WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their dream run in the TATA Women’s Premier League 2026 with a commanding 61-run win over Gujarat Giants (GG) in Match 12 of the tournament. Played at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, the contest saw RCB dominate both with the bat and the ball, underlining their status as serious title contenders this season.
The undisputed star of the night was Gautami Naik, whose brilliant innings earned her the Player of the Match award and laid the foundation for RCB’s comprehensive triumph.
RCB Batting Brilliance Sets the Tone: 178/6 in 20 Overs
After being asked to bat first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted an imposing 178/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Smriti Mandhana provided early stability with a composed 26 off 23 balls, ensuring RCB got off to a steady start.
However, the innings truly came alive through Gautami Naik, who showcased a perfect blend of patience and controlled aggression. She anchored the innings superbly, scoring a magnificent 73 runs off 55 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. Her knock not only steadied the innings but also accelerated at the right moments.
In the middle order, Richa Ghosh played a quickfire cameo, smashing 27 off just 20 balls, while late contributions from Radha Yadav (17) and Shreyanka Patil (8) pushed RCB close to the 180-run mark.
For Gujarat Giants, Ashleigh Gardner and Kashvee Gautam managed to pick up wickets, but they struggled to contain the flow of runs as RCB finished strongly.
Gujarat Giants Falter in the Chase
Chasing 179, Gujarat Giants never truly found momentum. The early dismissals of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine put the team on the back foot almost immediately, increasing the pressure in the powerplay.
Skipper Ashleigh Gardner tried to stage a recovery with a determined 54 off 43 balls, holding one end together and fighting against the tide. Unfortunately for GG, wickets kept falling at the other end, preventing any meaningful partnership from developing.
RCB’s bowling unit was disciplined and relentless. Sayali Satghare struck crucial blows early, while Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil applied consistent pressure through tight lines and smart variations.
At the end of 20 overs, Gujarat Giants could only manage 117/8, falling well short of the target.
Match Summary
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 178/6 (20 overs)
- Gujarat Giants: 117/8 (20 overs)
- Result: RCB won by 61 runs
- Player of the Match: Gautami Naik
Updated WPL 2026 Points Table
RCB’s emphatic win keeps them unbeaten at the top of the table, with five wins from five matches and an impressive net run rate of +2.82. Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, remain mid-table and will need quick fixes to stay in playoff contention.
| Teams | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | NRR | Form | Points |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 5 | 5 | 0 | – | +2.82 | W W W W W | 10 |
| Mumbai Indians | 5 | 2 | 3 | – | +0.51 | L W L | 4 |
| UP Warriors | 5 | 2 | 3 | – | -0.83 | W L | 4 |
| Gujarat Giants | 5 | 2 | 3 | – | -0.84 | L L | 4 |
| Delhi Capitals | 4 | 1 | 3 | – | -0.56 | W L | 2 |
Match Verdict
This match was a complete all-round performance from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Gautami Naik’s match-winning innings, backed by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, ensured a one-sided contest.
For Gujarat Giants, the defeat once again highlighted concerns around their top-order consistency and ability to handle pressure during run chases. As the tournament progresses, addressing these weaknesses will be crucial for their revival.
With this victory, RCB have sent a strong message to the rest of the league — they are not just winning matches, they are dominating them, and are emerging as one of the strongest contenders for the WPL 2026 title.
Also Read: WPL 2026