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Sophie Devine's carnage-filled 99 helped Royal Challengers Bangalore notch up their second straight victory in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 on Saturday (March 18). Devine might have missed out on a well-deserved century but her blitzkrieg helped RCB stay alive in WPL after beating Gujarat Giants by eight wickets at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Devine's 99 off 36 balls made mockery of the 189-run target set by Gujarat Giants as Smriti Mandhana-led RCB overhauled the total in just 15.3. Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt scored 68 off 42 balls and Ashleigh Gardner hit 41 off 26 as GG posted 188/4 in 20 overs. Dayalan Hemalatha scored 16 not out off 6 balls towards the end to help Gujarat Giants go past 180. GG skipper Snen Rana had won the toss and opted to bat against RCB.
Devine cracked eight sixes and nine boundaries en route to her blazing knock and was unfortunate to miss out on a century as Kim Garth dismissed her with Ashwani Kumar taking the catch and denying the milestone. Chasing 189 runs to win, Devine shared a record 125-run stand off 57 deliveries with skipper Mandha and was on course to achieve in what could had been a brilliant century. While Mandhana departed in the 10th over, it was Ellyse Perry who helped Devine take RCB home. In the process, Devine smashed the batting records as she surpassed UP Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy who had the highest batting score with a 47-ball 96 against RCB.
With this win RCB have surged to no.4 in the points table, above Gujarat Giants. However, Mumbai Indians still top the standings with Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz grabbing second and third positions.
Earlier, top knocks from opener Laura Wolvaardt and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner helped Gujarat Giants reach a total of 188/4 in the 20 overs. Electing to bat first, Gujarat Giants did not have a very good start as they lost opener Sophia Dunkley for 16 off 10 balls after a Sophie Devine delivery crashed into her leg stump. GG was 27/1 in 2.4 overs. Following this, the pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Sabbhineni Meghana started to rebuild the innings.
They helped GG move through the remainder of powerplay without any damage. At the end of the powerplay in six overs, GG was 45/1, with Sabbhineni Meghana (6) and Laura Wolvaardt (22) unbeaten.
Gujarat will next face UP Warriorz on March 20 to conclude their league stage campaign while RCB will next lock horns with Mumbai Indians on March 21 in a must win match to keep themselves alive in top-3 contention.
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