RCB Women Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Devine’s 99 in 15.3 Overs

It was a ‘Divine’ performance at Brabourne on Saturday as Sophie Devine powered Royal Challengers Bangalore Women to an 8-wicket win against Gujarat Giants with a sensational batting display. After RCB Women had conceded 188, the outcome of the match seemed to be hanging in the balance, but the Kiwi all-rounder changed it all with her strength and precision. An incredible 24 runs off Ashleigh Gardner‘s first over set the tone for her innings, followed by another 25 runs from youngster Tanuja Kanwar‘s first two overs. When she got out on 99, having taken just 20 balls to reach 50 and tantalisingly close to equaling the record of fastest hundred, Ellyse Perry and Heather Knight continued without seeming effort and comfortably nudged home their target in 15.3 overs. This victory took RCB Women up to 4 points on standings and gave them an essential NRR bump.

Earlier, Gujarat Giants impressed with the bat as Laura Wolvaardt and Ashleigh Gardner took the RCB bowlers to the cleaners. Wolvaardt scored 68 off 42 balls, while Gardner scored 41 off 26 deliveries to power the Giants to 188. However, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine made their intentions clear with the first over itself as the duo picked up 13 runs in the first over. Post that, Devine took the charge as the duo racked up 100 runs in just 8 overs. Mandhana departed after a well-made 37 but it was Devine who stole all the limelight. 

Gujarat Giants’ captain Sneh Rana found herself at a loss for words when asked to comment on Devine’s spectacular innings. In a display of true sportsmanship, Rana acknowledged that the world of cricket is full of unexpected moments and outcomes. Despite her team’s excellent effort in setting a high score, she couldn’t help but admit that her team fell short when it came to their bowling performance. The game’s outcome not only highlighted the incredible talent of players like Devine but also had significant implications for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals secured their place, while the remaining spot remains a heated contest between UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and RCB, each vying for that decisive win to make it to the final playoff spot on six points. It’s a true testament to the nail-biting and captivating nature of cricket, where the fate of teams hangs in the balance until the very end.