Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) in spectacular fashion, pulling off the biggest run chase in the tournament’s history. RCB chased down 202 runs in just 19 overs, defeating Gujarat Giants by six wickets at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.

 

Historic Run Chase

 

Before this match, the highest successful chase in WPL history was 191 runs by Mumbai Indians in 2024. RCB shattered that record thanks to outstanding performances from Ellyse Perry (57 off 34), Richa Ghosh (64 off 37), and Kanika Ahuja (30 off 19)**. The duo of Richa and Kanika also stitched together an unbeaten 93-run stand, the third-highest partnership for RCB in WPL history.

 

The match also saw 403 runs scored in total, making it the highest aggregate match in WPL history. Additionally, the 16 sixes hit in this game were the second-most in a single WPL match, just behind the 19 sixes smashed in RCB vs Delhi Capitals (2024).

 

Smriti Mandhana Reacts to the Win

 

RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana was thrilled with the performance, especially the fearless batting display.

 

“Really happy to start with a win! The way Richa batted was just brilliant. We always believed we were in the game, especially with the dew factor. We had a solid auction and picked great replacements for the injured players, and it’s paying off.”

 

Kanika Ahuja on Her Match-Winning Partnership

 

“Feeling really happy! I tried to execute everything I learned during rehab and practice. Visualizing my shots helped, and thankfully, it worked out. We knew that if we took the game deep, we could win, and full credit goes to my teammates.”

 

Gujarat Giants’ Strong Start Falls Short

 

Batting first, Gujarat Giants put up 201/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive 79 off 37 balls, which included 3 fours and 8 sixes. However, their strong total wasn’t enough to stop RCB’s historic chase.