The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 got underway with a thrilling encounter in Vadodara, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) began their title defense in style with a heart-stopping win over Gujarat Giants. The turning point in this high-voltage encounter was provided by RCB’s Richa Ghosh, whose big-hitting display, including a winning six, stunned the fans and earned her comparisons with Indian cricket great MS Dhoni.
RCB’s Impressive Win
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In the first match of WPL 2025, Gujarat Giants made a formidable task of 202 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore after posting 201/5 in their 20 overs. RCB, in return, chased the target comfortably, reaching 202/4 in only 18.3 overs to win by six wickets. Richa Ghosh, who hit a match-winning six, was instrumental in winning the game and was well-deservedly awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution.
Ghosh’s sparkling innings featured an unbeaten 64 off 27 balls. She was ably supported by Australian star Alice Perry, who scored 57 runs off 34 balls, while Kanika Ahuja’s 30 runs off 13 balls in a flash kept RCB going. Ghosh’s power-hitting especially was the highlight, her six in the 19th over winning the game for RCB.
The Victory Six: Flashback to MS Dhoni
One of the standout moments of the match came in the third ball of the 19th over when Richa Ghosh blasted a six over midwicket off Deandra Dottin’s delivery. This shot not only sealed RCB’s victory but also had fans reminiscing about MS Dhoni’s iconic finishing sixes. Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor and match-winning sixes, especially in high-pressure situations, seemed to be the inspiration for Ghosh’s composed and confident approach at the crease.
The shot reminded many of Dhoni’s trademark finishing abilities, which have been a hallmark of his career. Ghosh’s style of striking the ball with power and precision in crucial moments echoed the renowned captain’s ability to finish games in style. On social media, fans flooded platforms with comparisons between Ghosh and Dhoni, praising her maturity and ability to handle pressure situations like a seasoned professional.
Player Performances
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While Ghosh dominated the headlines with her explosive batting, Gujarat Giants also performed well with the bat. Ashley Gardner played an incredible innings, scoring an unbeaten 79 runs from 37 balls, and Beth Mooney added 56 runs to their score. Even with these impressive individual performances, it was RCB’s clinical chase that impressed, courtesy of the combined efforts of their batters, especially Ghosh and Perry.
On the bowling side, RCB’s Renuka Singh impressed with the ball, picking two crucial wickets to limit Gujarat’s score and set up the chase.
Captain and Player Insights
Following the match, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana was pleased with the win, particularly with the manner in which Richa Ghosh played. Mandhana said, “I am very happy with the victory. The way Richa batted was great to see.”. She has been performing the same against all our bowlers in the nets. We felt that we were in the game after the first innings because of the dew. Our auction was good, and all the players who replaced the injured ones turned out to be good choices.”
Richa Ghosh, speaking about her innings, stated, “My intention was to take time and play till the last. I tried to play my natural game. We were always optimistic and we had the belief to chase this score. The practice was quite useful because we had such scores, and those conditions were really beneficial for us. The strategy was just to watch the ball and strike it.”
A Strong Beginning for RCB
RCB’s win in the first match provides a solid foundation for the season to come. Ghosh’s power-hitting show, especially, is a welcome injection of confidence for the team, highlighting the quality and mettle of their young players. As the season unfolds, RCB’s chances of retaining their title will rest on sustaining this level of performance, with the likes of Ghosh continuing to rise to the occasion.
WPL 2025: An Exciting Season Ahead
This WPL season will be a closely contested one, with every team competing for the championship. With some top teams in contention, like RCB, Gujarat Giants, and others, the fight for the championship is sure to be hard-hitting. For cricket enthusiasts, the season is set to become a thrilling spectacle full of scintillating performances, and players such as Richa Ghosh are bound to make it a memorable ride.
RCB’s sparkling opening game and the mesmerizing performance of their young sensation prove that they are more than equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead. The comparisons with MS Dhoni, while premature, are a testament to the enormous potential Ghosh possesses and the promise of several more match-winning acts in the years to come.
ALSO READ: RCBW vs GGW: Record-Breaking Opening Thriller Of WPL 2025
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