Navi Mumbai, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) orchestrated an impressive comeback after a shaky start during the Power-play, ultimately setting a target of 182/7 in their 20 overs against the Gujarat Giants in Match 9 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday.

Radha Yadav delivered her best performance yet in the tournament, scoring a stellar 66 runs off 47 balls—marking her first WPL half-century. She forged a crucial partnership of 105 runs for the fifth wicket alongside Richa Ghosh, who contributed 44 runs from 28 balls. Nadine de Klerk also made a late impact, scoring 26 runs off just 12 balls to push the total above 180.

On the bowling front, Sophie Devine emerged as the star for the Gujarat Giants, claiming three wickets, while missed opportunities plagued GG’s chances. With a strong batting lineup, the chase from GG promises to be an exciting encounter. RCB started with vigor after being put to bat, with Grace Harris smashing Renuka Singh Thakur in the first over, amassing 23 runs including four boundaries.

However, GG bounced back when Kashvee Gautam’s big inswinger caught Grace lbw for 17 runs. Dayalan Hemalatha then misplayed a hook off the all-rounder, leading to debutante Shivani Singh's sharp catch.

Struggles continued for Smriti Mandhana, who was dismissed after edging to Rajeshwari Gayakwad, leaving RCB in a precarious position at 45/4 after Sophie trapped Gautami Naik lbw.

Nonetheless, Radha and Richa steadied the innings, aggressively scoring boundaries against Georgia Wareham and Gardner. Radha struck a six over long-on and found fours through point, while Richa dazzled with a late-cut and a powerful shot through cover.

After Radha survived an lbw review, she struck a boundary off Renuka, while Richa raised the fifty partnership with another four. Richa thrilled the crowd by lofting a delivery from Georgia Wareham for six and was fortunate when dropped by deep mid-off.

Upon Kashvee’s return, Radha confidently pulled for six over long-on, with Richa displaying strength by driving Devine for a massive six. Radha emphatically reached her maiden fifty, hitting Sophie for six over deep square leg and elegantly carving Ashleigh Gardner for another four. A missed opportunity by Bharti Fulmali on the last ball of the over kept her on the field.

Richa excelled with a deft late-cut for four but eventually fell to a catch at long-on off Georgia. Nadine then ignited an explosive finish, slamming Kashvee for two sixes and two fours, totaling 22 runs in the 19th over. Despite the loss of both Radha and Nadine in the final over, RCB successfully crossed the 180-mark.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 182/7 in 20 overs (Radha Yadav 66, Richa Ghosh 44; Sophie Devine 3-31, Kashvee Gautam 2-42) against Gujarat Giants.