Women’s Premier League 2025: RCB Creates History with the Biggest Run Chase in WPL: A Thrilling Win Against Gujarat Giants
Women’s Premier League 2025
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), made a spectacular start to Women’s Premier League (WPL) Season 3, successfully chasing a massive 202-run target in just 18.3 overs against Gujarat Giants. Star performers Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh played explosive knocks, guiding RCB to a record-breaking victory.
RCB’s Historic Run Chase
This win set a new record for the biggest successful run chase in WPL history. Previously, Mumbai Indians held the record for the highest chase (191 runs) against Gujarat Giants in WPL 2024.
For Gujarat Giants, captain Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer, smashing 79 runs off 37 balls and taking two wickets. However, her expensive over, where Richa Ghosh hammered 23 runs, turned the game in RCB’s favor. Renuka Thakur led the RCB bowling attack, picking up two crucial wickets.
Richa Ghosh – Player of the Match
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh stole the show, scoring a blazing 50 off just 23 balls, the fastest half-century for RCB in WPL history. She finished unbeaten on 64 runs off 27 balls, smashing 7 fours and 4 sixes.
Gujarat Giants’ Strong Start
Batting first, Gujarat Giants lost Laura Wolvaardt (6) and Dayalan Hemalatha (4) cheaply, but captain Beth Mooney (56) stabilized the innings with Ashleigh Gardner.
Key Highlights:
Beth Mooney scored 56 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Gardner.
Gardner’s explosive innings included 3 fours and 8 sixes, remaining unbeaten on 79 runs from 37 balls.
Deandra Dottin (25) and Harleen Deol (9) added valuable runs, helping Gujarat post 201/5 in 20 overs.
RCB’s Rocky Start & Stunning Comeback
Chasing 202, RCB got off to a poor start, losing both Smriti Mandhana (9) and Danni Wyatt (4) in the second over to Gardner.
- Ellyse Perry (57 off 34 balls) and Raghavi Bisht (25 off 27 balls) steadied the innings with an 86-run partnership.
- Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja (30 off 13 balls) played an explosive 93-run stand, ensuring RCB’s victory.
- Ghosh sealed the win with a six, completing the chase in 18.3 overs.
Final Scorecard:
Gujarat Giants: 201/5 (20 overs)
Ashleigh Gardner: 79* (37)
Beth Mooney: 56 (38)
Deandra Dottin: 25 (16)
Renuka Thakur: 2/36
RCB: 202/4 (18.3 overs)
Ellyse Perry: 57 (34)
Richa Ghosh: 64 (27)*
Kanika Ahuja: 30* (13)
Ashleigh Gardner: 2/41
Playing XIs
RCB: Smriti Mandhana (C), Danni Wyatt, Ellyse Perry, Raghavi Bisht, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Prerna Rawat, Vijay Jositha, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney (WK), Laura Wolvaardt, Dayalan Hemalatha, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra.
Conclusion
RCB’s thrilling victory in the WPL 2025 opening match not only set the record for the biggest chase in WPL history but also showcased Richa Ghosh’s explosive finishing skills. This win gives RCB a strong start in their title defense, making them the team to watch this season! 🚀
