Giants Stumble Early, Restricted to 126 Runs
The RCB vs GG 5th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 was a one-sided affair at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeating the Gujarat Giants by eight wickets.
Opting to bat first, the Giants never quite got going, succumbing to the pressure of the RCB bowling attack. The top order faltered, with none of the batters managing to cross the 20-run mark. Openers Maya Sonawane and Annabel Sutherland departed cheaply, leaving the middle order with a mountain to climb.
She remains unbeaten as #RCB win by 8 wickets!
https://t.co/wV0BEgckTA#TATAWPL | #RCBvGG pic.twitter.com/FIlqsdSca1
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 27, 2024
Smriti Mandhana, the RCB captain, led the bowling charge with two crucial wickets, while Renuka Singh and Sophie Devine picked up a wicket each. However, it was the young leg-spinner Richa Ghosh who stole the show, claiming three wickets in a single over to dismantle the Giants’ batting line-up. The Giants were eventually bundled out for a meager 126 runs in 19.1 overs.
RCB Openers Lay Solid Foundation
Chasing a modest target, the RCB openers, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine, started cautiously but steadily. They built a solid foundation, adding 54 runs for the first wicket before Devine fell prey to Ellyse Perry.
Read Also: WPL Match 5 Analysis: Explosive RCB Aims to Upset Gujarat Giants in Hometown Showdown!
Mandhana Shines, Guides RCB to Comfortable Victory
The experienced Mandhana continued to anchor the chase, showcasing her elegant stroke-making. She stitched together a crucial 43-run partnership with Richa Ghosh before the latter departed for a well-made 25.
Mandhana found another able ally in captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who played a quick-fire cameo of 22 runs off just 14 deliveries. Mandhana remained unbeaten on a brilliant 97, guiding her team to a comfortable victory with eight overs to spare.
https://t.co/wV0BEgckTA#TATAWPL | #RCBvGG pic.twitter.com/ZQL3DTeT0W
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 27, 2024
Here’s a closer look at the key moments of the RCB Vs GG match:
Giants’ Batting Woes: The inability of the Giants’ top order to convert good starts into substantial scores proved costly. Their fragile batting display exposed their vulnerability against a strong bowling attack.
RCB’s Bowling Brilliance: The RCB bowlers demonstrated outstanding discipline and control, keeping the pressure on the Giants throughout the innings. Richa Ghosh’s three-wicket haul in a single over changed the course of the contest.
Mandhana’s Masterclass: Smriti Mandhana led from the front, both with her bowling and batting. Her captaincy acumen and calming presence at the crease were crucial in RCB’s dominant performance.
The win takes RCB to the top of the WPL 2024 points table, while the Giants are yet to register a victory in the tournament.
Trending FAQs:
- What was the target score for RCB?
The target score for RCB was 127 runs.
- Who were the top scorers for the Giants?
No batter from the Giants managed to cross the 20-run mark.
- Who was the player of the match?
There was no official player of the match announcement, but Richa Ghosh’s all-round performance (3 wickets and 25 runs) stood out for RCB.
- What is the current position of RCB and Giants in the WPL points table?
RCB is currently at the top of the points table, while the Giants are at the bottom.
- When is the next match for RCB and Giants?
The next match schedule for both teams is yet to be announced.
- Where can I watch the highlights of the match?
Highlights of the match will be available on the official broadcaster’s website and social media channels.
- Who is the leading run scorer in the WPL 2024 so far?
The leading run scorer in the tournament is currently Smriti Mandhana (RCB) with 97 runs.
- Who is the leading wicket-taker in the WPL 2024 so far?
Richa Ghosh (RCB) is currently the leading wicket-taker with 3 wickets.
- What are the upcoming fixtures in the WPL 2024?
The upcoming fixtures for the WPL 2024 can be found on the official website of the tournament.
- How many teams are participating in the WPL 2024?
Five teams are participating in the inaugural edition of the WPL – Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz.