TATA WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner Shines as Gujarat Giants Defeat RCB by Six Wickets

Ashleigh Gardner showcased an outstanding all-round performance, leading Gujarat Giants to a commanding six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the TATA Women’s Premier League 2025 on Thursday. As a result, Gujarat secured their second win by successfully chasing 126 in just 16.3 overs.

Gujarat Bowlers Strike Early

Right from the start, Gujarat’s decision to field first paid off. Their bowlers immediately put RCB under pressure. First, Deandra Dottin dismissed Danni Wyatt-Hodge for just four runs. Then, Ashleigh Gardner bowled out Ellyse Perry for a duck. Soon after, Tanuja Kanwar sent captain Smriti Mandhana back to the pavilion for just 10 runs, making RCB’s start even more difficult.

RCB Struggles Despite Kanika Ahuja’s Effort

Despite early setbacks, Kanika Ahuja fought hard and became RCB’s top scorer. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Although Raghvi Bist (22) and Richa Ghosh (9) tried to stabilize the innings, they could not build significant partnerships. Meanwhile, Georgia Wareham contributed a valuable 20 off 21 balls. Eventually, RCB managed to post 125/7 in 20 overs, which was below par.

Gujarat’s Bowlers Maintain Control

Gujarat’s disciplined bowling kept RCB in check. Notably, Deandra Dottin and Tanuja Kanwar claimed two wickets each. Additionally, Gardner and Kashvee Gautam chipped in with one wicket apiece. Their consistent performance ensured that RCB never gained momentum.

Gardner Anchors Gujarat’s Chase

In response, Gujarat started cautiously. However, they lost Dayalan Hemalatha early for 11 runs. Soon after, Beth Mooney also departed. Then, Harleen Deol fell for just five runs, leaving Gujarat at a shaky 66/3.

At this crucial moment, Gardner took charge. She played a blistering knock of 58 off 31 balls, smashing six boundaries and three sixes. Moreover, her crucial 51-run partnership with Phoebe Litchfield shifted the momentum entirely in Gujarat’s favor.

Litchfield Finishes the Job

Although Gardner was dismissed in the 15.4th over, Gujarat needed only nine more runs to win. Fortunately, Litchfield remained composed and unbeaten on 30. Consequently, she ensured Gujarat reached the target comfortably in 16.3 overs.

RCB’s Efforts Fall Short

Despite Georgia Wareham and Renuka Singh picking up two wickets each, RCB’s bowlers failed to defend their total. In the end, Gujarat’s strong batting lineup proved too dominant.

Player of the Match

Due to her outstanding batting and a crucial wicket, Gardner was named ‘Player of the Match.’ Once again, she demonstrated why she is one of the best all-rounders in the WPL.