Gujarat Giants (GG) 126/4 (Gardner 58, Litchfield 30, Renuka 2-24, Wareham 2-26) defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 125/7 (Ahuja 33, Kanwar 2-16, Dottin 2-31) by six wickets.*
Gujarat Giants clinched a much-needed victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, chasing down a modest total set by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Despite a cautious start, Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive ninth-over performance, which included three boundaries and a six off Prema Rawat, turned the tide in GG’s favor. This defeat marked RCB’s third consecutive loss at home, keeping them winless at Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.
WPL Standings Intensify as Teams Battle for Playoff Spots
Following this win, Gujarat Giants, RCB, and UP Warriorz are now level on four points each, making the race for the playoffs more competitive. The upcoming group-stage clashes in Lucknow and Mumbai are expected to be pivotal in determining the final standings.
Ellyse Perry Dismissed for a Rare Duck
Ellyse Perry, a key figure for RCB, experienced an unexpected setback. Having delivered impressive performances in previous matches (90*, 81, 7, and 57), she was dismissed for a duck for the first time in her WPL career. Gardner’s sharp bowling forced Perry into a mistimed shot, landing straight into Tanuja Kanwar’s hands at square leg. This dismissal, coupled with Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s LBW to Deandra Dottin in the opening over, left RCB struggling at 16/2 within two overs.
Kashvee Gautam Stifles Smriti Mandhana
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana found herself in trouble against the pace of young Indian fast bowler Kashvee Gautam. The 21-year-old bowler consistently beat Mandhana’s outside edge, restricting her to just 10 runs off 20 balls. Under mounting pressure, Mandhana attempted a slog-sweep off Kanwar but was caught by Harleen Deol at deep midwicket, further damaging RCB’s batting momentum.
Kanika Ahuja Provides a Spark
Determined to shed her reputation as a “five-ball batter,” Kanika Ahuja showcased her enhanced power-hitting skills. She took on Priya Mishra with authority, launching two lofted shots, including RCB’s first six of the innings. Ahuja’s aggressive knock of 33 off 27 balls injected momentum into RCB’s innings before she fell to Kanwar. Georgia Wareham’s late 20-run cameo helped RCB post 125/7, equaling their lowest-ever total in WPL history.
Renuka Singh’s Early Breakthroughs Keep RCB Hopeful
Gujarat Giants experimented with yet another opening partnership in their fifth game. Dayalan Hemalatha, their latest inclusion, continued to struggle, managing just 11 runs before being stumped off Renuka Singh’s delivery. RCB’s strategy to bowl Renuka early paid off as she also dismissed Beth Mooney, reducing GG to 32/2 in the seventh over, offering RCB a glimmer of hope.
Ashleigh Gardner’s Power-Hitting Seals the Win
The momentum shifted dramatically in the ninth over as Gardner exploited Rawat’s inexperience, hammering multiple boundaries to tilt the game decisively in GG’s favor. Her strategic use of the crease and aggressive stroke play made the chase look effortless. Even Harleen Deol’s mistimed shot against Wareham didn’t disrupt GG’s control of the match.
Phoebe Litchfield’s Reverse Sweeps Clinch the Victory
In only her second WPL match, Phoebe Litchfield demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical intelligence. Her reverse sweeps nullified the threat posed by Sneh Rana, allowing GG to maintain a steady scoring rate. A crucial moment came when Richa Ghosh dropped Litchfield on 11, with GG requiring 39 off 42 balls.
Litchfield’s confident stroke play complemented Gardner’s aggressive approach, ensuring a smooth chase. Gardner reached her third half-century of the season in just 28 balls, sealing the victory with consecutive sixes off Wareham. The 51-run partnership between Gardner and Litchfield, coming off just 36 balls, helped Gujarat Giants secure the win with 21 balls to spare. This dominant performance significantly boosted their net run rate, although they remain in fifth place.
Conclusion: RCB’s Struggles Continue as GG Gains Momentum
RCB’s inability to defend a low total highlights their ongoing challenges this season. While individual performances from Ahuja and Renuka showed promise, the team’s overall execution fell short. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants will take confidence from this emphatic win as they aim to climb the WPL standings in the crucial remaining fixtures.
As WPL 2025 approaches its decisive phase, the competition intensifies, promising thrilling encounters ahead.
