RCB begin title defence with record run chase

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Make History with First Ever 200+ Chase in WPL 2025

On the opening night of the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2025), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a historic victory with a six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants. RCB chased down a massive target of 202, marking the first-ever 200+ chase in WPL history. The partnership between Richa Ghosh (64*), Ellyse Perry (57), and Kanika Ahuja (30*) was key to their success, as they reached the target with nine balls to spare.

• Gujarat Giants Post a Mammoth Total: Gujarat Giants, put in to bat first, set a formidable target of 202 runs. The innings were built around captain Ash Gardner’s explosive knock of 79* off just 37 balls. Gardner’s stunning display included eight sixes, equaling a WPL record, as she single-handedly propelled her team to a massive total.
• Gujarat Giants’ Strong Start: Gujarat’s innings got off to a shaky start when Renuka Thakur dismissed Laura Wolvaardt early. However, Ash Gardner found an able ally in Beth Mooney, who scored a quick-fire 56 off 37 balls. The pair put on an 80-run partnership in just six overs, with Gardner leading the charge. Gardner’s power hitting, particularly against RCB’s inexperienced spin attack, took the game away from RCB at one point.
• Richa Ghosh and Perry Steer RCB’s Chase: In response, RCB had a strong start, but they lost both openers early to Ash Gardner’s exceptional bowling. However, Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry turned the tide with an aggressive and composed approach. Perry’s 57 off 27 balls and Ghosh’s match-winning 64* from 24 balls ensured RCB’s chase was on track.
• Sloppy Fielding Costs Gujarat Giants: Despite some impressive individual performances, Gujarat Giants’ fielding was a weak link. A series of dropped catches and misfields allowed Perry and Ghosh to build a crucial partnership. The most notable drop came when Ghosh was yet to get off the mark, allowing her to play a pivotal role in guiding RCB across the line.
• Key Partnerships and Contributions: After Perry’s departure, Ghosh found support from Kanika Ahuja, and together they added an unbeaten 93-run partnership. Ghosh’s attacking strokes, including four boundaries and a six off Gardner’s bowling, proved vital as she reached her half-century off just 23 balls. Ahuja also played a crucial role, chipping in with a quick 30* off 13 balls.
• Match-Winning Moment: With seven runs required off the final two overs, Ghosh sealed the win with another six off Dottin, securing her 64* and bagging the Player of the Match award. Ahuja’s quick-fire contribution ensured RCB crossed the line comfortably.

Brief Scores:

• Gujarat Giants: 201/5 in 20 overs (Ash Gardner 79*, Beth Mooney 56; Renuka Thakur 2-25)
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 202/4 in 18.3 overs (Richa Ghosh 64*, Ellyse Perry 57, Kanika Ahuja 30*; Ash Gardner 2-33)

With this remarkable victory, RCB not only made history with their first-ever successful 200+ chase but also set the tone for an exciting WPL 2025 campaign.