GG W vs RCB W: Richa Ghosh’s Heroics Lead Bengaluru to Chase Down 200+ in Just 18 Overs

In a thrilling start to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a remarkable six-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants (GG) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 14. The match witnessed stellar performances, particularly from Richa Ghosh, whose explosive batting turned the game in RCB’s favor.

After winning the toss, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana opted to field, aiming to capitalize on the dew factor later in the game. GG’s innings began cautiously, with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney navigating a disciplined RCB Women bowling attack. Renuka Singh provided an early breakthrough for RCB by clean bowling Wolvaardt for 6. Dayalan Hemalatha’s brief stay at the crease ended with a score of 4, courtesy of a dismissal by Kanika Ahuja.

Beth Mooney anchored the innings with 56 off 42 balls, laying a solid foundation. The momentum shifted dramatically when captain Ashleigh Gardner took charge. Gardner unleashed a ferocious assault on the RCB bowlers, amassing an unbeaten 79 runs off just 37 deliveries, featuring 3 fours and 8 towering sixes. Deandra Dottin contributed a quickfire 25 off 13 balls, bolstering GG’s total to an imposing 201 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

RCB kept the momentum going as Richa Ghosh breathed fire into GG W vs RCB W match

Facing a daunting target of 202, RCB’s chase got off to a shaky start. Ashleigh Gardner showcased her all-round prowess by dismissing both openers, Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, in the second over, leaving RCB reeling. Ellyse Perry steadied the innings with a valuable contribution of 45 runs, but her dismissal seemed to tilt the balance back in GG’s favor.

Key Performances

• Ashleigh Gardner (GG): A standout all-round performance with an unbeaten 79 runs and two crucial wickets, showcasing her leadership and versatility.
• Beth Mooney (GG): Provided stability at the top with a well-crafted half-century, setting the platform for a formidable total.
• Richa Ghosh (RCB): Delivered a match-winning knock, her explosive 64* off 27 balls turning the tide in RCB’s favor.
• Kanika Ahuja (RCB): Played a pivotal supporting role with a quickfire 30*, complementing Ghosh’s aggression and ensuring a smooth finish.

Captains’ Remarks

Smriti Mandhana, reflecting on the victory, praised her team’s resilience and highlighted Ghosh’s exceptional innings as the turning point. Despite the loss, Ashleigh Gardner expressed pride in her team’s batting performance and acknowledged the need to fine-tune their bowling strategies in future matches.

The opening match of WPL 2025 set a high standard for the tournament, featuring outstanding individual performances and a record-breaking chase. RCB’s successful pursuit of a 202-run target underscores the depth and talent within the team, while GG W will look to regroup and address areas of concern as the season progresses.