WPL Match 16, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Giants - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) registered a stunning victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023. Smriti Mandhana and Co. defeated Gujarat Giants (GG-W) by eight wickets at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 18. This is RCB’s second victory in the ongoing WPL season. 
 
Gujarat Giants skipper Sneh Rana won the toss and opted to bat first. Laura Wolvaardt smashed a brilliant half-century as GG-W went on to score 188/4 in 20 overs. She scored 68 runs off 42 balls, with the help of two maximums and nine boundaries. Meanwhile, Ashleigh Gardner also scored 41 runs off 26 balls to bolster the Gujarat innings. For RCB, Shreyanka Patil scalped two wickets while Sophie Devine and Preeti Bose picked one each.

Chasing a target of 189 runs, RCB sealed an easy eight-wicket victory in just 15.3 overs. RCB opener Sophie Devine smashed 99 off 36 balls, keeping RCB’s slim chances alive in the league. Her knock was studded with eight maximums and nine boundaries. The Kiwi batter shared a record 125-run stand in 57 deliveries with skipper Smriti Mandhana. Meanwhile, Kim Garth and skipper Sneh Rana bagged a wicket each for Gujarat Giants. Notably, RCB won their first match this season beating UP Warriorz by five wickets on March 15.

Sophie Devine’s knock helps RCB to stay in race

Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Sophie Devine took charge of her side and smashed a match-winning knock against Gujarat Giants. She narrowly missed a well-deserved century, scoring a scintillating knock of 99 off 36 balls. Her knock was packed with eight sixes and nine fours. She also picked a wicket for RCB, dismissing Sophia Dunkley. For her match-winning performance, she was adjudged the 'Player of the Match'.

Laura Wolvaardt helps Gujarat Giants to post competitive total

Gujarat Giants batter Laura Wolvaardt was brilliant for her side smacking 68 runs off 42 balls, including two sixes and nine fours. She guided her side to score 188 before being dismissed by Shreyanka Patil. The South African finished as the highest scorer for GG-W in the match against RCB. 

Losing captain Sneh Rana:

"Short of words now. But this is what happens in the game of cricket. We had a good total but couldn't do it with the ball. I think we weren't up to the mark with the bowling, and that cost us. (On Harleen's position) We sent Meghana because she is an explosive batter, we thought she can score quick runs. I think we need to come out of this game, but we will come back stronger."

Winning captain Smriti Mandhana: 

"I think we took a lot of confidence from the last game. Today, the way we bowled in the middle overs we restricted them to a good total on a good surface. And then just two words - SOPHIE DEVINE. (On bowing performance) I felt they were a bit above par given how wickets were playing, but then when we walked out to bat I realised we had done well with the ball. (On Devine's innings) My job was very easy, just giving the singles to her and watching it, could have done with some popcorn. Some of the sixes were really massive. (On team performance) I think the whole atmoshphere has been very positive, we have improved as a bowling, fielding and batting unit. We had a few doubts the way we started but now with two wins I'm more assured that we are an amazing team."

Player of the Match, Sophie Devine:

"(On getting Orange Cap) Always nice to beat Meg in something. (On milestone of fastest 100) I was in the zone tonight, milestones don't get to me so at 99 it wasn't about a drop and run, it was about getting the team home earlier. Hopefully, we can still be in the run for the playoffs. I think I've got used to the conditions now, having watched a few games and I'm learning everyday. It perhaps help that I'm a bit older. Massive credit to the bowlers earlier, conditions were tough with minimal swing and no spin. They've done a lot of the hardwork today. I think I've just snuck in and taken the credit with this innings. I think the one that ended up in the top tiers was my favourite shot of today."