A thrilling finish seemed imminent as Gujarat Giants struggled early in their modest chase. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the ninth over when Ashleigh Gardner took on rookie Prema Rawat, smashing three fours and a six in an expensive spell. This turned the tide decisively in the Giants’ favor, transforming a tense pursuit into a comfortable victory.
This defeat extended RCB’s winless run at home to three matches in the Chinnaswamy leg of WPL 2025. It also leaves three teams—RCB, Giants, and UP Warriorz—level on four points, setting the stage for an intense conclusion to the group phase next week in Lucknow and Mumbai.
Table of Contents
Perry Falls for a Rare Duck as RCB Stumble Early
Despite concerns over a hip injury, Ellyse Perry had been in stellar form with scores of 90*, 81, 7, and 57 in previous games. However, her WPL run hit an unexpected roadblock as she registered her first-ever duck in the tournament.
She mistimed an Ashleigh Gardner delivery to Tanuja Kanwar at square leg on just her fourth ball. This early blow, following Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s lbw dismissal to Deandra Dottin in the opening over, left RCB struggling at 16 for 2 within two overs.
Gautam Shines as Mandhana Struggles Yet Again
Smriti Mandhana endured a tough time at the crease, repeatedly beaten on the outside edge by 21-year-old Kashvee Gautam, one of India’s most promising fast-bowling talents in WPL 2025. Gautam’s sharp movement and tight lines restricted Mandhana, conceding just four runs in her first two overs.
The mounting pressure eventually took its toll, but it was spin that proved to be Mandhana’s undoing once more—her attempted slog-sweep off Tanuja Kanwar found Harleen Deol at deep midwicket, dismissing her for a sluggish 10 off 20 balls.
Ahuja Sparks, but RCB Falter Again
Determined to shed the tag of a “five-ball batter” after a season-long rehab from a back injury, Kanika Ahuja showcased her improved power game on Thursday. She took on legspinner Priya Mishra with confidence, reading the googly early and stepping out to loft her twice in an over, including the innings’ first six.
Ahuja continued her aggressive approach, dispatching Ashleigh Gardner in similar fashion before falling to Tanuja Kanwar for a well-made 33 off 27. However, her dismissal triggered another RCB collapse, with Georgia Wareham’s late 20-run cameo only managing to push them to 125 for 7—matching their lowest total in WPL history.
Renuka Strikes Early to Keep RCB in the Hunt
Gujarat Giants experimented with their third opening pair in five games, but Dayalan Hemalatha failed to make an impact yet again. Despite being handed an early reprieve when Danni Wyatt-Hodge misjudged a catch at mid-off, she couldn’t capitalize and was eventually stumped for 11 while attempting to heave Renuka Singh.
RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana’s decision to bowl Renuka out in the powerplay proved crucial, as the pacer struck again to dismiss Beth Mooney, who holed out to deep midwicket. Giants stumbled to 32 for 2 by the seventh over, giving RCB a much-needed boost.
Ashleigh Gardner Shifts Gears as Giants Take Control
Ashleigh Gardner turned the game in Gujarat Giants’ favor with a blistering 19-run over off rookie Prema Rawat in the ninth. Exploiting Rawat’s inexperience, Gardner showcased her class—using the crease brilliantly to pull short deliveries while dispatching fuller ones with authoritative drives.
The momentum swing was so decisive that even Harleen Deol’s reckless dismissal while attacking Georgia Wareham did little to unsettle the Giants’ charge.
Litchfield’s Reverse Sweeps Seal Comfortable Win for Giants
Playing just her second game of the tournament, Phoebe Litchfield showcased remarkable game awareness, repeatedly using reverse sweeps to neutralize Sneh Rana’s threat and ease the pressure on Gujarat Giants. A dropped catch by Richa Ghosh when Litchfield was on 11 proved costly, as the left-hander continued her fearless approach.
Her aggression complemented Ashleigh Gardner perfectly, who hammered Georgia Wareham for back-to-back sixes on her way to a blistering 28-ball half-century—her third of the season. Their 51-run partnership off just 36 deliveries saw the Giants cruise to victory with 21 balls to spare, significantly boosting their net run rate, even though they remained fifth on the table.
FAQs
How did Ashleigh Gardner impact Gujarat Giants’ win over RCB?
Gardner played a match-winning knock, smashing a 28-ball half-century and dominating a crucial 51-run stand with Phoebe Litchfield, ensuring a comfortable chase.
Why did RCB struggle against Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025?
RCB faced early batting setbacks, with Ellyse Perry dismissed for her first WPL duck and Smriti Mandhana struggling against Kashvee Gautam. Their 125/7 total, their joint-lowest in WPL history, proved insufficient.
How did Kanika Ahuja’s innings influence RCB’s total?
Ahuja played a vital 33 off 27, showcasing her improved power game with big hits off Priya Mishra and Ashleigh Gardner, but her dismissal led to another RCB collapse.
What role did Renuka Singh play in RCB’s defense?
Renuka provided early breakthroughs, dismissing Dayalan Hemalatha and Beth Mooney, briefly giving RCB hope as Gujarat Giants were reduced to 32/2 in the seventh over.
How did Phoebe Litchfield help finish the chase for Gujarat Giants?
Litchfield tactically used reverse sweeps to counter Sneh Rana, ensuring the required rate stayed manageable. Her 51-run stand with Gardner sealed the win with 21 balls to spare.
