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The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 kicked off with a bang as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), secured a thrilling five-wicket victory in their opening match against Gujarat Giants. The game, played at the Giants’ home ground in Gujarat, saw RCB chase down a record target in a high-octane encounter. Despite being the away team, RCB emerged as the crowd favourite, with fans cheering passionately for their star-studded lineup. Among the marquee players were Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, two of the most celebrated names in women’s cricket. However, it was their animated discussion after the match that caught everyone’s attention.
RCB’s record chase in the opening game
RCB’s chase was nothing short of spectacular. After a shaky start, Perry stepped up with a match-defining knock of 57 runs off just 34 balls, stabilizing the innings and setting the stage for a thrilling finish. Richa Ghosh then took charge, delivering a breathtaking performance to seal the victory. The team’s ability to chase down a formidable target of 202 showcased their depth and resilience, making a strong statement early in the tournament.
While Perry’s heroics with the bat were instrumental in the win, captain Mandhana had a relatively quiet game with the bat. However, her leadership on the field and her post-match discussion with Perry revealed her commitment to continuous improvement, even in victory.
The animated discussion: What were Mandhana and Perry talking about?
As the celebrations began, cameras captured an intense conversation between Mandhana and Perry on the field. The Indian skipper appeared animated, gesturing passionately as she spoke to her Australian teammate. Perry, on the other hand, listened intently, nodding occasionally. The discussion seemed serious, with both players deeply engrossed in analyzing the game.
While the exact details of their conversation remain unknown, it’s likely that Mandhana was pointing out areas for improvement despite the win. RCB, being the defending champions, are known for their high standards, and the captain’s focus on refining their performance highlights the team’s determination to maintain their dominance in the league.
Here’s the video:
— kuchbhi@1234567 (@kuchbhi12341416) February 14, 2025
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Perry’s heroics and Mandhana’s leadership: A winning combination
Perry’s contribution with the bat was pivotal in RCB’s victory. Her ability to anchor the innings under pressure and accelerate when needed demonstrated why she is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the game. On the other hand, Mandhana’s leadership continues to inspire the team. Her proactive approach and willingness to address shortcomings, even after a win, reflect her growth as a captain.
The partnership between Mandhana and Perry, both on and off the field, is a key factor in RCB’s success. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the duo bat together in the upcoming matches, hoping for more fireworks from these two superstars.
Gujarat Giants’ bowling woes: A cause for concern
While RCB celebrated their victory, the Gujarat Giants were left to ponder their bowling performance. Despite picking up early wickets, their bowlers failed to contain RCB’s middle order, allowing the defending champions to chase down the target comfortably. The Giants will need to address these issues quickly if they hope to bounce back in the tournament.
Also READ: WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh power RCB to a historic win against Gujarat Giants
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.