RCB Storms to Fifth Straight Win, Beats Gujarat Giants by 61 Runs

Vadodara, Jan 2026 : Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continued their dominant run in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as they defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 61 runs in the 12th match of the season at the BCA Stadium on Monday. With this victory, RCB secured their fifth consecutive win and became the first team to confirm a spot in the playoffs.

Electing to bat after losing the toss, RCB posted a challenging total of 178 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The team had a shaky start, losing 2 wickets for just 9 runs, before captain Smriti Mandhana took charge. Mandhana stitched together a crucial 60-run partnership in 45 balls with Gautami Naik. Mandhana was dismissed for 26 off 23 balls, but Gautami, alongside Richa Ghosh, propelled RCB into a strong position with a 69-run stand in 45 balls. Gautami Naik scored a brilliant 73 off 55 balls, including one six and seven fours, while Ghosh contributed a quick 27 runs. For Gujarat, Kashvi Gautam and Ashleigh Gardner picked up two wickets each, while Renuka Thakur and Sophie Devine claimed one apiece.

Chasing 179, Gujarat Giants struggled from the outset, losing three wickets for just 5 runs. Anushka Sharma attempted to steady the innings, putting on a 29-run partnership with captain Ashleigh Gardner for the fourth wicket. Sharma was dismissed for 18, and the Giants continued to falter, losing six wickets at 56. Bharti Fulmali and Gardner briefly revived the chase with a 41-run partnership in 24 balls, but it was not enough. Gardner scored 54 off 43 balls, hitting one six and five fours, while Bharti added 14 runs.

RCB bowlers dominated the Giants’ lineup. Sayali Satghare was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Nadine de Klerk claimed 2 wickets. Lauren Bell, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil each chipped in with one wicket to complete RCB’s comprehensive victory.

Brief Score:

• RCB: 178/6 in 20 overs (Gautami Naik 73, Richa Ghosh 27, Smriti Mandhana 26)
• Gujarat Giants: 117/8 in 20 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 54, Bharti Fulmali 14)
• Result: RCB won by 61 runs

With this win, RCB not only strengthened their title aspirations but also set a benchmark for consistency in the WPL, putting themselves firmly on the path to the playoffs.

Team Maverick