Unbeaten RCB beat Gujarat Giants by 61 runs, enter WPL knockouts

Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their flawless run in the Women’s Premier League , registering a commanding 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants here on Monday to seal a top-three finish and become the first team to qualify for the knockouts .

Unbeaten in the tournament so far, RCB notched up their fifth consecutive win, underlining their dominance in the league stage with a strong all-round performance.

Asked to bat first, table-toppers RCB were jolted early as they lost Grace Harris and Georgia Voll inside the first two overs with just nine runs on the board. However, Gautami Naik rose to the occasion, displaying composure and maturity to anchor the innings after the early collapse.

Naik joined skipper Smriti Mandhana to stabilise the innings, with the duo adding a vital 60-run partnership for the third wicket. Mandhana chipped in with 26 off 23 balls before being trapped plumb in front by Gujarat skipper Ashleigh Gardner following a successful review. Naik, however, held firm and went on to play the role of the mainstay.

The right-hander then stitched a crucial 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Richa Ghosh, who provided the necessary impetus in the middle overs. While Naik anchored the innings, Ghosh used her power-hitting abilities to good effect, smashing three sixes in her brisk 27 off 20 balls. Naik eventually fell for a well-crafted 73 off 55 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and a six.

Late cameos from Radha Yadav (17 off 8 balls) helped RCB accelerate in the death overs as they posted a competitive 178 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Gujarat Giants’ chase never gained momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma and Kanika Ahuja all departing cheaply, leaving the Giants reeling at 34 for four inside seven overs.

Skipper Ashleigh Gardner attempted to mount a resistance with a fighting 54 off 43 balls , striking five fours and a six , but received little support from the other batters. Bharti Fulmali contributed 14 , but the required rate continued to climb as wickets kept falling.

RCB’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance , led by right-arm medium pacer Sayali Satghare , who claimed 3 for 21 . Nadine de Klerk provided excellent support with figures of 2 for 17 , ensuring Gujarat Giants were restricted to 117 for eight in 20 overs .

The comprehensive win strengthened RCB’s grip at the top of the table and confirmed their place in the knockouts well ahead of the business end of the tournament .

Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 182 for 7 in 20 overs , with Radha Yadav top-scoring with 66, Richa Ghosh contributing 44, and Nadine de Klerk adding 26. For Gujarat Giants, Sophie Devine took 3 wickets for 31 runs, Kashvee Gautam claimed 2/42, and Renuka Singh finished with 1/41. In reply, Gujarat Giants were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs , with Bharti Fulmali making 39 runs. Shreyanka Patil starred with 5/23, supported by Lauren Bell , who took 3 wickets for 29 runs.