WPL 2025: Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja Lead RCB to Victory in Title Defense
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Synopsis
In their title defense opener at the WPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved the highest run chase in the league's history, defeating Gujarat Giants by six wickets. Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja's stellar performances ensured a strong start for RCB at the Kotambi Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- RCB achieved the highest run chase in WPL history.
- Richa Ghosh scored 64 runs off 27 balls.
- Ashleigh Gardner led the Giants with 79 not out.
- Elysse Perry continued her form with a quick half-century.
- Fielding errors cost the Giants crucial moments.
Vadodara, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have kicked off their title defense in a remarkable fashion, achieving the highest run chase ever recorded against the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the Kotambi Stadium here on Sunday.
Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja formed an unbeatable partnership, scoring 93 runs for the fifth wicket, leading RCB to a total of 202/4 in just 18.3 overs, resulting in a comfortable six-wicket victory in the tournament's opening match. Ghosh's explosive performance included 64 runs off merely 27 balls at an impressive strike rate of 237.3, while Ahuja contributed significantly with her rapid 13-ball performance at a strike rate of 230.76.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the Giants amassed a formidable 201/5 in their innings, with Captain Ashleigh Gardner showcasing her skills with a stunning unbeaten 79 off 37 balls, which included three boundaries and eight sixes at a strike rate of 213.51.
The Giants had an initial struggle, but Beth Mooney provided stability, reaching 50 off 37 balls before being dismissed by debutant Prema Rawat. Gardner took charge, forming a significant 67-run partnership with Deandra Dottin, and displayed her power-hitting abilities in the 15th over, hitting three sixes off Rawat. Her aggressive batting continued with three more sixes off V.J. Joshitha, helping her team reach a tied-high score in the tournament.
In response, Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge began their innings with optimism against the challenging target. The skipper hit two boundaries on the first two deliveries against Kashvee Gautam, while Wyatt-Hodge also managed a boundary in her first ball as an RCB player during the same over. However, Gardner’s bowling led to the dismissal of both openers in quick succession.
Mandhana was trapped lbw on the second delivery, confirmed after a review, and Wyatt-Hodge was bowled out three balls later, ending her debut on a disappointing note.
Elysse Perry, the 2024 WPL Orange Cap winner, kept the momentum alive with her consistent batting, while Raghvi Bist struggled to find the boundaries, causing the required run rate to exceed 10. Perry continued her excellent form, reaching her half-century in just 27 balls, achieving the milestone with a six off Dottin, which was later ruled a no-ball after review.
Three balls later, Raghvi was forced to take risks after scoring 25 runs at a strike rate of 92.59, ultimately being caught by Sayali Satghare. The Giants then secured the critical wicket of Perry in the 12th over when a low full-toss led to her being caught at long-on. Following this, the home side appeared to grow complacent.
Richa Ghosh, who was dropped on 0, and Kanika Singh began a counterattack. Ghosh hit 23 runs in the 16th over against Gardner, including four boundaries and a six, reviving RCB's chase. Kanika joined in, hitting two boundaries in the following over, while Richa reached her fourth T20 half-century in just 23 balls with consecutive fours off Priya Mishra.
The Gujarat Giants will reflect on their missed opportunities, as their inability to build pressure on RCB, combined with various fielding errors and effective batting, led to a dramatic turnaround. Richa concluded the game with 64 not out, securing a six-wicket victory for the defending champions with nine balls remaining.
Brief scores:
Gujarat Giants 201/5 in 20 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 79 not out, Beth Mooney 56, Deandra Dottin 25; Renuka Singh 2-25, Kanika Ahuja 1-19) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 202/4 in 18.3 overs (Richa Ghosh 64*, Elysse Perry 57, Kanika Ahuja 30*; Ashleigh Gardner 2-33) by six wickets.
