Vadodara : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 6 wickets in WPL 2025 opening Match at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh’s aggressive half centuries powered the defending champion to record highest successful chase in WPL history.
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RCB choosing to bowl first picked 2 quick wickets of GGT on 41 runs. However, GGT skipper Ashleigh Gardner (79*) & veteran Beth Mooney (56) smashed RCB bowlers all over the park, along with Caribbean hitter Deandra Dottin (25) cameo. GGT ended their innings on 201-5 (20). RCB pacer Renuka Singh Thakur picked 2 wickets.
Chasing mammoth 202, a target that has never been chased down in WPL history, RCB lost their openers – Smriti Mandhana (9) & Wyatt Hodge (4) for 14 runs in same over of Gardner.
Veteran Ellyse Perry (57) brought RCB back into the game with an aggressive knock, especially targeting spinners. She notched up 86 runs partnership with Raghvi Bist (25) who anchored the innings well. The pair was dismissed on 109 in 12.2 overs.
Richa Ghosh (64*) & Kanika Ahuja (30*) came into the picture, smashing match winning 93*(37) runs partnership.
Richa played cuts, drives and occasional big hits, while Kanika too played unorthodox shorts, bringing RCB closer to total. Finally, Richa smashed six off Dottin over mid wicket and sealed the highest WPL run chase ever. She also bagged Player of the Match award.
Brief Scorecard :
1st Innings :
GGT : 201-5 (20)
Ashleigh Gardner : 79* (37)
Beth Mooney : 56 (42)
RCB :
Renuka Singh Thakur : 4-25-2
2nd Innings :
RCB : 202-4 (18.3)
Richa Ghosh : 64* (27)
Ellyse Perry : 57 (34)
GGT :
Ashleigh Gardner : 3-33-2
Result : RCB won by 6 Wickets.
