Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) kicked off their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion, securing back-to-back victories that set the tone for their season. Following a tense showdown against the UP Warriorz, RCB showcased their prowess with a commanding 8-wicket win over Beth Mooney’s Gujarat Giants at the renowned M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday, February 27.

This impressive triumph propelled RCB to the apex of the points table, displacing defending champions Mumbai Indians, who also began their season with consecutive wins. Choosing to field first, RCB’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in containment, restricting the Giants to a modest total of 107 for 7. The Giants’ batting lineup struggled to gain momentum, mustering a mere 29 runs during the powerplay.

Despite a brief flourish, which yielded 13 runs from a solitary over bowled by Shreyanka Patil, the Giants failed to establish a substantial partnership or rhythm, succumbing to the relentless pressure exerted by RCB’s bowling unit.

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Ruthless Bowling Display Restricts Gujarat Giants to Modest Total

The pivotal moments of the match came courtesy of RCB’s bowlers, with Renuka Singh emerging as a standout performer. Singh’s early breakthroughs, dismissing the formidable Beth Mooney and the promising Phoebe Litchfield, dealt severe blows to the Giants’ aspirations. Alongside Singh, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham tightened the screws with disciplined bowling, further dismantling the Giants’ middle order and restricting their scoring opportunities.

Despite a valiant effort from Dayalan Hemalatha, who offered a glimmer of hope with an unbeaten 31 off 25 deliveries, supported by two boundaries and a maximum, the Giants found themselves thwarted by RCB’s relentless bowling attack.

With Wareham’s crucial dismissal of Ash Gardner and Molineux’s exceptional bowling figures of 3 wickets for 25 runs, RCB’s victory was sealed emphatically, marking a triumphant start to their WPL 2024 campaign and solidifying their position as early contenders for the coveted title.

Points Table