Royal Challengers Bengaluru Secures Spot in Women's Premier League Knockouts with Dominant Win

RCB's Stellar Performance Against Gujarat Giants

Vadodara: Gautami Naik delivered an impressive half-century, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a convincing 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League on Monday.

Remaining unbeaten, RCB achieved their fifth consecutive win in the tournament, securing a place in the knockout stage.

After being put to bat, RCB, the table leaders, faced early setbacks, losing Grace Harris and Georgia Voll within the second over, with the score at just nine runs. Naik's steady performance helped RCB reach a competitive total of 178 for six.

In response, Gujarat Giants struggled from the outset, losing four wickets for just 34 runs by the seventh over.

Key players Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, and Kanika Ahuja fell early, further complicating their chase.

Kshvee Gautam and Georgia Wareham also failed to make significant contributions.

Captain Ashleigh Gardner (54 runs off 43 balls) and Bharti Fulmali (14 runs) attempted to stabilize the innings but ultimately fell short.

Gardner hit five boundaries and one six, but GG could only manage 117 for 8.

Sayali Satghare, a right-arm medium pacer, was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 3/21, supported by Nadine de Klerk (2/17).

Earlier, RCB's captain Smriti Mandhana (26 runs off 23 balls) and Naik formed a crucial partnership, adding 60 runs for the third wicket to stabilize the innings.

This partnership ended when Ashleigh Gardner successfully reviewed a decision, dismissing Mandhana.

Naik (73 runs off 55 balls, including 7 fours and 1 six) and Richa Ghosh (27 runs off 20 balls) then combined for 69 runs for the fourth wicket, propelling RCB forward.

While Naik dominated the partnership, Ghosh showcased her power hitting with three sixes.

Naik's innings concluded in the 18th over when she was bowled by Gardner.

Radha Yadav (17 runs off 8 balls) contributed a quick cameo at the end, helping RCB reach their final total.