GG vs RCB WPL 2025 Opener
A Legendary Evening in Vadodara: GG vs. RCB in the WPL 2025 Opening Match
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season began with an absolutely amazing match. The event began with a match between the Gujarat Giants (GG) and the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), played under the lights in Vadodara. At one of the most memorable “gg vs rcb” matches in WPL history, RCB chased down 202 runs to win by a dramatic six-wicket margin, setting a record for the match.
Key Performances and Match Scorecard
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 202 for 4 (Ghosh 64*, Perry 57, Ahuja 30*, Gardner 2-33) beat Gujarat Giants 201 for 5 (Gardner 79, Mooney 56, Renuka 2-25) by 6 wickets with 9 balls remaining.
GG’s Powerful Start: Mooney and Gardner Take Over
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the Gujarat Giants’ opening pair of Beth Mooney and Sophia Dunkley got off to a great start. The seasoned Ashleigh Gardner was brought to the crease by Dunkley’s early demise (15 off 11), but what followed was an incredible batting performance.
Ashleigh Gardner’s Masterclass
Gardner’s explosive knock was a show for the audience. She hit an undefeated 79, which included five sixes and six fours, in just 37 balls. The core of GG’s score came from Gardner’s innings, which demonstrated her capacity to both attack and anchor the innings at the same time.
Mooney’s Solid Support
The GG captain, Beth Mooney, was also instrumental. The Giants had a strong foundation thanks to her calm 56 off 43 balls. GG reached a commanding 201/5 in 20 overs thanks to a 92-run partnership between Gardner and Mooney.
The RCB Bowlers Fight Back
The RCB bowlers had their moments, despite GG posting an enormous total. Renuka Singh, who took important wickets at pivotal times, stood out with scores of 2/25. In the final overs, though, the RCB bowlers found it difficult to stop Gardner’s assault.
The Chase: The Record-Shattering Performance of RCB
Overhanging the RCB Women was the intimidating goal of 202. But their batting lineup stepped up and produced one of the most thrilling chases in WPL history.
Ellyse Perry’s Consistency
Ellyse Perry’s vital 57 off 41 balls served as the cornerstone of RCB’s chase. Because to Perry’s steady innings, the necessary run rate remained within reasonable bounds. RCB remained in the hunt because to her ability to spot openings and switch up the strike.
Richa Ghosh’s Fireworks
Richa Ghosh‘s entry into the game following Perry’s ejection marked a turning moment. Ghosh cost the Giants dearly when she was dropped on her first ball. The match’s high point was her scorching 64* from just 26 balls. In the 16th over, Ghosh gave RCB the victory by hitting four boundaries and a six against Ashleigh Gardner in a single over.
Her development as a finisher was demonstrated by her flexibility in determining the boundary and her poise under duress.
Kanika Ahuja: The Ideal Companion
Kanika Ahuja delivered a fantastic supporting role in the background, while Ghosh took center stage. She was a perfect match for Ghosh, hitting three fours and a six in her undefeated 30 from 13 balls. With nine balls remaining, RCB won the match because to the pair’s unbeaten 93-run partnership off just 37 balls.
Important Points: GG vs. RCB
1. The Carnage of Gardner
A sight to behold was Ashleigh Gardner’s incredible innings of 79 not out. The RCB bowlers were left reeling as she found the boundaries with ease.
2. The Anchor Role of Perry
Ellyse Perry set the stage for RCB’s pursuit with a well-paced innings. The middle order would have been under tremendous pressure if she hadn’t contributed.
3. The 16th Over Assault by Richa Ghosh
Ashleigh Gardner’s 16th over changed the outcome of the match. In that over, Ghosh’s four fours and a six turned the tide entirely in the RCB’s advantage.
4. The Final Touch by Ahuja
There were no last-minute difficulties thanks to Kanika Ahuja’s cool cameo, which gave RCB the ideal conclusion to an incredible chase.
Records Broken: GG vs RCB
Highest Successful Chase in WPL History: RCB’s chase of 202 is now the highest in the league’s history.
Highest Match Aggregate: The combined 403 runs is the highest-ever match aggregate in WPL.
Fastest Half-Century by Richa Ghosh: Ghosh’s 23-ball fifty was the fastest in WPL 2025 so far.
Player of the Match: Richa Ghosh
Post-Match Reactions
Richa Ghosh (RCB):
“It feels amazing to start the tournament with a win like this. The team backed me after the dropped catch, and I just wanted to repay that faith. Kanika was brilliant at the other end, and this partnership will stay with me forever.”
Ashleigh Gardner (GG):
“It’s disappointing to end up on the losing side after posting 200+. Credit to Richa and Kanika for the way they batted. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Smriti Mandhana (RCB Captain):
“This team never gives up, and tonight was proof of that. The way Richa and Kanika batted under pressure was incredible. We’re just getting started!”
