Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) maintained their perfect record in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) with a dominant 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, producing a performance that once again underlined their control over key phases of the game. On a surface where clarity of plans mattered more than raw power, RCB were measured with the bat and clinical with the ball, while The Giants struggled to keep pace, especially in the crucial early overs of the chase.
Batting first, RCB compiled a strong 178 for 6, well above the venue’s average. The innings revolved around Gautami Naik’s composed 73 off 55 balls, an effort built on strike rotation and timely boundary-hitting rather than sustained slogging. Naik’s calm presence allowed RCB to recover from minor stutters and build steadily through the middle overs.
Richa Ghosh, 27 off 20, added momentum when the tempo needed lifting, and Radha Yadav’s 17 off 8 balls at the death ensured RCB finished with a flourish. Gujarat Giants’ bowlers, however, did themselves few favours, conceding 21 extras, which inflated the final total and added pressure to the chase.
That pressure showed immediately when Gujarat Giants began their reply. The Giants managed only around 30 runs in the powerplay while losing 3 wickets, a start that effectively left them chasing the game from the outset. With the field up and the ball moving just enough, RCB’s bowlers struck early and often, preventing Gujarat from finding any rhythm. The subdued powerplay once again exposed GG’s top-order struggles, a pattern that has hurt them repeatedly this season.
The middle overs brought brief resistance through Ashleigh Gardner, who fought hard for her 54 off 43 balls, but the lack of support at the other end meant the required rate kept climbing. The Giants were unable to stitch together meaningful partnerships, and their inability to capitalise once the field spread only compounded the damage. By the time Gardner was dismissed, the contest was effectively decided, and the Giants limped to 117 for 8 at the end of their 20 overs.
RCB’s bowling performance was as authoritative as their batting. Sayali Satghare’s 3/21 set the tone with key breakthroughs of Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney in just the 2nd over, while Nadine de Klerk’s 2/17 ensured there was no release of pressure through the middle overs. The rest of the attack maintained disciplined lines and lengths, highlighting the balance and clarity in RCB’s bowling plans.
As the Vadodara leg continues, RCB’s all-round strength and ability to dominate every phase make them the team to beat, while Gujarat Giants are left searching for solutions, particularly to their recurring powerplay woes.
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