Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) commenced their campaign in the 2025 Women's Premier League with a resounding victory, overcoming the Gujarat Giants by six wickets at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. This triumph marked a record-setting chase for RCB, allowing them to initiate the third edition of the Women's Premier League in the most favorable manner.

RCB successfully pursued a target of 202 runs within 19 overs, finishing with six wickets remaining, thereby achieving the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history. Previously, the record was held by the Mumbai Indians, who chased down 191 runs against the Gujarat Giants in the 2024 season.

Ellyse Perry contributed significantly to the defending champions' success, scoring 57 runs off 34 deliveries, while Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja remained unbeaten with scores of 64 and 30, respectively.

The match between RCB and the Gujarat Giants also set a new benchmark for the highest aggregate runs in WPL history, with a total of 403 runs scored during the 2025 season opener in Vadodara.

Additionally, the 16 sixes hit during this match rank as the second-highest in WPL history, following the 19 sixes recorded in the RCB versus Delhi Capitals match in Bengaluru in 2024.

The unbeaten partnership of 93 runs between Kanika Ahuja and Richa Ghosh is now the third-highest for RCB in the Women's Premier League.

What did Smriti Mandhana say about this win?

Following the victory, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her delight at her team's performance, particularly in achieving a record chase.

"I am truly pleased to be part of the winning team. Richa's batting was exceptional to witness in the final moments. They have consistently demonstrated this capability in the nets against our bowlers, and we remained optimistic about our chances after the first innings due to the dew factor. Our auction was successful, and those who stepped in for the injured players proved to be excellent substitutes," stated Smriti.

In a separate comment, Kanika Ahuja remarked, "I am feeling very joyful. I endeavored to apply everything I learned during my rehabilitation and practice sessions in today's match. I focused on visualizing my shot selection, and fortunately, it worked out well. We understood that if we could extend the game, victory was within reach, and I credit my teammates for this success."

Earlier, the Gujarat Giants set a target of 201 runs for 5 wickets in their allotted twenty overs, largely due to captain Ashleigh Gardner's impressive innings of 79 runs off 37 balls, which included 3 fours and 8 sixes.

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