In a Women’s Premier League 2025 match held in Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets. Ashleigh Gardner played a crucial role in Gujarat’s victory, scoring a rapid 58 runs off 31 balls. This win marked the end of Gujarat Giants’ losing streak.
Gujarat Giants chose to bowl first and effectively restricted Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 125/7. Deandra Dottin (2/31) and Tanuja Kanwar (2/16) were the standout bowlers for Gujarat. Gardner also contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 22 runs.
Gujarat Giants chased down the target in just 16.3 overs, largely thanks to Gardner’s explosive innings which included three sixes and six fours. She reached her half-century in just 28 balls, hitting two consecutive sixes to achieve the milestone.
Gujarat’s captain, Ash Gardner, was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance. She praised her team’s bowlers and expressed happiness about breaking their losing streak. Phoebe Litchfield also highlighted the team’s positive approach and the importance of early wickets in their victory.
Bengaluru’s captain, Smriti Mandhana, acknowledged her team’s poor batting performance in the powerplay and their misjudgment of the pitch conditions. She emphasized the need for improvement in all aspects of their game.
Earlier, Bengaluru struggled early in their innings, falling to 25/3. A partnership between Raghvi Bist and Kanika Ahuja provided some stability, but Gujarat’s bowlers consistently took wickets, preventing Bengaluru from building momentum.
For Bengaluru, this loss marks their third consecutive defeat, highlighting their ongoing struggles in the tournament.
Chasing 126, Gujarat had a steady start, but Bengaluru managed to take a couple of wickets. However, Gardner and Harleen Deol formed a vital partnership to guide Gujarat towards victory. Wareham dismissed Gardner late in the innings, but it was too late to change the game’s outcome.
Ultimately, Gujarat Giants secured a convincing 6-wicket victory, ending their losing streak and adding to Bengaluru’s woes.
