RCB-Women Rewrite WPL History in Record-Breaking Chase
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) launched their Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 campaign with an extraordinary six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W), setting the tone with the highest-ever chase in WPL history. Played out at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, the thriller saw RCB-W overturn a mammoth target of 202 runs, achieved in just 18.3 overs with nine deliveries left to spare.
The match was initially dominated by the Gujarat Giants, who posted an impressive 201/5. Their attack was spearheaded by Ashleigh Gardner, whose fiery innings saw her rack up 79 runs off just 37 balls, featuring three fours and an incredible eight sixes. Her blistering performance matched the WPL record for most sixes in an innings. Alongside her, Beth Mooney played an equally vital role, anchoring the innings with 56 runs off 42 balls, comprising eight precise boundaries.
Key Players Dazzle in Remarkable Comeback
Despite the pressure from the Giants' formidable total, RCB-W showcased outstanding depth in their batting line-up. Ellyse Perry set the chase motion with a crucial innings, scoring 57 from 34 balls, her knock featuring five fours and two sixes. However, it was Richa Ghosh who stole the spotlight, delivering a knockout punch with her explosive innings. Scoring an unbeaten 64 from 27 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, Ghosh turned the game on its head. Her partnership with Kanika Ahuja, who remained not out on 30 off 13 balls, was the match-winning exploit. Together, they amassed a staggering 93-run stand from just 37 deliveries, taking RCB-W from a challenging position to victory.
The game saw its share of drama, particularly with fielding lapses from GG-W. Dropped chances, including a crucial missed opportunity to dismiss Ghosh, ultimately cost them the match. For her spectacular performance in leading RCB-W to such a historic win, Richa Ghosh was rightfully named Player of the Match.
The victory not only earned RCB-W two valuable points but also signaled their elite form right at the start of their WPL 2025 journey. Gujarat Giants, despite putting up a robust fight, were left to rue what might have been, starting their campaign without points. Both teams will surely be watched closely as the tournament unfolds, with fans eagerly anticipating how the rest of the WPL season will play out, especially after such a thrilling opening encounter.
