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GG-W vs RCB-W Highlights: Richa, Kanika's Fireworks Power RCB To Record-Breaking Win

Kaushik Kashyap

RCB-W won by 6 wickets vs GG [Source - BCCI/x.com]RCB-W won by 6 wickets vs GG [Source - BCCI/x.com]

It was a breathtaking start to the third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Giants by six wickets in Match 1 of the season at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. On the back of some crazy hitting from Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja, RCB pulled off the highest successful run-chase in WPL history by taking down the target of 202 runs in just 18.3 overs.

Here's how the GG-W vs RCB-W panned out in Vadodara:

GG-W vs RCB-W Highlights: Beth Mooney powerplay charge put Giants on top

After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Giants got off to a good start as they managed 39 runs on the board in the first six overs. They did lose Laura Wolvaardt early in the powerplay, but Australian southpaw Beth Mooney ensured the runs kept coming.

18-year-old debutant Joshitha VJ, alongside spinner Kanika Ahuja, managed to build some pressure with the ball, but Mooney’s counter attack, extracting a 15-run over just before the halfway mark, broke the shackles for the Giants.

GG-W vs RCB-W Highlights: Mooney falls but Gardner six hitting show propelled Giants over 200

Mooney completed her half century, and just when she was looking to up the scoring rate, RCB’s Prema Rawat got the much needed breakthrough, limiting the Giants 3 down with 87 on the board. Ashleigh Gardner took matters in her hands after that and launched a six-hitting show against Rawat.

Gardner tore apart the entire RCB bowling as completed her half-century in just 25 balls. She was well accompanied by Deandra Dottin at the other end, who departed after scoring a brisk 25 off 13.

However, Gardner continued the onslaught as she remained unbeaten with 79 off 37 which included record 8 sixes and Gujarat Giants posted an above-par 201-run total. With the ball, RCB really started strongly but finished on the expensive side. Renuka Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets and 25 runs in her four overs. 

GG-W vs RCB-W Highlights: Mandhana failed but Ellyse Perry stood tall for RCB

Chasing 202, RCB women had a shaky start, as they lost both of their openers including Smriti Mandhana early in the powerplay. After that, Ellyse Perry joined hands with Raghvi Bist and ensured they finished the powerplay with 51 on the board without losing any further wickets.

Gujarat missed a couple of chances which could have put RCB in a very difficult position. However, RCB kept the scoreboard ticking, with Perry being a major contributor as they put 89 for 2 on the board at the halfway mark.

GG-W vs RCB-W Highlights: Richa-Kanika magic took RCB over the line

Needing 114 off the last ten overs, RCB needed to put their foot on the gear as they had the foundation set to take down the target. Perry completed her half-century but got out at a very wrong time, bringing Gujarat back in the game.

Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja were in the middle as RCB needed a tale of magic to get over the line from that situation. With 63 needed in 30 balls, Richa took on Ashleigh Gardner and extracted a much needed 23-run over.

With dew coming into play, RCB had the ball on their court and the duo of Richa and Kanika took the opportunity with both hands. The duo scored 93 off just 37 for the 5th wicket and took RCB over the line with nine balls to spare.

Meanwhile, the Giants should be disappointed as they had the game in their hands, but gave way too many chances by some sloppy work on the field.