Royal Challengers Bengaluru commenced their title defense in the Women’s Premier League with a commanding six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the season opener held in Vadodara on Friday. Pursuing a target of 202 runs, RCB successfully achieved 202/4 in just 18.3 overs, with Richa Ghosh hitting the decisive six. Ghosh's outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade, as she remained unbeaten with a score of 64 runs off 27 deliveries.

Additionally, Ellyse Perry contributed significantly to RCB's success, scoring a half-century with 57 runs from 34 balls. Kanika Ahuja also played a crucial role, forming a vital partnership with Ghosh and scoring 30 runs off just 13 balls.

Ghosh's explosive hitting drew considerable attention, showcasing her well-known prowess among fans. In a pivotal moment during the 19th over, she received a short delivery from Deandra Dottin, which she skillfully dispatched over midwicket for a six, marking RCB's achievement of the highest successful chase in WPL history. Ghosh's remarkable performance ignited a frenzy on social media, with many users drawing comparisons to former India captain MS Dhoni, renowned for his ability to hit match-winning sixes and fours.

Here is what fans said:

Agree or Die.
Richa Ghosh is a better finisher than MS Dhoni. pic.twitter.com/bo4GMNdjBB

— Square Cut (@Square__Cut) February 14, 2025

IInitially, Ashleigh Gardner's impressive innings of 79 not out from 37 deliveries propelled Gujarat to a total of 201 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Additionally, Beth Mooney contributed a solid half-century, scoring 56 runs. In the bowling department for RCB, Renuka Singh managed to take two wickets.

Following the match, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I am truly pleased to be part of the winning team. Richa's batting performance was exceptional to witness towards the end. Our bowlers had been facing similar challenges in the nets, and we maintained our confidence after the first innings due to the dew factor. We had a successful auction, and the players who stepped in for the injured ones proved to be excellent substitutes."

In a separate comment, Richa elaborated, "Our strategy was to take our time and extend the innings. I focused on playing my natural game. We remained optimistic and believed we could successfully chase down the target. Our preparation was invaluable, as we had practiced under similar conditions, which greatly aided us. The approach was simply to see the ball and hit it."

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