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Chasing a target of 108 runs, RCB’s Mandhana (43, 27 balls, 8×4, 1×6) and S Meghana (36, 28 balls, 5×4, 1×6) put together a solid 40-run partnership for the second wicket, effortlessly achieving the target in just 12.3 overs. This victory marked RCB’s second consecutive victory in the WPL.
RCB’s success was built on the excellent foundation laid by their bowlers, with pacer Renuka Singh (2/14) and left-arm spinner. Sofia Molineux (3/25) being the standout performers after the team opted to bowl. The Giants struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 107 for 7.
Mandhana set the tone for RCB’s chase with a powerful start, smashing two fours off pacer Lea Tahuhu’s first two balls. The left-hander’s aggressive innings included a well-timed pull and a six over the head of Tahuhu, which helped RCB rack up 13 runs in the opener.
Despite losing Sophine Devine in the fourth over, Mandhana continued her attack. Although she missed fifty, her entertaining innings highlighted the contrast with the Giants’ previous struggles on the same ground.
The captain of the Giants Beth Mooney (8) was a victim of Renuka’s strategic line change, while Phoebe Litchfield was stumped by Richa Ghosh. Renuka, bowling his full quota of four overs, concluded with impressive figures of 4-0-14-2.
The Giants faced continued setbacks, losing key grounds, including Ashleigh Gardner, hampering their efforts to boost inflows. Dayalan Hemalatha’s unbeaten 31 off 25 balls helped the Giants reach just beyond the 100-run mark.
RCB’s bowlers remained in control throughout the innings, limiting the Giants to just 10 fours and two sixes, underlining the difficulty the Giants encountered in the field.
(With PTI inputs)