Smriti Mandhana impressive 43 off 27, coupled with disciplined bowling performances from Renuka Singh Thakur (4-0-14-2) and Sophie Molineux (4-0-25-3), propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to a convincing eight-wicket triumph over Gujarat Giants at Bengaluru M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Despite Gujarat Giants bringing in 10 new players for Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, the team suffered its second consecutive loss. The familiar adage, the more things change, the more they stay the same, seemed fitting for Gujarat Giants.
Mandhana set the tone early by hitting Lea Tahuhu for three fours in the first over, giving RCB a strong start in the chase. She consistently pierced the in-field, propelling Royal Challengers to 32 within the initial three overs, until Sophie Devine fell cheaply.
Mandhana, caught and bowled by Tanuja Kanwar, contributed significantly before S. Meghana and Ellyse Perry guided RCB across the finish line in 12.3 overs.
In the first innings, a collective bowling effort from Royal Challengers restricted Giants to 107 for seven. Renuka provided the initial breakthrough, dismissing skipper Beth Mooney in the third over. The bowlers, including Devine and Shreyanka Patil, created pressure with 27 dot balls in the PowerPlay.
Sophie Molineux impactful 11th over removed Veda Krishnamurthy and Harleen, leaving Giants struggling at 50 for four. Wickets fell consistently, but Dayalan Hemalatha late cameo of 31 runs ensured Giants crossed the 100-run mark. However, it proved inadequate against the home team.
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