WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 1st Innings Report

The highly anticipated opening match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 took place on February 14 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Gujarat Giants (GG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off, setting the tone for an electrifying season. RCB’s captain, Smriti Mandhana, won the toss and choose to field first.

Gujarat Giants' Batting Performance

Gujarat Giants put up a competitive total of 165/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a commanding innings from their skipper, Ashleigh Gardner (72 off 45 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes). She built strong partnerships with Harleen Deol (45 off 32 balls) and Beth Mooney (25 off 20 balls).

Late contributions from Dayalan Hemalatha (15 off 10 balls) helped GG push their total past the 160-run mark, ensuring a solid challenge for RCB.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Bowling Attack

RCB’s bowlers put up a strong fight, with Megan Schutt leading the attack with 3/28 in 4 overs, dismissing key batters and controlling the run flow. Renuka Singh also made an impact, picking up 2/35 in 4 overs. Preeti Bose chipped in with 1/24 in 4 overs, ensuring Gujarat Giants didn’t run away with the game.

Fall of Wickets:
Beth Mooney – 50 runs
Sophia Dunkley – 75 runs
Harleen Deol – 120 runs
Ashleigh Gardner – 145 runs
Sushma Verma – 150 runs
Dayalan Hemalatha – 165 runs
Grand Opening Ceremony
Before the match, the stadium was electrified with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana and singer Madhubanti Bagchi, setting the stage for an exhilarating season of women’s cricket.

With Gujarat Giants setting a challenging target of 166, all eyes were on Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and the RCB batting lineup as they geared up for the chase. Could RCB start their WPL campaign with a win, or would Gujarat’s bowlers defend the total?

Stay tuned for the second innings report! 🚀🏏