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Gujarat Giants beats Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 6 wickets

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On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 delivered an electrifying contest as the Gujarat Giants took on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 12 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With both teams eager to turn their fortunes around after inconsistent starts to the season, this clash promised high stakes and thrilling cricket under the floodlights. Here’s a detailed look at how the evening unfolded.

The Build-Up

Coming into the match, RCB, the defending champions led by Smriti Mandhana, had experienced a rollercoaster campaign. They kicked off WPL 2025 with a bang, securing convincing victories over Gujarat Giants (by 6 wickets) and Delhi Capitals (by 8 wickets). However, back-to-back losses against Mumbai Indians (by 4 wickets) and a dramatic Super Over defeat to UP Warriorz had dented their momentum. Playing at home, with the passionate Chinnaswamy crowd behind them, RCB were desperate to reclaim their winning form.
 
Gujarat Giants, under the captaincy of Ashleigh Gardner, had also struggled for consistency. After a heavy defeat to RCB in the season opener on February 14, they bounced back with a 6-wicket win over UP Warriorz. Yet, subsequent losses to Mumbai Indians (by 8 wickets) and Delhi Capitals (by 6 wickets) left them with just one victory in four games. Facing RCB again, this time on the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy pitch, the Giants saw an opportunity for redemption.

Toss and Team News

Gujarat Giants won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision likely influenced by the prospect of dew making bowling trickier in the second innings. RCB, despite their injury setbacks earlier in the season—missing key players like Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, and Asha Sobhana—fielded a strong XI, banking on their batting firepower. Gujarat, meanwhile, leaned on their experienced core, including Gardner, Beth Mooney, and Deandra Dottin, to turn the tide.
 

RCB’s Batting: A Steady Start Meets a Late Collapse

RCB’s innings began with Smriti Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge at the crease. The home side aimed to capitalize on the short boundaries and quick outfield, but Gujarat’s bowlers struck early to disrupt their plans. Mandhana, who has been in scintillating form this season, couldn’t replicate her magic, falling cheaply as Gujarat’s bowlers found their rhythm. Wyatt-Hodge followed soon after, leaving RCB in a precarious position.
 
Ellyse Perry, despite nursing a hip injury, provided stability with a measured knock, supported by debutant Raghvi Bist. The pair stitched together a crucial partnership, taking RCB past the 50-run mark in the powerplay. However, Gujarat’s spinners, led by Tanuja Kanwar and Priya Mishra, tightened the screws in the middle overs, choking the run rate. Perry’s dismissal—caught in the deep trying to accelerate—triggered a mini-collapse, with Gujarat’s bowlers exploiting the pressure.
 
Richa Ghosh, RCB’s star from the season opener, tried to ignite a late surge but found little support. The innings concluded with RCB posting a modest 125/7 in their 20 overs. Gujarat’s disciplined bowling effort, spearheaded by Gardner (who picked up key wickets) and supported by Kashvee Gautam and Sayali Satghare, kept RCB’s famed batting line-up in check.

Gujarat Giants’ Chase: Mooney Shines Before Drama Unfolds

Chasing 126, Gujarat Giants opened with Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha. Renuka Singh Thakur, RCB’s new-ball spearhead, struck early, dismissing Hemalatha via a sharp stumping by Ghosh. However, Mooney, with her impeccable technique, kept the scoreboard ticking, finding boundaries with ease. Harleen Deol joined her, and the duo looked comfortable, reducing the target to under a run a ball.
 
Just as Gujarat seemed in control, Renuka struck again, removing Mooney (17 off 20) with a well-directed delivery that found Georgia Wareham in the deep. This breakthrough swung the momentum back toward RCB. Deol and Gardner steadied the ship, but RCB’s bowlers, including Wareham and Kim Garth, bowled tight lines, forcing Gujarat to take risks.
 
With 94 runs still needed off 83 balls at one stage, Gujarat remained favorites, but RCB’s fightback intensified. Wickets tumbled in quick succession, with Deandra Dottin’s aggressive cameo cut short by a stunning catch. Gardner, leading from the front, tried to anchor the chase, but the mounting required rate and RCB’s relentless pressure proved too much. Gujarat fell agonizingly short, finishing at 119/8, handing RCB a thrilling 6-run victory.

Key Performers

  • Richa Ghosh (RCB): Despite limited support, Ghosh’s late flourish ensured RCB had a fighting total.
  • Renuka Singh Thakur (RCB): Her two crucial wickets, including Mooney’s, turned the game in RCB’s favor.
  • Ashleigh Gardner (GG): An all-round effort with bat and ball, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
  • Beth Mooney (GG): A solid start to the chase, but her departure shifted the tide.
The dismissal of Beth Mooney in the chase was pivotal. Gujarat were cruising until her exit, and RCB capitalized on the opening, piling pressure on the middle order to seal a dramatic win.
 
For RCB, this victory was a much-needed boost, showcasing their resilience despite a depleted squad. The Chinnaswamy faithful roared their approval as the defending champions fought back from recent setbacks. Gujarat, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities—both with the bat and in the field—as their search for consistency continues.
 
RCB will look to build on this momentum as they aim to solidify their position in the top three, while Gujarat Giants face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the WPL 2025 season heating up, both teams will need to bring their A-game in the matches ahead.
 
This thrilling encounter reaffirmed why the WPL is a must-watch tournament—packed with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. As the season progresses, fans can only expect more fireworks from these talented squads!
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

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