RCB look to keep the juggernaut rolling as WPL moves base

Should RCB beat GG on Monday, they would have registered five consecutive wins, completed a double over GG, and navigated a challenging schedule of three games in four days with travel in between.

While that outcome is pending, RCB’s four commanding wins show promise. They faced early adversity against Mumbai Indians but secured a statement win through depth and Nadine de Klerk’s resolve. Grace Harris dismantled her former team in the second game, and Radha Yadav’s batting paid off in the third.

Their most recent win over Delhi Capitals featured a defining 96 from Smriti Mandhana, while their bowling attack, led by Lauren Bell, has consistently dismantled opposition batting orders.

Gujarat Giants started well, edging UP Warriorz in a high-scoring match and securing a remarkable win over Capitals thanks to Sophie Devine’s all-round performance. However, losses to Mumbai Indians and a 5/23 from Shreyanka Patil led to consecutive defeats.

While their batters have posted three high scores, their bowling unit lacks cohesion. Reeling from two losses, the Giants face a tough challenge against a surging RCB side.

When: Monday, 19th January at 7:30 PM IST
Where: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
What to expect: This is the first game of the season in Vadodara. The venue has hosted six Women’s T20s in WPL 2025, all won by the chasing side. The average first innings score is 156.

Gujarat Giants have tinkered with uncapped talents, but their overall outlook is unchanged.

Probable XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Shivani Singh, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s latest XI offered better balance, and they are unlikely to make changes.

Probable 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