The Gujarat Giants won their first game of the current season in Delhi, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by a score of 19 runs. GG had not defeated RCB in four previous games.
The Gujarat Giants won their first game of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 in Delhi on Wednesday, snapping a four-match losing streak with an impressive 19-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Gujarat Giants put on a dominant display, posting a daunting target of 199 for 5 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a Women’s Premier League match in Delhi. Laura Wolvaardt and the elegant Beth Mooney displayed their prowess.
Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Smriti Mandhana for 24 after catching her in front of the stumps, frustrating the RCB, who were chasing 200 to win. As Perry returned to the dugout for a 24-hour period, the RCB lost wickets at a consistent rate, falling to 96 for 4. Since Mandhana has struggled with the bat in this edition, RCB hasn’t been able to score large totals; hence, the team faced an uphill battle given the target they had to meet. GGT always found a method to bench batters who appeared to be hitting for maximum power. Meghna Singh caught wicket-keeper batsman Richa Ghosh for 30 off 21 when he miscued one. Ghosh was making runs quickly.
The Giants, who had struggled in their previous matches, had earlier witnessed an explosive opening partnership between Mooney (85 not out off 51 balls) and Wolvaardt (76 off 45 balls), who combined to score 140 runs in just 13 overs, laying the groundwork for a huge total. On the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch, Wolvaardt and Mooney took advantage of loose deliveries during the Powerplay overs, thanks to the RCB bowlers’ inconsistent play. The boundaries were loose because left-handed Mooney and right-handed Wolvaardt dominated the half-trackers. Wolvaardt produced strong pulls, while Mooney demonstrated immaculate cover drives. Renuka Thakur (0/34 in 4 overs) and Sophie Devine (0/37 in 3 overs) made mistakes by bowling either too full or too short.
By taking advantage of the offerings of leg-spinner Asha Sobhana (0/11 in 1 over) and former India left-arm spinner Ekta Bist (0/31 in 3 overs), Wolvaardt’s aggressive strokeplay saw her blast shots to the boundary ropes. Following a run-out that resulted in Wolvaardt’s removal, Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield (18) carried on their attack, scoring a quick 52 runs in as many overs.
Though Mooney made a great effort, only seven runs were scored off the last ten balls with four wickets being claimed, leaving the Gujarat captain stranded at the non-striker’s end in the closing overs. Highlights of Mooney’s knock included a massive six over mid-wicket and twelve boundaries, demonstrating her power and batting ability.
