In an ecstatic curtain-raiser, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Giants by six wickets in a last-over finish. The hosts posted a massive total of 201 in 20 overs and had a perfect start with the ball. The Challengers lost wickets at crucial junctures, putting them under pressure as the required run rate kept soaring about 10. However, Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja turned the tables with a flurry of fours and sixes. Their fearless hitting took RCB over the line with nine balls to spare and helped the team to kick start their campaign on a positive note.
In the post-match press conference, RCB’S pacer addressed the media questions. Thakur said that the dressing room atmosphere was calm, and everyone was relaxed. Regardless of the situation, they knew they had to stay composed and maintain positive energy on the field.
“Once we lost Perry, the situation still remained composed as she had taken us to a fighting stage by playing well and we knew that we had the batting depth to chase down the target,” said Thakur.
The Challengers lost a well-set Perry in the 13th over and appeared that the pendulum had swung in the Giants’ favour. However, Richa Ghosh partnered with Kanika Ahuja and built a staggering 93-run unbeaten partnership to script history at the Women’s Premier League.
“Richa has been working really hard in the last couple of months and the results are now visible as the hard work has paid off. The toss factor is quite important as the ball was holding on the pitch a bit, and dew did not help the bowlers in the second innings,” added Thakur.
Renuka Thakur had dismissed the dangerous opener Laura Wolvaardt on a cheap score as RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first.
The fast bowler recalled her fond memories of playing in Vadodara, where she had taken wickets in her last series. She mentioned that playing at venues with good past performances brings positive energy. She also emphasized the importance of winning the opening games to set the tone for the league and said they gave their best to start the campaign with a victory.
Slipping tracks to the other end of the dugout, head coach of the Gujarat Giants Michael Klinger is disheartened but took some positives from the first encounter as well.
“Ashleigh Gardner played really well. Our bowlers bowled well but she played an outstanding unbeaten knock.”
Gardner, skipper of the Giants, played a breathtaking knock (79* off 37) which comprised 8 sixes and 3 fours. In the post-match talks, she acknowledged that 200 was an above-par score but was disappointed on dropping catches-which eventually cost them the game.
“Our batting was a great positive total out of the game. We had a lot of chances and if we could’ve taken them, we would be happier and have won the game. We’ve got some things to work on in the coming games.”
“We started well with the ball by Ashleigh Gardner dismissing two batters in one over and had a brilliant game. We had 5 players making their debut and will get better with experience. We missed a couple of chances and gave away a few in the field- and that will be a key learning for us. We’ve a short time to recover before our next game,” said the head coach.
Klinger acknowledged that Gardner entered the tournament with high confidence and was striking the ball well in the nets before the game. He praised her as a quality player who chose the right bowlers to attack. The coach also had words of appreciation for Ashleigh and Beth – who stitched a strong partnership.
The Giants head coach applauded legend Ellyse Perry as a talented player and noted that they missed an early opportunity to dismiss Ghosh. He added that the conditions were tough, especially with the dew making things more difficult in the second innings, but the team needs to adapt to them.
“The wicket was great, and the outfield was beautiful. The crowd was good, and we quite enjoyed our time here. Hopefully, we get two wins here and move to Bangalore,” he concluded.
Loves all things female cricket
