In Match 9 of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their dominant streak with a clinical 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Sports Academy. It was a game of two halves for RCB; they recovered from a shaky start to post a formidable 182/7, then backed it up with a disciplined bowling performance that dismantled Gujarat’s chase. This win solidified RCB’s position at the top of the table as the only unbeaten side in the tournament.
The game didn’t start according to plan for the Bengaluru side. After being put into bat, they found themselves in deep trouble at 43/4 within the first six overs. The top order, including captain Smriti Mandhana, struggled to cope with the early movement and pressure applied by Gujarat’s bowlers. Kashvee Gautam was particularly effective in the powerplay, claiming two early wickets and leaving the RCB dugout looking nervous as the scoreboard read like a disaster in the making.
However, the game shifted dramatically thanks to a resilient 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh came together when the team was reeling and played with a perfect mix of caution and aggression. Radha was the standout performer, smashing her maiden WPL half-century with 66 runs off just 47 balls, featuring six boundaries and three massive sixes. Richa Ghosh provided excellent support with a quick-fire 44 off 28 balls, ensuring the momentum swung back firmly in RCB’s favor.
As the innings neared its end, Nadine de Klerk added some late fireworks, contributing a brisk 26 off 12 deliveries. Her cameo helped push the total to 182, a target that seemed highly unlikely an hour earlier. For Gujarat, Sophie Devine was the most successful bowler, picking up 3/31, while Kashvee Gautam finished with 2/42. Despite their early success, the Giants’ bowlers couldn’t maintain the pressure during the middle overs, allowing the game to slip away.
Gujarat’s response started with intent, but they lacked the necessary partnerships to keep up with a required rate of over nine runs per over. Beth Mooney looked dangerous for her 27 off 14 balls, but her dismissal triggered a regular fall of wickets. The middle order offered some resistance through Bharti Fulmali, who played a spirited knock of 39 off 20 balls, but she was largely fighting a lone battle as the RCB bowlers tightened the screws with every passing over.
The star with the ball for RCB was undoubtedly Shreyanka Patil. She delivered a match-winning spell, tearing through the Gujarat lineup to claim a magnificent five-wicket haul. Her figures of 5/23 were a testament to her control and ability to pick up wickets at crucial intervals. She was well-supported by England pacer Lauren Bell, who remained a constant threat and finished with 3/29. Gujarat was eventually bundled out for 150 in 18.5 overs, falling well short of the target.
This victory not only kept RCB’s winning streak alive but also showcased their depth, winning from a position where most teams would have folded. Radha Yadav was deservedly named Player of the Match for her stabilizing knock, while Shreyanka Patil’s fifer became the talk of the night. For Gujarat Giants, it was a tough pill to swallow after having RCB on the ropes early on, leaving them with plenty to reflect on before their next outing.
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