Vadodara, (UNI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB Women) dominated Gujarat Giants Women in a commanding 61-run victory in the 12th match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara on Monday evening.
The win further strengthened RCB Women’s position in the points table and showcased their all-round strength.
Gujarat Giants Women, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first, putting RCB Women into bat. The visitors got off to a cautious start but gradually accelerated, with key contributions from Gautami Naik and Richa Ghosh.
Gautami played a brilliant innings of 73 runs off 55 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six, anchoring the innings through the middle overs. Smriti Mandhana, leading from the front, chipped in with 26 runs off 23 balls, while Richa Ghosh provided the finishing touch with a 27-run cameo off 20 deliveries.
Despite the steady start, Gujarat’s bowlers made inroads at regular intervals. Ashleigh Gardner claimed two crucial wickets, including that of Gautami, while Kashvee Gautam also bagged two scalps. Renuka Singh Thakur and Sophie Devine chipped in with one wicket each. Extras were costly for Gujarat, contributing 21 runs to RCB Women’s total, which ultimately ended at 178 for 6 in 20 overs, giving them a strong total at a run rate of 8.9.
Chasing 179, Gujarat struggled to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The opening duo of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine could not provide a solid platform, falling early for 3 and 0 runs respectively. Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat captain, fought hard with a well-crafted 54 off 43 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six. Anushka Sharma added 18 runs, while Bharti Fulmali chipped in with 14.
RCB Women’s bowlers dominated throughout the innings. Sayali Satghare was the pick with 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Nadine de Klerk took 2 for 17 and Radha Yadav claimed 1 for 34. Shreyanka Patil also picked up a wicket, ensuring that Gujarat Giants Women never got close to the target. The Giants managed 117 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, falling short by 61 runs.
The win was built on a complete team effort from Bengaluru. Gautami’s 73-run innings was complemented by Richa’s quickfire 27 and Smriti Mandhana’s steady 26. In bowling, the trio of Satghare, de Klerk, and Yadav ensured that the opposition’s chase never got off the ground.
Match officials for the game included umpires Anish Sahasrabudhe and Ankita Guha, with Vrinda Rathi serving as the third umpire and Varsha Nagre as the match referee.
With this convincing victory, RCB Women not only continue their impressive run in the Women’s Premier League 2026 but have also become the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs, showcasing both batting depth and bowling strength. Gujarat will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming matches.
