Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 campaign with a thrilling win, chasing down 202 against Gujarat Giants. Captain Smriti Mandhana, who fell early for nine, was delighted with the middle order’s performance. Richa Ghosh, Kanika Ahuja, and Ellyse Perry played crucial roles in the chase after RCB had conceded the fourth-highest total in WPL history.
Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive 37-ball 79 put RCB under pressure, and she struck early with the ball, dismissing Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the second over. However, Gujarat’s sloppy fielding, dropped catches, and misfields allowed RCB to fight back. Perry anchored the innings with 57 off 34, before Ghosh (64* off 27) and Ahuja (30* off 13) sealed the win in dramatic fashion.
Ghosh credited RCB’s match simulations for her composed approach. “The plan was to assess the pitch and take the game deep,” she said. “Our practice sessions focused on handling specific match situations, which really helped.” She also praised head coach Luke Williams for preparing the team with targeted scenarios.
Ahuja, playing after missing last season due to injury, was equally ecstatic. “The rehab and visualization really helped me,” she said. “I wanted to play positively, and it worked out.” She also contributed with the ball, taking 1 for 19 in three overs.
RCB had to rely on debutants Prema Rawat, VJ Joshitha, and Raghvi Bist due to injuries to key players like Sophie Devine, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, and Sophie Molineux. Mandhana acknowledged the team’s inexperience but backed her players, emphasizing the need to improve their bowling and fielding. With two days before their next match, she remained hopeful for better performances.
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