Gujarat Giants, batting first, posted a formidable 201/5 in their 20 overs. Captain Beth Mooney top-scored with a brilliant 72, while Harleen Deol contributed 41 and Ashleigh Gardner added 36 runs. Chasing 202, RCB had a shaky start, but explosive innings from Alice Perry and Richa Ghosh powered them to victory.
Sports News: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) created history in the opening match of the third season of the Women's Premier League (WPL). In a thrilling encounter in Vadodara, Australian all-rounder Alice Perry (57) and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh (64*) played match-winning half-centuries.
Gujarat Giants, batting first, scored 201 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. In response, RCB achieved the target in just 18.3 overs, losing 4 wickets. This is the highest successful run chase in WPL history.
Gujarat Giants Post a Massive Total
Gujarat Giants' fortunes changed, but their weakness in defending targets remained. Batting first, they managed 201/5 in 20 overs, considered a b total. Captain Ashleigh Gardner played a blistering 79-run knock and also took 2 wickets (33/2) showcasing an all-round performance. However, this wasn't enough to secure a win for her team.
Alice Perry and Richa Ghosh Secure Victory for RCB
Chasing 202, defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore had a poor start, losing both openers within 14 runs. Alice Perry then steadied the innings with a quick-fire 57, while Richa Ghosh finished the chase in style, smashing an unbeaten 64 off just 27 balls, securing victory with nine balls to spare.
Ghosh received excellent support from Kanika Ahuja (30*), who remained unbeaten on 30 off 13 balls, including four boundaries. Together, they forged an unbroken 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Perry's 34-ball knock included six fours and two sixes, while Ghosh's explosive innings featured seven fours and four sixes, sealing the victory. The stellar performances of these three batters played a crucial role in RCB achieving the highest successful run chase in WPL history.
