RCB Dominates Gujarat Giants with Stellar Bowling and Naik's Half-Century

In a thrilling match of the Women's Premier League 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased their dominance by defeating Gujarat Giants (GG) by 61 runs. The match featured outstanding bowling performances from Sayali Sathghare, Lauren Bell, and Nadine de Klerk, alongside a remarkable half-century from uncapped Indian player Gautami Naik. With this victory, RCB solidifies their position at the top of the table, while GG struggles to find their footing in the tournament. Read on to discover the key moments that defined this exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 20, 2026, 15:55 IST

RCB Secures Fifth Consecutive Victory

In a remarkable display of bowling from Sayali Sathghare, Lauren Bell, and Nadine de Klerk, along with a standout half-century from uncapped Indian player Gautami Naik, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Gujarat Giants (GG) by 61 runs in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 held in Vadodara on Monday. This victory marks RCB's fifth consecutive win, placing them at the top of the standings with a perfect record of five wins from five matches. Conversely, GG's home leg has begun poorly, dropping to fourth place with two wins and three losses, leaving their playoff hopes uncertain.

Gujarat Giants Struggle in Their Chase

As RCB set a target of 179 runs, their bowlers made an immediate impact. Sayali Sathghare dismissed the formidable Beth Mooney (3) and Sophie Devine (0) in the second over, leaving GG at a precarious 4/2. Lauren Bell followed suit, removing Kanika Ahuja for a duck, pushing GG to 5/3.

Anushka Sharma attempted to mount a counter-offensive, hitting boundaries off both Sayali and Lauren, but Nadine de Klerk ended her innings at 18 runs, caught by Radha Yadav, leaving GG struggling at 34/4.

Skipper Ash Gardner and Kashvee Gautam managed to stabilize the innings, reaching 48/4, but Kashvee's dismissal for four runs by Radha Yadav marked a turning point, reducing GG to 48/5.

Sayali continued her excellent form, taking a catch to dismiss Georgia Wareham (2), leaving GG at 56/6. Gardner's fifty came off 39 balls, but she was eventually dismissed by Sayali for 54 runs, leaving GG at 99/7.

The innings concluded with GG at 117/8, falling short by 61 runs. Sayali's bowling figures were impressive at 3/21, while Lauren and Nadine also contributed significantly.

Naik's Stellar Performance Propels RCB

Earlier in the match, Gautami Naik's exceptional half-century helped RCB post a total of 178/6 in their 20 overs. After GG chose to field first, RCB faced early setbacks with Grace Harris and Georgia Voll both dismissed cheaply, leaving them at 9/2.

Skipper Smriti Mandhana and Gautami Naik steadied the ship, with RCB reaching 37/2 at the end of the powerplay. Gautami took charge, scoring her fifty in just 36 balls, while Mandhana contributed 26 runs before being dismissed.

Richa Ghosh supported Naik well, and their partnership helped RCB cross the 100-run mark. Richa scored 27 runs off 20 balls before falling to Gardner, while Naik's innings concluded at 73 runs off 55 balls.

RCB finished their innings at 178/6, with Shreyanka Patil adding valuable runs at the end. Kashvee Gautam and Gardner were the leading wicket-takers for GG.