RCB vs GG, WPL 2025: Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry Shine in Historic Run Chase
In a thrilling start to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history by pulling off the biggest run chase ever in the tournament’s history. RCB defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by six wickets in a high-scoring encounter at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on February 14 (Friday). With a combined total of 403 runs scored, this match became the highest-aggregate game in WPL history.
Gujarat Giants Set a Mammoth Target
Winning the toss, defending champions RCB opted to bowl first. Gujarat Giants got off to a rocky start, losing two quick wickets with only 41 runs on the board. However, skipper Ashleigh Gardner (79*) and veteran Beth Mooney (56) took control of the innings, stabilizing GG’s innings with a brilliant partnership. Power-hitter Deandra Dottin added a quickfire 25 to propel GG to a formidable 201/5 in 20 overs.
For RCB, Renuka Singh Thakur stood out with the ball, taking two crucial wickets and keeping the run flow in check amid the onslaught from GG’s batters.
RCB’s Record-Breaking Chase
Chasing 202, RCB faced an early setback with skipper Smriti Mandhana (9) and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (4) falling in quick succession to Ashleigh Gardner. The early blows left RCB reeling at 14/2, setting the stage for a challenging chase.
However, Ellyse Perry (57) led RCB’s fightback, playing an aggressive yet composed knock. She found an able partner in Raghvi Bist (25), with the duo adding a crucial 86-run stand that kept RCB’s hopes alive. But the game took another twist when both batters fell in quick succession at 109/4 in 12.2 overs.
With 93 runs needed off just 46 balls, Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja turned the match on its head. In a scintillating partnership, Richa played an explosive innings of 64* off 27 balls, while Kanika hammered 30 off just 13 balls. The duo accelerated the scoring rate, punishing GG’s bowlers all around the park.
In a fitting climax, Richa Ghosh sealed the chase in style, smashing a massive six off Deandra Dottin over mid-wicket to take RCB past the target in just 18.3 overs. Her heroic performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Match Summary:
Gujarat Giants: 201/5 (20 overs)
- Ashleigh Gardner – 79* (46)
- Beth Mooney – 56 (38)
- Deandra Dottin – 25 (15)
- Renuka Singh Thakur: 2/32 (4)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 202/4 (18.3 overs)
- Richa Ghosh – 64 (27)*
- Ellyse Perry – 57 (35)
- Kanika Ahuja – 30* (13)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 2/27 (4)
Result: RCB won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Richa Ghosh
Key Highlights from the Match:
- Highest successful run chase in WPL history (202 runs)
- Highest aggregate score in a WPL match (403 runs)
- Richa Ghosh’s explosive 64 off 27 balls*
- Ellyse Perry’s steady 57, guiding the chase initially
- Kanika Ahuja’s finishing touch with 30 off just 13 balls
