Brilliant Radha Steers RCB to Victory Over GG in Thrilling WPL Encounter
Navi Mumbai, January 16, 2026 - In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Radha Yadav propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants (GG) in Match 9 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. With this win, RCB remains undefeated and retains the top spot on the points table. The match, held in Navi Mumbai, saw RCB overcome an early setback to post a competitive total, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh, followed by a stellar bowling performance led by Shreyanka Patil.
Gujarat Giants won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that initially seemed to pay off. RCB got off to a flying start, scoring 23 runs in the first over. However, GG quickly struck back, with Kashvee Gautam dismissing Grace Harris (17 off 8) and Dayalan Hemalatha (4 off 8) in quick succession. Skipper Smriti Mandhana's poor form continued as she fell to Renuka Thakur for just 5 runs. Sophie Devine then removed Gautami Nayak (9 off 6), leaving RCB reeling at 45 for 4 within the powerplay.
At this critical juncture, Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh forged a remarkable partnership, adding 105 runs for the fifth wicket. Radha Yadav, in particular, played a game-changing innings, scoring her maiden WPL fifty. She reached 66 off 47 balls, providing much-needed stability and momentum to the RCB innings. Richa Ghosh contributed a valuable 44 off 28 balls before being dismissed by Georgia Wareham. Nadine de Klerk then added a late flourish with 26 runs off 12 balls, helping RCB reach a total of 182 for 7 in their 20 overs.
In response, Gujarat Giants got off to a decent start, reaching 34 runs before Arundhati Reddy dismissed Sophie Devine for 8. Shreyanka Patil then struck a crucial blow, removing Beth Mooney (27 off 14). GG's captain, Ashleigh Gardner, also fell cheaply to Lauren Bell, further denting their chase. Shreyanka continued to wreak havoc, dismissing Kanika Ahuja (16 off 14), leaving GG struggling at 70 for 5.
Despite a 56-run partnership between Kashvee Gautam (18 off 14) and Bharti Fulmali, RCB maintained control. Fulmali's 39 off 20 offered some hope, but Lauren Bell dismissed her, and then Shivani Singh. Shreyanka Patil then sealed the victory by dismissing Tanuja Kanwer (21 off 13) and Renuka Singh, completing a fifer. GG were eventually bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs, handing RCB a comprehensive 32-run victory.
Shreyanka Patil's outstanding performance earned her a five-wicket haul, with figures of 5 for 23. Lauren Bell supported her with 3 for 29. Radha Yadav was named player of the match for her pivotal innings that rescued RCB from a precarious position and set them on the path to victory. This win solidifies RCB's position as the team to beat in the WPL 2026, showcasing their batting depth and bowling prowess.
