RCB 3/3: Dominant 32-Run Win Against Gujarat Giants.

RCB 3/3: Dominant 32-Run Win Against Gujarat Giants.

                    The GG vs RCB clash in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 delivered high drama, resilience, and a dominant all-round display from Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

On January 16, 2026, at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, RCB secured a convincing 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants, maintaining their unbeaten record with three straight wins. This Match 9 thriller showcased RCB's ability to bounce back from early setbacks and then dismantle the opposition with disciplined bowling.


Toss and Early Innings Drama

Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, won the toss and elected to field first under lights, hoping to exploit any early movement. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana and her opening partner walked out to face a strong GG bowling attack featuring Renuka Singh Thakur, Sophie Devine, and Kashvee Gautam.

The start was disastrous for RCB. They slumped to 43/4 by the sixth over, losing key wickets in the powerplay. The top order faltered against disciplined seam and spin, putting immense pressure on the middle order. This collapse tested RCB's depth, but it also set the stage for one of the most crucial partnerships of the tournament.

The Rescue Act: Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh's 105-Run Stand

Enter Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh—two Indian stars who turned the innings around with composure and aggression. Yadav, promoted to No. 5, played with maturity beyond her years, anchoring the recovery while rotating strike efficiently.

Yadav's innings was a masterclass: 66 off 47 balls, including powerful pulls, lofted drives, and a memorable six to bring up her maiden WPL fifty. She mixed caution with calculated risks, finding gaps and accelerating as the innings progressed.

Ghosh complemented her perfectly with a blistering 44 off 28 balls, featuring innovative scoops, ramps, and thunderous pulls. Their fifth-wicket partnership of 105 runs rebuilt the innings, taking RCB from a precarious position to a competitive total.

Late fireworks came from all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, whose quickfire 26 off a handful of deliveries pushed the score further. RCB finished at 182/7 in 20 overs—a total that looked daunting on a pitch offering variable bounce and spin.


RCB's Bowling Masterclass: Shreyanka Patil's Five-Wicket Haul

Chasing 183 required Gujarat Giants to produce something special, but RCB's bowlers had other ideas. The attack, blending pace, spin, and variations, dismantled GG's batting lineup.

Shreyanka Patil was the star with the ball. The young off-spinner delivered a career-best 5/23 in 3.5 overs, ripping through the top and middle order with flight, drift, and sharp turn. Her variations trapped batters in front or induced false shots, earning her a well-deserved fifer that swung the game decisively.

Supporting her was England pacer Lauren Bell, who claimed 3/29. Bell's accuracy and seam movement troubled the right-handers, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Her dismissal of Bharti Fulmali in the 17th over was a turning point.

GG started brightly, with Beth Mooney and others reaching 32 in the first three overs. However, the collapse began soon after—five wickets fell in the next eight overs. Despite resistance from Bharti Fulmali (39 off 20 balls, full of aggressive strokes), GG couldn't sustain momentum. They were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs, falling short by 32 runs.



Key Performances and Turning Points
Radha Yadav's maiden WPL fifty — A statement innings that proved her value as a middle-order anchor.
Richa Ghosh's explosive 44 — Showcased her finishing abilities and innovative shot-making.
Shreyanka Patil's 5/23 — A match-winning spell that highlighted India's growing spin depth in women's cricket.
Lauren Bell's 3/29 — Provided the pace bite and key breakthroughs.
Bharti Fulmali's 39 — A lone bright spot for GG in a disappointing chase.

The partnership between Yadav and Ghosh shifted momentum after the early collapse, while Patil's spell in the middle overs ensured GG never recovered.

Broader Implications for WPL 2026

This victory marked RCB's third successive win, placing them atop the points table with six points from three matches and an impressive net run rate. Their blend of Indian experience (Mandhana, Ghosh, Yadav, Patil) and overseas impact (Bell, de Klerk) has created a balanced unit displaying resilience under pressure and clinical execution.

For Gujarat Giants, the loss highlighted batting inconsistencies despite a strong start to the season. They now need to regroup quickly in a competitive league.

RCB's unbeaten run positions them as strong title contenders in WPL 2026. With depth in batting, variety in bowling, and momentum on their side, the Bengaluru-based franchise looks poised for more dominance as the tournament progresses.

This match exemplified why WPL continues to grow—thrilling comebacks, individual brilliance, and team performances that captivate fans.