Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue to rewrite their story in the Women’s Premier League, turning past disappointment into a season of dominance. On Monday night in Vadodara, RCB booked their place in the knockouts with a thumping 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants, extending a remarkable winning streak that has now set new benchmarks in the league.
Batting first at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, RCB overcame early trouble to post a strong total of 178 for 6. The foundation of the innings was laid by Gautami Naik, who played a calm yet confident knock of 73 from 55 balls. Her innings helped RCB recover after losing Grace Harris and Georgia Voll within the first two overs, a shaky start that briefly put the table-toppers under pressure.
Gautami Naik first steadied the innings alongside captain Smriti Mandhana, with the pair adding a crucial partnership that restored order. Smriti Mandhana looked fluent before departing for 26, dismissed by Gujarat skipper Ashleigh Gardner. By then, RCB had regained momentum and were well placed for a late surge.
That acceleration came through a lively partnership between Gautami Naik and Richa Ghosh. While Gautami Naik held one end together, Richa Ghosh played with freedom, striking three sixes in a quick 27 as the duo added 69 runs. Gautami Naik’s innings ended in the 18th over, once again off Ashleigh Gardner’s bowling, but a late cameo from Radha Yadav ensured RCB finished strongly.
This win marked RCB’s fifth straight victory in the current season and their sixth in a row overall, stretching back to the 2025 edition. After failing to make it to the playoffs last year, the turnaround has been dramatic. They began this season with an 11-run win over Mumbai Indians and have not looked back since. In doing so, Smriti Mandhana’s side became the first team in the WPL history to string together six consecutive wins across seasons.
Earlier, Mumbai had managed five-match winning streaks on two occasions, while Delhi Capitals’ best run stands at four. Mumbai remain the only team to have started a WPL season with five straight wins, achieved in 2023. RCB now stand on the brink of another record. A win against the struggling Delhi Capitals side on January 24 would make them the first team to start a season with six consecutive victories and extend their overall run to seven.
Gujarat Giants never recovered during the chase. Their innings fell apart early, with four wickets lost inside the first seven overs. Although Ashleigh Gardner fought back with a determined 54, she received little support. Gujarat were eventually bowled out for 117, with Sayali Satghare leading the attack with three wickets, well backed by Nadine de Klerk’s economical spell.
Well played, RCB!
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