By Sports | Navi Mumbai
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are no longer just contenders in the Women’s Premier League WPL 2026 they are setting the pace, dictating the mood, and sending a clear message to the rest of the tournament. On a high-energy Thursday night at the DY Patil Sports Academy, RCB delivered a statement performance, defeating Gujarat Giants by 32 runs in a match powered by sheer grit, balance, and a spell to remember from Shreyanka Patil.
RCB’s Batting Grit Shines Under Pressure
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, RCB faced early turbulence but responded with maturity and intent. The heartbeat of the innings was Radha Yadav, who played one of the finest knocks of the season. Her calm yet authoritative 66 off 47 balls was a masterclass in reading conditions, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries. Six crisp boundaries and three towering sixes highlighted her control and confidence.
At the other end, Richa Ghosh injected urgency when RCB needed momentum. Her explosive 44 from just 28 balls turned a competitive total into a challenging one, especially on a surface that rewarded positive stroke play. Despite Gujarat Giants striking at regular intervals, RCB’s middle order refused to collapse, closing the innings at a formidable 182 for 7.
Shreyanka Patil’s Spell That Changed Everything
If RCB’s batting laid the foundation, Shreyanka Patil’s bowling demolished Gujarat’s hopes.
Chasing 183, the Gujarat Giants never truly found their rhythm. Partnerships failed to blossom, pressure kept mounting, and then came Shreyanka’s moment of brilliance. The young off-spinner delivered a spell that will be replayed throughout WPL 2026 five wickets for just 23 runs, slicing through Gujarat’s batting order with flight, control, and fearless intent.
Her ability to strike in the middle overs completely shifted the momentum. Set batters were undone, new players were suffocated, and Gujarat’s chase collapsed to 150 all out in 18.5 overs. It was not just a five-wicket haul; it was a performance that defined the match.
Tactical Discipline Defines RCB’s Dominance
Beyond individual brilliance, RCB’s victory reflected sharp planning and execution. Their spinners operated with discipline, fielders backed every move with intensity, and the leadership on the field was calm yet assertive. Gujarat Giants showed flashes of resistance, but the sustained pressure proved too much to handle.
What This Win Means for WPL 2026
With this commanding victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have now secured their third straight win, remaining unbeaten and firmly placed at the top of the WPL 2026 points table with six points. More importantly, they look like a complete unit adaptable with the bat, ruthless with the ball, and mentally strong under pressure.
For Gujarat Giants, this defeat serves as a reality check. Sitting third with four points, they have the talent but will need better partnerships and composure in crunch moments to stay in the title race.
Looking Ahead
RCB will enter their upcoming fixtures brimming with confidence, driven by form and belief. Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, must regroup quickly, address their middle-order concerns, and bounce back stronger.
One thing is clear WPL 2026 is heating up, and with performances like Shreyanka Patil’s, the league is witnessing the rise of new stars who are redefining women’s cricket in India.