In a thrilling clash at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat Giants seized the advantage by winning the toss and opting to field first against table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League 2026. This pivotal 12th match of the tournament unfolded on Monday, with the home crowd roaring in support.
Captain Ashley Gardner’s decision came with strategic tweaks: Anushka Sharma returned from injury, and exciting prospect Happy Kumari earned her debut cap. Gardner exuded confidence post-toss, stating, ‘It feels like home ground with fans backing us. RCB will have massive support too, but we’re ready. Our batters need to fire in this high-scoring venue. We’ll chase early wickets and seal the win our way.’
RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana, unbeaten in form, kept her lineup unchanged. ‘Every game brings a new hero,’ she noted. ‘We focus match by match with this energetic squad.’ RCB’s dominance is undeniable—four straight victories have them leading the points table. They edged Mumbai Indians by 3 wickets, crushed UP Warriors by 9 wickets, beat Gujarat Giants by 32 runs earlier, and dismantled Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets.
Gujarat Giants, sitting third with two wins from four, seek redemption after losses to Mumbai Indians (7 wickets) and RCB (32 runs). Their triumphs include narrow 10-run and 4-run victories over UP Warriors and Delhi Capitals.
Gujarat Giants XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Kanika Ahuja, Ashley Gardner (c), Georgia Wareham, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, Happy Kumari, Renuka Singh Thakur.
RCB XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Gautami Naik, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.
As the first ball is bowled, all eyes are on whether Gujarat can disrupt RCB’s streak or if the leaders extend their reign in this high-stakes encounter.