RCB women became the first team to qualify for WPL 2026 playoffs with 5 wins in 5 games.
Gujarat Giants won the toss and chose to field first in the 12th WPL 2026 game, played at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Smriti Mandhana made 26 runs, but the top order faltered. But the young Gautami Naik hammered 73 in 55 balls with 7 fours and 1 six, while Richa Ghosh made 27 runs with 3 sixes as RCBW made 178/6 in 20 overs.
In response, Ashleigh Gardner made 54 and Anushka Sharma made 18 as GG managed 117/8 in 20 overs. Sayali Satghare took 3/21, and Nadine de Klerk took two wickets as RCBW won the game by 61 runs.
After winning the Player of the Match, Naik spoke to WPL about her idol, Hardik Pandya.
“I copy him a lot. I want to play like him. The way he plays his game, especially under pressure situations, and the way he goes into a match every time—I keep watching how he takes charge and plays calmly. That’s exactly my nature too, and I see myself the same way,” Gautami said in a video shared by RCB.
After the match, the Player of the Match, Gautami Naik, got the surprise of her life as India all-rounder Hardik Pandya shared a video message for her.
“Hi Gautami, Hardik here. I got to know that I’m your cricketing idol. First of all, it feels really great to inspire a lot of young cricketers. And many congratulations on your first half-century. Enjoy the sport. I hope going forward in life, you do better and better for your franchise and for the country. Keep loving the sport, be disciplined, and enjoy," Pandya said.
The Maharashtra cricketer was at a loss for words, but she managed to gather her emotions and wish Pandya well for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“I can’t express what I am feeling. My idol is messaging me? That means I have done something right in my life… Hardik sir, I really want to meet you. I’m your biggest fan, and I want to play just like you. Please keep encouraging like this. And for the T20 World Cup that’s coming up, all the very best. Do really well; our blessings are with you. Keep going and make India win the World Cup," she said.
Here is the video: