting, effective spin bowling, and adapting to conditions.
