It was a hat-trick of wins for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in WPL 2026 as they defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 32 runs at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. After the batters set a target of 183 runs, RCB bowlers produced an excellent performance to restrict GG and extend their unbeaten run.
GG opener Sophie Devine looked uncomfortable during her brief stay, scoring eight runs in a 34-run opening partnership with Beth Mooney. Arundhati Reddy took a sharp return catch to dismiss Devine. Mooney looked set for a big knock and played some delightful shots before she became the first victim of Shreyanka Patil for 27. After that, GG failed to build partnerships and slipped to 70/5, with skipper Ashleigh Gardner departing for three.
All-rounders Kashvee Gautam and Bharti Fulmali put together a counterattacking 56-run partnership for the sixth wicket to keep GG in the chase. They were dropped once each, which frustrated RCB fans. However, Shreyanka and Lauren Bell ensured the lapses did not cost the team. Shreyanka dismissed Kashvee for 18, while Bell removed Fulmali for 39 off 20. Tanuja Kanwar scored 21 off 13 before falling to Shreyanka. She then dismissed Renuka Thakur to complete her maiden WPL five-wicket haul. GG were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs. Bell finished with three wickets.
Earlier, RCB had a disastrous start after being asked to bat first for the first time this season. GG bowlers maintained discipline as RCB slumped to 45/4 at the end of the power play. A 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh steadied the innings.
Radha scored her maiden WPL fifty, and her 66 off 47 balls left GG stunned. Richa initially held back, but later unleashed her power, scoring 44 off 28 at a strike rate of 157.14. On her birthday, Nadine de Klerk added a brisk 26 off 12 balls as RCB finished on 182/7 in 20 overs. Radha was named the Player of the Match.
Smriti Mandhana’s RCB will be back in action tomorrow (January 17) when they face Delhi Capitals (DC), aiming to remain the only unbeaten team in WPL 2026.
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