The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 began with a thrilling showdown as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off the tournament’s largest successful chase. With sheer power and strategic gameplay, Richa Ghosh delivered a stunning 64 off just 27 balls to propel RCB past Gujarat Giants’ formidable total of 202. The record-breaking chase, completed with nine balls to spare, embodied RCB’s “#PlayBold” philosophy in its truest form.
Ghosh’s Match-Winning Brilliance
At just 21, Richa Ghosh showcased her ability to dominate under pressure, reaffirming why she is a key asset for both RCB and Indian women’s cricket. Walking in when RCB needed 93 from 46 balls with six wickets remaining, Ghosh initially played cautiously. She scored 15 runs off her first 12 balls, surviving an early dropped catch. But once she settled, her assault on the opposition was relentless.
Her innings reached a turning point in the 16th over against Ash Gardner, Gujarat Giants’ standout performer of the night. Prior to that over, RCB had only a 12.66% chance of victory. By the end of it, that figure had skyrocketed to 72.91% as Ghosh smashed 23 runs off Gardner’s deliveries, turning the tide in RCB’s favor.
A Strategic and Explosive Display
Despite the unique dimensions of the Vadodara ground, with square boundaries at 50 and 60 meters and a 69-meter straight hit, Ghosh’s power-hitting made it seem irrelevant. She capitalized on every scoring opportunity, executing a mix of delicate touches and brutal strikes.
The decisive 16th over saw Ghosh dismantle Gardner’s figures of 2-0-10-2. Her strategic brilliance was evident as she maneuvered the ball into gaps, launching one delivery over long-on and guiding two past short third with effortless dabs. A pull shot to deep midwicket compounded Gujarat’s woes, exacerbated by sloppy fielding.
The Final Surge to Victory
Momentum firmly in RCB’s grasp, a 16-run 17th over further tilted the scales. Ghosh’s bat swing continued generating raw power, culminating in a towering six over deep midwicket in the penultimate over to seal the victory. She remained unbeaten, forging a crucial 93-run stand with Kanika Ahuja, who contributed a rapid 30 off 13 balls.
As the winning shot soared over the boundary, Smriti Mandhana, watching from the dugout, erupted with joy. RCB’s players and staff rose to their feet, showering applause on the match-winners. Ghosh had turned an early life at zero into an unforgettable performance, etching her name into WPL history with a fearless, match-winning knock.
A Statement Performance in WPL 2025
This record-breaking chase reaffirmed RCB’s resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. For Ghosh, it was a poetic display of aggression and intelligence, a fitting Valentine’s Day gift to her team and fans. As the WPL season unfolds, this electrifying innings sets the stage for more thrilling cricket, with RCB and Ghosh aiming for further heroics.
With a mix of skill, power, and game awareness, Richa Ghosh’s WPL 2025 opener will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in the league’s history.
