The Gujarat Giants, led by Beth Mooney, staged a remarkable turnaround in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 after a string of four initial losses, securing a commanding victory against Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bangalore Women on Wednesday. GG’s opening duo, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney, wreaked havoc on RCB Women’s bowling attack, while Ashleigh Gardner’s performance sealed the match for the Giants.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Beth Mooney’s decision paid off handsomely for the Giants as they triumphed by 19 runs. Wolvaardt and Mooney set the stage on fire, notching up GG’s best opening partnership of the season with 59 runs in the powerplay, extending it to a formidable 140-run alliance for the first wicket. Mooney, the skipper, anchored the innings till the final delivery, ensuring her team posted an imposing total, setting a daunting target of 200 runs.

Gujarat Giants Stage Sensational Comeback with Commanding Victory in WPL 2024

RCB Women’s bowling unit struggled to contain Mooney and Wolvaardt, with Sophie Molineux emerging as the most economical bowler for Bengaluru, conceding 32 runs and grabbing one wicket in her four overs. Sophie Devine, however, bore the brunt, conceding 37 runs without a scalp in her three overs.

In the chase, RCB Women’s captain Smriti Mandhana showcased her form from the previous match against the UP Warriorz, but her innings was curtailed by Ashleigh Gardner, who dismissed her on the first delivery of the fifth over, even bowling a maiden over.

Elysse Perry of Bengaluru faced the most deliveries (23) for her team, accumulating 24 runs with three boundaries. Despite a valiant effort from RCB Women’s middle order, they struggled to occupy the crease for prolonged periods, barring Georgia Wareham, who blazed 48 runs off 22 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. However, frequent dismissals hindered RCB Women’s chase, allowing the Giants to secure a 19-run victory and notch their first win of the season.

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