Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their impressive run in the Women’s Premier League, registering their third consecutive win with a 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants on Friday. A crucial century stand between Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh, followed by a sensational five-wicket haul from off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, proved decisive as RCB dominated the contest.
Asked to bat first, RCB recovered from early setbacks to post a competitive 182 for 7. After losing quick wickets, Yadav (66 off 47 balls) and Ghosh (44 off 28 balls) came together to stabilise the innings, adding 105 runs for the fifth wicket in just 11 overs and shifting the momentum firmly in Bengaluru’s favour.
Big Hits
Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh combined composure with aggression to rescue
RCB from a precarious position. After the side slumped to 43 for 4 inside six overs, Yadav took charge against the spinners, finding gaps and clearing the ropes with confidence. Ghosh complemented her well, rotating the strike early before unleashing powerful shots once set. Dropped at deep mid-off in the 13th over, Ghosh made Gujarat pay by striking crucial boundaries. Yadav reached her fifty off 36 balls, while the pair brought up their 100-run partnership in the 16th over, laying the foundation for a strong finish. Nadine de Klerk’s late cameo of 26 off 12 balls further boosted the total.
Earlier, Grace Harris provided a blazing start by smashing 23 runs off Renuka Singh’s opening over before falling to Kashvee Gautam, who also dismissed D Hemalatha. Renuka bounced back to remove skipper Smriti Mandhana, while Gautami Naik’s dismissal left RCB in early trouble.
Chasing 183, the Gujarat Giants began brightly with Beth Mooney (27) and Sophie Devine finding early boundaries. Mooney attacked Lauren Bell with a six and successive fours, but RCB struck back at key moments to derail the chase.
Turning Point
Shreyanka Patil delivered the decisive blows with a match-winning spell of 5 for 23. She removed Mooney LBW at a crucial stage and went on to dismantle the middle order, ensuring Gujarat never regained momentum. With wickets falling regularly, the Giants were bowled out for 150 despite Bharti Fulmali’s fighting 39 off 20 balls. Patil’s spell sealed a commanding all-round win for RCB.
(With Agency Inputs)
