Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed to a six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants (GG) in a thrilling Women’s Premier League (WPL) encounter, thanks to Richa Ghosh’s sensational unbeaten 64. The young wicketkeeper-batter played with remarkable poise as she steered RCB past a daunting 202-run target, leaving even veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry in awe of her composure and power-hitting.
Richa Ghosh Stuns With Ice-Cold Finishing
It’s not every day that a 200-plus chase in T20 cricket looks effortless. But for Richa Ghosh, it was just another day at the office. With RCB needing a strong finish, she stepped up, delivering powerful strokes with unshakable confidence.
Perry, who has seen and done it all in international cricket, was all praises for the young batter. “Richa, she does it with so much poise and calmness. It’s pretty awesome to watch,” Perry said. “You just feel like every time the ball is on her side, she puts it over the rope and does that more often than not.”
And she wasn’t exaggerating. Richa’s innings, filled with crisp timing and fearless stroke play, dismantled GG’s bowling attack. She didn’t just win the game—she owned it.
Kanika Ahuja’s Blazing Cameo Adds Firepower
While Richa deserved the spotlight, she wasn’t alone in RCB’s march to victory. Left-handed all-rounder Kanika Ahuja provided the perfect finishing touch, smashing an unbeaten 30 off just 13 balls.
Her aggressive intent was evident from the moment she arrived at the crease. She took on GG’s bowlers with a fearless attitude, playing innovative shots that left the opposition clueless.
Together, Richa and Kanika put on a crucial 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket, turning the game on its head. GG’s bowlers had no answers, and in the blink of an eye, RCB sealed the deal with eight balls to spare.
A Record-Breaking Chase That Signals RCB’s Intent
RCB’s successful chase of 202 was one of the highest in WPL history, underlining the firepower in their batting lineup. The way they dismantled GG’s bowling unit was a statement—this team means business.
Some key takeaways from the chase:
- RCB’s ability to handle pressure in high-scoring matches is a big positive.
- Richa Ghosh continues to prove she’s one of the most dangerous finishers in women’s cricket.
- Kanika Ahuja’s knock adds another weapon to RCB’s already strong batting arsenal.
With such performances, RCB looks like a team ready to challenge for the WPL title. If their middle order keeps firing like this, opponents will have a tough time containing them.
What This Means for Gujarat Giants
For Gujarat Giants, this defeat will sting. Setting a target of 202 should have been enough, but their bowlers had no answers for RCB’s counterattack.
Their struggles with death bowling have been exposed once again. Allowing 93 runs for the fifth wicket in a chase like this raises serious concerns. They will need to reassess their bowling strategies quickly if they want to stay competitive in the tournament.
The Road Ahead for RCB
This victory will give RCB a massive confidence boost. Chasing 202 with such ease is no small feat, and the way their young guns stepped up is a great sign for the rest of the tournament.
With Perry, Richa, and Kanika all in top form, RCB has momentum on their side. And if they continue playing like this, they could well be the team to beat in WPL 2024.