By Victoria Hamilton 
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) kicked off their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 title defense in style, securing a thrilling six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants (GG) in the tournament opener at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
Powered by a blistering 64 off 27 balls from Richa Ghosh and a quickfire 30 off 13 by Kanika Ahuja, RCB successfully chased down 201 runs in just 18.3 overs. This historic feat made them the first WPL team to chase down a 200-plus target, setting a new benchmark for the tournament.
Gujarat Giants Post a Mammoth 201/5
Winning the toss, RCB opted to field first, looking to capitalize on early movement. Gujarat Giants’ innings was headlined by their new captain Ashleigh Gardner, who hammered an explosive 79 off 37 balls, including eight sixes. Former skipper Beth Mooney provided stability with a well-compiled 56 off 42 balls, ensuring a formidable total on the board.
GG’s innings started cautiously as Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt added 35 runs for the opening stand before Renuka Singh provided the breakthrough. Mooney, anchoring the innings, shifted gears in the 10th over with three consecutive boundaries off Georgia Wareham, reaching her fifty in 37 balls.
However, a crucial moment came when Prema Rawat dismissed Mooney, caught at mid-wicket by Smriti Mandhana. From there, Gardner and Deandra Dottin took control, launching a brutal 63-run stand in just 26 balls.
Gardner, making an impact as captain, blazed to a 25-ball fifty and continued her onslaught to propel GG to 201/5, despite Renuka Singh returning to claim Dottin’s wicket (25 off 13 balls). The Giants amassed 53 runs in the final four overs, setting a daunting target for the defending champions.
RCB’s Chase – A New WPL Record
Needing 202 to win, RCB got off to a shaky start, with Smriti Mandhana (8) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (0) falling in quick succession to Gardner’s fiery bowling in the second over.
However, Ellyse Perry and Raghvi Bist steadied the innings with an 86-run stand, benefiting from Gujarat’s multiple dropped catches. Perry, given lifelines on 2 and 19, capitalized to notch up her fifth WPL half-century in just 27 balls.
The game tilted back in GG’s favor when Dottin removed Bist (36) and Sayali Satghare dismissed Perry (57 off 34) in quick succession, reducing RCB to 113/4 in 13 overs.
With 89 runs needed off 42 balls, Richa Ghosh took charge, counterattacking with aggressive stroke play. In a stunning display, she dismantled Gardner’s bowling with 22 runs in a single over, shifting momentum in RCB’s favor. Kanika Ahuja complemented her brilliantly, scoring 30 off just 13 balls, keeping the pressure on the bowlers.
RCB’s chase reached its climax with Ghosh hammering a six off Dottin, sealing the victory with nine balls to spare. Their 93-run partnership in just 37 balls ensured that RCB scripted the highest successful chase in WPL history.
Match Summary
Royal Challengers Bangalore – 202/4 in 18.3 overs
- Richa Ghosh – 64* (27)
- Ellyse Perry – 57 (34)
- Ashleigh Gardner – 2/33
Gujarat Giants – 201/5 in 20 overs
- Ashleigh Gardner – 79 (37)
- Beth Mooney – 56 (42)
- Renuka Singh – 2/25
Key Takeaways from the Match
Historic Chase – RCB became the first WPL team to chase 200+ successfully.
Richa Ghosh’s Heroics – A match-winning 64 off 27 balls*, turning the game around.
Gardner’s Impact – A standout performance with 79 runs and two early wickets.
Ellyse Perry’s resilience – A crucial 57-run knock anchoring the chase.
Fielding Woes for GG – Dropped catches proved costly, allowing RCB to capitalize.
What’s Next?
RCB’s stunning start sends a strong message to their rivals as they look to defend their TATA WPL title. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants will aim to bounce back in their next fixture and rectify their fielding lapses.
Zainab Shafiq