Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a stunning comeback after being reduced to 14/2 in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 campaign opener, defeating Gujarat Giants (GG) by six wickets in Vadodara on Friday.
RCB, chasing a daunting target of 202, were on the back foot early as they lost both openers in the first two overs. However, the experienced Ellyse Perry and Raghvi Bisht steadied the ship with a recovery partnership, with Perry’s 57 (34 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) leading the charge. Despite two quick wickets falling, Richa Ghosh (64* in 27 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes) and Kanika Ahuja (30* in 13 balls, 4 fours) were the stars of the chase, finishing the job with a blistering partnership of 93 runs in just 37 balls.
Earlier, GG posted a challenging total of 201/5 after being put to bat first, with captain Ashleigh Gardner smashing 79* off 37 balls (3 fours, 8 sixes) and Beth Mooney contributing with a 56 off 42 balls (8 fours). Renuka Thakur (2/25) and Kanika Ahuja (1/28) were the pick of the bowlers for RCB. GG’s aggressive batting, including an assault by Gardner and Dottin, set the stage for a thrilling finish, but RCB’s chase proved too much to handle.
RCB’s clinical finish, led by Ghosh and Ahuja, ensured they chased down the target in 18.3 overs, with 202/4, securing a memorable victory to kick off their WPL campaign on a high note.
Key Performers of the Match:
- Ellyse Perry: 57 (34 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes)
- Richa Ghosh: 64* (27 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes)
- Kanika Ahuja: 30* (13 balls, 4 fours)
Upcoming Matches:
- RCB will next face UP Warriorz on February 22.
- GG will take on Delhi Capitals on February 23.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat Giants (GG) 201/5 (Ashleigh Gardner 79*, Beth Mooney 56)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) 202/4 (Richa Ghosh 64*, Ellyse Perry 57) – RCB won by 6 wickets.