WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants dominate RCB at home- Talking points

Gujarat Giants stormed back to winning ways with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Match 12 of the TATA WPL 2025.

A disciplined bowling display, coupled with a captain’s knock from Ashleigh Gardner, saw Gujarat secure a crucial two points.

Here are the five key talking points from the match:

1. Ashleigh Gardner’s Captain’s knock leads the charge

Ashleigh Gardner delivered when it mattered the most, playing a sensational knock of 58 off just 31 balls to power Gujarat Giants to victory.

Her innings included an onslaught against Georgia Wareham in the ninth over, where she hammered 19 runs.

Gardner displayed a perfect blend of power and precision, ensuring her side comfortably chased down the target. This was her third fifty of the season, reinforcing her role as Gujarat’s mainstay with the bat.

2. Gujarat Giants’ Bowlers restrict RCB’s batting order

Gujarat’s disciplined bowling effort was the cornerstone of their victory, limiting RCB to just 125/7 in 20 overs.

Deandra Dottin (2/31) set the tone early by dismissing Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the very first over. Skipper Gardner contributed with a crucial breakthrough, removing the in-form Ellyse Perry.

Tanuja Kanwer (2/16) continued the onslaught, dismissing RCB captain Smriti Mandhana. The bowlers executed their plans effectively, never allowing RCB to build a substantial partnership.

3. Phoebe Litchfield’s calm and composed finish

While Gardner stole the headlines, Phoebe Litchfield played a vital supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 21 balls.

Her composed approach ensured Gujarat Giants didn’t falter under pressure, rotating the strike efficiently and capitalizing on loose deliveries.

Litchfield’s well-timed reverse sweeps and quick footwork kept the scoreboard ticking, ultimately guiding her team to a comfortable win.

4. Renuka Singh Thakur’s fiery spell provides early hope for RCB

RCB’s pace spearhead Renuka Singh Thakur was exceptional with the new ball, striking twice in the powerplay.

She dismissed Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha in quick succession, showcasing why she holds the Purple Cap.

Hemalatha’s wicket was particularly impressive, as Richa Ghosh executed a sharp piece of wicketkeeping to complete the dismissal. However, despite Renuka’s efforts, RCB couldn’t capitalize on the early breakthroughs.

5. RCB’s third consecutive home defeat raises concerns

This loss marked RCB’s third straight defeat at home, raising significant concerns about their inability to leverage home advantage.

Despite glimpses of brilliance from their bowlers, their batting unit faltered once again. The middle-order struggles persisted, and their tendency to lose wickets in clusters prevented them from posting a competitive total.

With the tournament moving towards the business end, RCB must address these issues urgently.

What’s next?

Gujarat Giants will look to build on this momentum in their next encounter, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru need to regroup and address their batting woes to get back to winning ways.

The race for playoff spots is heating up, making every match crucial from this point forward.