Former India captain Mithali Raj hailed the opening match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 as a "record-breaking" start, highlighting the thrilling contest between Gujarat Giants and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Ellyse Perry's composed half-century, coupled with Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja’s explosive batting in the death overs, propelled RCB to a commanding six-wicket victory in Vadodara on Friday.
Veteran Indian international cricketer Mithali Raj praised the high-intensity match and the remarkable performances of Richa Ghosh, Kanika Ahuja, and Ellyse Perry in the chase.
"It's been a record-breaking start, and rightly so. In the first innings, we saw Ashleigh Gardner and Deandra Dottin set the foundation with a formidable total of 201 runs. Then, Richa Ghosh, Kanika Ahuja, and Ellyse Perry delivered an exceptional performance in the chase. This match had everything--big runs, key partnerships, and high-intensity cricket," Raj was quoted as saying in a JioHotstar release.
Winning the toss, RCB opted to field first. Gujarat Giants’ openers Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt took time to build momentum, with Mooney finding the boundaries early on.
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However, Wolvaardt fell for six runs off ten deliveries to Renuka Thakur.
Skipper Ashleigh Gardner played a crucial knock, remaining unbeaten on 79, while Mooney contributed 56 off 42 balls, helping Gujarat Giants post a competitive 201/5.
Renuka was the most economical bowler for RCB, claiming two wickets for just 25 runs, while Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, and Prerna Singh took a wicket each.
Chasing 202, RCB's openers Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge started aggressively, striking three fours in the first over.
However, Gardner struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both batters.
Despite the early setbacks, Perry (57), Ghosh (64*), and Ahuja (30*) ensured RCB cruised to victory, sealing the chase in 18.3 overs.
Gardner led the Giants’ bowling attack with two wickets, but it was Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 64 that secured her the 'Player of the Match' award.
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