After winning the toss, the Giants chose to bat first and started off strong. Harleen Deol played a crucial innings, scoring 67 runs off 45 balls, with 9 fours and 1 six. However, it was Sophia Dunkley who stole the show, smashing 65 runs off just 28 balls, including 11 fours and 3 sixes. With the help of some late hitting by the lower order, the Giants finished their innings with a massive total of 201-7 in 20 overs. Shreyanka Patil was the pick of the bowlers for RCB, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs.
In response, RCB started off well, with Sophie Devine leading the charge with a brilliant innings of 66 runs off 45 balls, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes. But, Bangalore lost wickets at regular intervals, and despite a quickfire knock of 30 not out off 11 balls from Heather Knight, they could only manage to reach a total of 190-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Ashleigh Gardner was the standout bowler for the Giants, picking up 3 wickets for 31 runs.
In the end, it was Gujarat who emerged victorious, winning the match by 11 runs. Dunkley was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for smashing the fastest half-century in the tournament. The Giants’ win have opened their account in the WPL 2023 points table, while the Smriti Mandhana-led RCB remain at bottom.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
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Sophia Dunkley ?
Strike Rate: 232.14
》 65 off 28 balls!
》 11 fours & 3 sixes!#WPL2023 | #GGvRCB pic.twitter.com/R5FKV1emLr
— The Cricket Wire (@TheCricketWire) March 8, 2023
Ash Gardner tonight! ?
Runs19
Wickets
Catches
— Gujarat Giants (@GujaratGiants) March 8, 2023
Source: WomenCricket.com
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