In a night that will be etched in the annals of cricket history, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team pulled off a chase that left fans breathless and opponents in awe. The opening match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium on February 14 wasn’t just another game—it was a statement that women’s cricket has entered a new era of power-hitting and never-say-die spirit.
WPL Highest Score Chase: RCB’s Thrilling Victory Against Gujarat Giants
As the sun set on Vadodara, few could have predicted the fireworks that were about to unfold. The Gujarat Giants, batting first, set a daunting target of 202 runs, thanks to a blistering 79 off 37 balls from Ashleigh Gardner and a solid 56 from Beth Mooney. With eight sixes to her name, Gardner had equaled the WPL record for most sixes in an innings, leaving RCB with a mountain to climb.
But climb they did, and how! RCB’s response was nothing short of spectacular. The chase began with early jitters, but what followed was a display of batting prowess that had the cricketing world sitting up and taking notice. The RCB WPL team’s historic run chase has set a new standard for women’s cricket, showcasing the league’s growing competitiveness and excitement.
The Chase Unfolds
As the RCB innings progressed, the required run rate kept climbing, but so did the team’s resolve. With each boundary, the belief grew stronger. The turning point came when Richa Ghosh joined Ellyse Perry at the crease. The duo’s partnership was a masterclass in calculated aggression, turning what seemed like an improbable chase into a reality.
WPL RCB Stars: Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry Lead the Charge
The WPL RCB squad’s performance, led by Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry, has redefined what’s possible in high-pressure situations. Ghosh, in particular, was a revelation. Her unbeaten 64 off just 27 balls, studded with 7 fours and 4 sixes, was a knock that will be talked about for years to come. Her fifty came off a mere 23 balls, the second-fastest for RCB in WPL history.
Perry, the experienced campaigner, played the perfect foil with a crucial 57 off 34 balls. Her innings was the stabilizing force RCB needed after early setbacks. Together, Ghosh and Perry showcased a blend of power, finesse, and cricket intelligence that was a joy to behold.
But the night wasn’t over yet. Enter Kanika Ahuja, whose cameo of 30* off 13 balls was the final nail in Gujarat Giants’ coffin. The partnership between Ghosh and Ahuja, yielding 93 runs off just 37 balls at a staggering run rate of 15.08, was the coup de grâce in this epic chase.
RCB Chasing Records: A New Benchmark in Women’s T20 Cricket
This match adds another feather to RCB’s chasing records, proving their mettle in both men’s and women’s cricket. The successful pursuit of 202 runs is not just a WPL record; it’s a milestone in women’s T20 cricket globally. It’s only the second instance of a 200+ chase in women’s T20 cricket, and the first in women’s franchise and domestic T20 cricket worldwide.
WPL Highest Score Team: RCB’s 202-Run Chase Sets New Standard
RCB’s successful pursuit of 202 runs cements their position as the WPL highest score team in terms of run chases. This chase has rewritten the record books:
- Highest successful run chase in WPL history
- Only the second 200+ chase in Women’s T20 cricket
- Victory achieved with 9 balls remaining
- Match aggregate of 403 runs – the highest in WPL history
With this chase, RCB not only achieved the WPL highest score chase but also demonstrated the evolving batting prowess in women’s cricket. The previous highest chase in WPL was 191 by Mumbai Indians against Gujarat Giants in Delhi in 2024. RCB’s feat has raised the bar significantly.
Impact on WPL and Women’s Cricket
The ripple effects of this historic chase will be felt far beyond this single match. It’s a testament to the rapidly improving quality of women’s cricket and the WPL in particular. The league, still in its infancy, is already producing moments that rival the excitement of long-established men’s tournaments.
This match is likely to inspire a new generation of female cricketers. It shows that with skill, determination, and the right platform, women’s cricket can reach new heights of excitement and achievement. The WPL, with matches like these, is fast becoming a showcase for the best talent in women’s cricket worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this incredible match, one thing is clear: women’s cricket is entering a golden age. The RCB women’s team has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging other teams to raise their game. With the bar set so high in the very first match of WPL 2025, cricket fans around the world are in for a treat as the tournament unfolds.
This historic chase by RCB isn’t just a cricket statistic; it’s a milestone that marks the evolution of women’s cricket. It proves that in the world of T20 cricket, no target is safe, no record is unbreakable, and the spirit of the game knows no gender. As we look forward to the rest of WPL 2025, one can only wonder: what records will fall next?
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FAQs
What was the highest successful run chase by RCB in WPL history?
RCB achieved the highest successful run chase in WPL history by surpassing a challenging target set by their opponents in a thrilling match
Who were the key players in RCB’s record chase?
RCB’s top-order batter played a match-winning knock, supported by crucial contributions from the captain and lower middle-order batters.
