RCB Extend Perfect WPL Run with Dominant 32-Run Win over Gujarat Giants

Navi Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their unbeaten start to the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) with a commanding 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium on Friday. The win propelled RCB to the top of the points table, powered by a spectacular maiden five-wicket haul from off-spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who starred with both ball and strategy.

After electing to bat first, RCB stumbled early, losing four wickets in the Powerplay. The innings seemed precarious until Radha Yadav emerged as the unlikely hero, smashing a blistering 66 off 42 balls, her maiden WPL fifty. Partnering with Richa Ghosh, who contributed 44 off 28 deliveries, the duo added a crucial 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Nadine de Klerk’s late cameo of 26 further boosted RCB’s total, helping the team reach a competitive 182/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Gujarat Giants began brightly, racing to 32 in just three overs. Beth Mooney provided a brisk start, flicking Lauren Bell for four and hitting successive boundaries to maintain the scoring momentum. Sophie Devine complemented the effort with a mid-wicket loft, while Beth continued her aggressive assault, striking two fours and a six in the third over.

However, the RCB bowlers struck back decisively. Arundhati Reddy claimed the first key wicket by catching Sophie Devine for eight. In the very next over, Shreyanka Patil trapped Beth Mooney lbw for 27 after a successful review, setting the tone for Gujarat’s collapse. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals as Ashleigh Gardner edged a cut to Richa Ghosh off Lauren Bell, Kanika Ahuja was dismissed lbw on review by Shreyanka for 16, and Georgia Wareham miscued a shot to Radha Yadav at deep mid-wicket.

Bharti Fulmali offered some resistance with powerful hitting, including a towering six over long-off and a cut through backward point. Yet, despite surviving a reprieve at 12 due to a missed mid-off catch by Smriti Mandhana, Bharti was eventually dismissed after hoisting a slower ball from Shreyanka, ending her valiant 39-run innings. Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, and Shivani Singh made brief but impactful contributions, but RCB’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured that Gujarat Giants were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs.

Shreyanka Patil finished with match-winning figures of 5/23, while Lauren Bell complemented her with 3/29, dismantling the Giants’ batting lineup and securing a comfortable win for RCB. The victory underscored RCB’s resilience, tactical acumen, and the impact of key performances under pressure.

With this win, RCB have maintained their perfect start in WPL 2026 and sit atop the points table, showcasing their intent to be strong contenders for the title. Gujarat Giants, despite bright individual performances, were unable to sustain the chase and will look to regroup in their upcoming fixtures.

Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 182/7 in 20 overs (Radha Yadav 66, Richa Ghosh 44; Sophie Devine 3-31, Kashvee Gautam 2-42)
Gujarat Giants: 150 all out in 18.5 overs (Bharti Fulmali 39, Beth Mooney 27; Lauren Bell 3-29, Shreyanka Patil 5-23)
Result: RCB won by 32 runs.

This performance highlights RCB’s strong combination of explosive batting and incisive bowling, positioning them as early favorites in the 2026 WPL season.