Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Giants (GG) clashed in Match 16 of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2023) on Saturday (March 18) at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
In what was a must-win game for both teams, GG won the toss and opted to bat first. Laura Wolvaardt continued her good form with 68, and was well supported by S Meghana (31) and Ashleigh Gardner (41). Dayalan Hemalatha and Harleen Deol provided the finishing touch as the Gujarat Giants posted a challenging total of 188/4 on the board.
In reply, Sophie Devine unleashed a blitzkrieg on the GG bowlers, smashing nine fours and eight sixes in her 36-ball 99. She missed out on becoming the first batter to register a ton in the tournament, but smashed the biggest six at 94m.
Smriti Mandhana, who hasn't had a great season, contributed 37 in a partnership of 125 for the opening wicket with Devine. Ellyse Perry (19*) and Heather Knight (22*) finished the game for RCB, as they won by 8 wickets with 27 balls remaining.
Cricket fraternity applauded Sophie Devine for her 'divine' knock that kept the playoff hopes alive for RCB. Here are some of the tweets:
