WPL 2026, GG Vs RCB Top Performer: Gautami Naik Smashes 55-Ball 73 To Help Seal Playoff Berth

Gautami Naik was the star as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a commanding 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Monday, confirming their spot in the knock-out stage.

Remaining unbeaten in the competition, RCB extended their winning streak to five matches, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs, with Naik’s 73 off 55 balls (7x4s, 1×6).

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Highlights

RCB, after being asked to bat first, found themselves in early trouble. Grace Harris and Georgia Voll were dismissed within the first two overs, leaving the scoreboard at a worrying nine for two. At that moment, Gujarat Giants seemed to be in control. However, Naik stepped up with maturity beyond

her years, stabilising the innings when her team needed it most.

Batting alongside skipper Smriti Mandhana, Naik displayed patience and calmness, absorbing the pressure in the early overs. The duo put together a crucial 60-run partnership that slowly shifted the momentum back in RCB’s favour. Mandhana contributed 26 before being trapped lbw in the 10th over, but by then Naik had settled in and was beginning to dictate terms.

Naik continued to anchor the innings, rotating the strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries. Her confidence grew with every over, mixing elegant placement with well-timed boundaries to maintain a healthy run rate. She found an ideal partner in Richa Ghosh, and together they ensured RCB did not lose momentum in the middle overs. Naik brought up her maiden WPL half-century off 42 balls.

“I would like to dedicate this award (player of the match) to my sir (coach) and my family,” Gautami Naik said after the match.

Other Performers As RCB Beat GG

While Richa added late impetus with 27 runs, Naik remained the heartbeat of the innings. Her knock of 73 off 55 balls ended in the 18th over when she was bowled by Ashleigh Gardner. By then, her job was done. She had laid a solid foundation that allowed Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil to finish strongly, with RCB scoring 40 runs in the final three overs to reach an imposing 178 for six.

In response, Gujarat Giants never recovered from a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 34 runs. Although skipper Ashleigh Gardner fought back with a 54-run knock, the target proved too steep.

RCB’s bowlers, led by Sayali Satghare’s impressive figures of 3 for 21 and supported well by Nadine de Klerk, wrapped up the Giants for 117.

(With inputs from Agencies)