Gujarat Giants (GG), languishing at the bottom of the WPL standings, finally broke their losing streak with a commanding six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in their WPL 2025 clash riding on explosive knock from Ashleigh Gardner. Choosing to bowl first, Gujarat Giants' bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, effectively limiting RCB to a modest 125/7. Deandra Dottin and Tanuja Kanwar each claimed two wickets, while Ashleigh Gardner also contributed with a tidy spell, taking one wicket and conceding only 22 runs.
Ashleigh Gardner-inspired Gujarat Giants down defending champions RCB
Gujarat Giants chased down the target with ease, requiring only 16.3 overs. Ashleigh Gardner's aggressive batting was the highlight of the innings, as she smashed 58 runs off just 31 balls, including three sixes and six fours. This marked her third fifty of the tournament, demonstrating her consistent form and leadership.
Ashleigh Gardner cracked a fiery fifty which she completed in just 28 balls. She brought her fifty with consecutive sixes, displaying her her power-hitting ability. Despite Gujarat Giants' top order experiencing an early collapse, with Beth Mooney, Dayalan Hemalatha, and Harleen Deol all being dismissed for low scores, Gardner's innings provided the necessary impetus.
Gardner's momentum surged during Prema Rawat's over, where she scored 19 runs, showcasing her versatility with a variety of shots. From that point, Gujarat Giants maintained control of the chase, securing their second victory of the season. This win marked their first since their previous triumph against UP Warriorz in Vadodara.
With their backs against the wall and desperately needing a victory, the Gujarat Giants, who had managed only one win previously, found their success through a strong bowling performance. The team's pace spearhead, Deandra, delivered a crucial performance, taking two wickets while conceding only 31 runs. Equally effective was left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar, who also claimed two wickets for just 16 runs. The bowling effort was further bolstered by solid support from Ashleigh Gardner and Kashvee Gautam, who contributed with one wicket each, conceding 22 and 17 runs respectively.
RCB's dismal batting hands them third straight loss in WPL 2025
Gujarat Giants' decision to bowl first proved effective as they made early inroads, reducing Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a precarious 25/3 within the powerplay. Key wickets, including those of Smriti Mandhana, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and the in-form Ellyse Perry, fell cheaply, disrupting RCB's early momentum. Perry, who had been in excellent form with three fifties in her previous four innings, was dismissed for a duck.
Kanika Ahuja and Ragvi Bist attempted to counter-attack, forming a 48-run partnership off 37 balls. Ahuja took the initiative, particularly targeting leg-spinner Priya Mishra, whom she punished with consecutive boundaries and a six, resulting in an 18-run over. Bist also showed aggression, hitting a six off Meghna Singh. However, Gujarat Giants quickly responded by dismissing both batters within a span of five runs. Bist was run out following a dropped catch, and Kanika mistimed a shot, allowing Tanuja Kanwar to take a spectacular diving catch off her own bowling.
Georgia Wareham and Richa Ghosh tried to stabilize the innings with a 21-run partnership, but Kashvee Gautam delivered a crucial yorker to dismiss Ghosh, ensuring Gujarat Giants maintained their control over the match.
The defending champions RCB will now take on Delhi Capitals on March 1 while GG will next lock horns with UP Warriorz on March 3.