RCB Dominate Gujarat Giants in Vadodara to Secure WPL 2026 Playoff Spot
RCB once again underlined why they have been the standout side of Women’s Premier League 2026, producing a comprehensive all-round performance to defeat Gujarat Giants in the opening match of the Vadodara leg. With this emphatic victory, RCB became the first team to qualify for the WPL 2026 playoffs, continuing their remarkable run of form.
Early Blows, Calm Response
Asked to bat first, RCB were jolted early despite arriving with strong momentum. Gujarat’s new-ball bowlers struck twice inside the powerplay, reducing RCB to 9 for 2, a reminder of how dangerous the Giants have been with the new ball this season.
Coming into the contest, Gujarat bowlers had taken 10 powerplay wickets, the most by any team in WPL 2026, boasting the best strike rate (18) and the lowest boundary percentage (18.88%) during that phase. Once again, they showcased early intent, forcing RCB into a rebuilding mode.
Mandhana–Naik Partnership Shifts Momentum
Smriti Mandhana and Gautami Naik stitched together a crucial 40-run stand, absorbing pressure on a surface that was slightly holding and with dew expected later in the evening. Spin was used sparingly in this phase, and Mandhana’s calm presence played a vital role in settling Naik at the crease.
After Mandhana’s dismissal, Naik took greater responsibility and emerged as the backbone of the innings. She first added 60 runs for the third wicket, before forging a decisive 69-run partnership with Richa Ghosh.
Strong Finish Pushes RCB to 178
Despite modest contributions from Grace Harris, Mandhana, and Georgia Voll, RCB finished with a commanding 178, powered by late cameos from Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav. The final three overs yielded 40 runs, giving the total an imposing look.
Gujarat’s struggles in the field further compounded their problems. They have now dropped 11 catches this season, the most by any team, with a catching efficiency of just 63.3%, alongside 31 misfields—issues that again proved costly.
RCB’s New-Ball Blitz Breaks the Chase
If RCB’s batting showed depth, their bowling demonstrated complete dominance.
Sayali Satghare delivered a stunning start, striking twice in her first over, while Lauren Bell followed up with relentless accuracy. Gujarat collapsed to 5 for 3, one of the lowest scores at the fall of the third wicket in WPL history, and limped to 29 for 3 at the end of the powerplay—their lowest this season.
The collapse was particularly stark given that Gujarat had entered the match with the highest powerplay run rate (10.08) in WPL 2026.
Powerplay Dominance Defines RCB’s Season
RCB’s powerplay bowling has been a defining strength throughout the tournament. In overs 1–6 this season, their bowlers have taken 11 wickets at an average of 18.09, conceding just 6.63 runs per over, with a dot-ball percentage of 53.8%.
Lauren Bell has been exceptional in this phase, picking up five wickets, averaging 14.6, with an economy of 5.21 and dots on nearly two-thirds of her deliveries.
No Recovery for Gujarat
Ashleigh Gardner attempted to rescue the chase, but support was minimal. By the ninth over, the asking rate had ballooned, and RCB had complete control. Nadine de Klerk struck in the middle overs, as she has consistently done this season, ensuring there was no meaningful comeback.
Statement Win and Playoff Qualification
RCB sealed a 61-run victory, one of the largest margins in WPL history. The win completed a season double over Gujarat, extended RCB’s winning streak to five matches, and made them only the second team in WPL history to begin a season with five consecutive wins—after Mumbai Indians in 2023.
Written By The Cricket Show:
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