Shreyanka Patil’s spin wizardry scripted a thrilling 32-run victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru over Gujarat Giants, completing a hat-trick of wins in the Women’s Premier League. RCB’s clinical performance has them atop the standings with renewed hope.
On a spin-friendly pitch, RCB set a challenging 158/7. The innings featured a 50-run powerplay blast from Devine (36) and Mandhana (29). Ellyse Perry’s 43 off 25 balls, including three sixes, turned the momentum. Gujarat’s response was led by Rana and Singh’s three wickets, but RCB’s lower order held firm.
Chasing 158, Giants lost early wickets. Enter Shreyanka Patil – her ‘claw-like grip’ on the ball produced 4/20, including the vital breakthroughs of Mooney and Gardner. The leg-spinner’s guile mixed with pace variations bamboozled the opposition. RCB’s other bowlers mopped up, with Molineux grabbing two as Giants folded at 125/9.
Post-match, Perry credited the team’s preparation: ‘We backed our strengths in spin bowling.’ Giants struggled with shot selection, as per Mooney.
RCB’s hat-trick triumph signals their championship pedigree. With stars aligning, the Bengaluru franchise is primed for glory in WPL.