Vadodara, Feb 14 (UNI) Gujarat Giants showcased a remarkable turnaround to post a commanding total of 201/5 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash here on Friday.
At one point, their innings seemed to be faltering, with even reaching 150 appearing to be a challenge. However, the game took a dramatic turn after the first strategic time-out, when skipper Beth Mooney (56) shifted gears. Her calculated aggression set the tone, but after reaching her half-century, she departed, leaving the onus on the middle order.
Ashleigh Gardner then stepped up and delivered a devastating counterattack. She unleashed an array of strokes, finding the boundary with precision. Any ball in her hitting arc disappeared into the stands, leaving the RCB bowlers searching for answers.
Her knock was complemented by a brisk cameo from Deandra Dottin (25 off 13, 3x4s 1×6), whose late surge ensured that Gujarat breached the 200-run mark, a milestone that had once seemed out of reach. RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana tried multiple bowling changes, but a few dropped chances cost them dearly.
The blistering 67-run partnership between Gardner and Dottin, coming off just 31 balls at a staggering run rate of 12.96, was the highest for any Gujarat Giants pair in a 50+ stand. Their efforts placed Gujarat in a commanding position, making the chase an uphill battle for RCB.
This innings also added to the WPL record books. Gujarat’s 201/5 joined the elite list of highest totals in tournament history, trailing only behind Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. The top scores in WPL history include 223/2 by DC against RCB in 2023, 211/4 by DC against UPW in the same year, 207/5 by MI against GG, and 201/7 by GG against RCB. Today’s total further reinforced the evolving power-hitting trend in women’s cricket.
Adding to the spectacle, Gardner’s individual brilliance was historic. She matched Sophie Devine’s record for most sixes in an innings, smashing eight maximums to join the New Zealand star at the top. As a team, Gujarat’s ten sixes in this innings were the second most ever in a WPL match, further underscoring their dominance.
With such a tall target on the board, the pressure now shifts to RCB’s batters. They will need an inspired effort to chase down 202 runs and turn the tide in their favour. All eyes are now on their response in this high-stakes contest.
