RCB Clinch Playoffs with Dominant 61 Run Win vs Gujarat

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women continued their dream run in the Women’s Premier League 2026 by defeating Gujarat Giants Women by a commanding margin of 61 runs. With this emphatic victory, RCB became the first team to qualify for the playoffs, maintaining a perfect record of five wins from five matches. The performance not only underlined their dominance in the tournament but also sent a strong message to the rest of the competition.

The match was a showcase of RCB’s all-round strength, from composed batting to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Gujarat Giants, despite flashes of resistance, were outplayed in every department.

Table of Contents

RCB’s Resilient Batting Effort

After being asked to bat first, RCB did not get the ideal start. Early wickets put them under pressure, and for a brief period, Gujarat Giants looked capable of restricting them to a modest total. However, the Bengaluru side showed maturity and calmness, rebuilding the innings with sensible shot selection and controlled aggression.

Gautami Naik played the anchor’s role to perfection, scoring a well-crafted 73 off 55 balls. Her innings was a blend of patience and precision, ensuring RCB did not lose momentum despite early setbacks. She rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, keeping the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate.

Richa Ghosh added crucial runs in the latter stages with a quick 27, providing the finishing touch RCB needed. Her ability to find boundaries in the death overs helped push the total to a competitive 178 for 6 in 20 overs. Considering the pitch and conditions, it was a challenging target that demanded a strong batting effort from Gujarat.

RCB’s batting performance highlighted one of their biggest strengths this season — depth and adaptability. Even when early plans do not work, different players are stepping up at different moments.

Gujarat Giants’ Bowling: Promising but Inconsistent

Gujarat Giants started brightly with the ball, using pace and variation to trouble RCB’s top order. Their bowlers managed to extract movement early and created chances. However, inconsistency in line and length during the middle and death overs allowed RCB to regain control.

Missed opportunities in the field also hurt Gujarat’s cause. Dropped catches and misfields added unnecessary runs to RCB’s total, which later proved costly in a high-pressure chase.

While Gujarat showed intent and energy, the inability to maintain discipline across 20 overs prevented them from keeping RCB under tighter control.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru stay perfect in WPL 2026 with huge 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants - Prameya News

RCB’s Bowling Unit Takes Charge

Defending 178, RCB’s bowlers delivered a near-perfect performance. They struck early, removed key batters, and never allowed Gujarat Giants to build any meaningful partnerships.

Sayali Satghare was the standout performer with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets for just 21 runs. Her ability to swing the ball and hit the right lengths made scoring difficult for the Gujarat batters. She removed dangerous players at vital moments, swinging the momentum firmly in RCB’s favor.

Nadine de Klerk supported her well, claiming two important wickets and maintaining pressure through economical overs. Lauren Bell and the rest of the bowling unit complemented the attack with disciplined spells, ensuring Gujarat were constantly chasing the game.

RCB’s bowling was not just about wickets, but about control. They restricted boundaries, forced risky shots, and used variations intelligently, making the chase increasingly difficult with every over.

Gujarat Giants’ Struggle in the Chase

Gujarat Giants never truly looked comfortable while chasing 179. Early wickets pushed them onto the back foot, and the required run rate kept climbing. Ashleigh Gardner fought hard with a determined half-century, scoring 54 runs off 43 balls, but she lacked consistent support from the other end.

As wickets kept falling, Gujarat’s hopes faded. The middle order failed to convert starts into substantial contributions, and the lower order could not provide the late acceleration needed to challenge RCB’s total.

Ultimately, Gujarat Giants were bowled out for 117, falling well short of the target. The margin of defeat reflected not just the gap in scores, but the difference in execution and composure between the two sides.

RCB Become First Team to Reach Playoffs

With this win, RCB moved to five wins from five matches, becoming the first team to officially qualify for the WPL 2026 playoffs. Their unbeaten streak matches one of the best runs in WPL history and highlights the consistency they have displayed throughout the season.

RCB’s success has been built on balanced performances. Their top order provides stability, the middle order offers flexibility, and the lower order contributes valuable runs. On the bowling side, they possess a mix of pace, swing, and smart variations, making them effective in both powerplay and death overs.

This combination has allowed RCB to dominate matches rather than merely scrape through victories.

Leadership and Team Culture

Smriti Mandhana’s leadership has played a vital role in shaping RCB’s campaign. Her calm approach, clear communication, and tactical awareness have helped create a confident team environment. Players seem assured of their roles, and that clarity is visible in their performances on the field.

RCB’s ability to stay composed under pressure situations, whether while rebuilding after early wickets or defending a total, reflects strong team culture and preparation.

What This Means for the Tournament

RCB’s early qualification changes the dynamics of the WPL 2026. While they can now experiment with combinations and manage workloads, other teams are under increased pressure to secure remaining playoff spots.

For Gujarat Giants, this defeat is a reminder of the areas that need improvement — especially consistency in batting partnerships and sharper fielding. While they have talented players, converting potential into results remains their biggest challenge.

The race for the remaining playoff positions is expected to be intense, making the rest of the league stage highly competitive and exciting for fans.

Looking Ahead

RCB will now aim to maintain their winning momentum and finish at the top of the points table. Doing so would give them a psychological edge and a strategic advantage heading into the knockout stage.

For Gujarat Giants, the focus must be on regrouping, learning from mistakes, and approaching upcoming matches with renewed confidence. With the right adjustments, they still have the opportunity to stay in contention.

Conclusion

The RCB vs GG clash in WPL 2026 was a clear demonstration of why Royal Challengers Bengaluru are considered one of the strongest teams this season. Their 61-run victory was built on patience, planning, and precision — qualities that define championship-winning sides.

As the tournament progresses, RCB’s performances continue to raise expectations, while Gujarat Giants are reminded of the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in high-level T20 cricket. With the playoffs approaching, fans can expect even more thrilling encounters as teams fight for supremacy in the Women’s Premier League.