RCB craft history to kickstart WPL title defence with resounding win against Gujarat Giants

It was a rambunctious start to the season for RCB as they rolled off the title defence with a resounding win at the BCA Stadium in Gujarat. Winning the toss, Smriti Mandhana opted to bowl first on a track which eventually started getting better with every passing ball.

Beth Mooney (56) protected one end with a rock-solid innings but RCB kept them on their toes at the other end. Renuka Singh rattled through the defences of Laura Wolvaardt (6) while Kanika Ahuja announced her return to WPL with the wicket of Dayalan Hemalatha (4).

The arrival of the Gujarat Giants captain, Ashleigh Gardner, steadied the ship for the hosts as the duo put up a partnership of 44 runs for the third wicket. Debutant Prema Rawat returned the experienced Mooney back to the pavilion, sparking hopes for RCB.

However, Gardner stood tall against the RCB bowlers as her unbeaten 79 saw GG posting a staggering 201/5. Renuka Singh showed grit with figures of 2/25 while Kanika Ahuja and Kim Garth dished out a handful of economical overs to allow RCB stay afloat in the game.

Smriti Mandhana (9) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (4) did get off to a smashing start in the first over but much to RCB’s woes, they were back to the pavilion in no time. A double whammy from Ashleigh Gardner saw them losing their wickets and the visitors were reduced to 14/2.

Buoyed by the early start, GG eyed for more breakthroughs. However, Ellyse Perry (57) and debutant Raghvi Bist (25) started rebuilding the innings and RCB fought back. The duo posted 86 runs for the third wicket with Pez doing the majority of the heavy lifting. Unfortunately for the reigning champions, they lost Bist and Perry in quick succession, jeopardizing the chase.

With Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja out in the center, RCB needed 93 runs from 46 balls. Despite the equation being an uphill task, after weathering the early storm, both Ghosh and Ahuja came out firing. Ghosh smacked 64 off just 27 balls, whacking seven fours and four sixes while Ahuja stayed unbeaten for a 13-ball-30 as the young pair eventually took the team across the line, that too with nine balls to spare.

Not only was this the most successful chase in the history of WPL, it was also a statement from RCB in what was their season opener. Richa Ghosh won the Player of the Match award for her whirlwind half-century.