Monday’s action in the Women’s Premier League 2026 lit up BCA Stadium, Vadodara, as Gujarat Giants won the toss and inserted Royal Challengers Bengaluru to bat first in a crucial 12th fixture. Captain Ashley Gardner introduced Anushka Sharma post-recovery and handed a debut to Happy Kumari, refreshing the squad for battle.
Gardner was upbeat: ‘Fielding first—it mirrors our home vibe with fantastic crowd support. RCB’s backing is intense, but our adjustments shine: Anushka’s fit again, Happy’s debuting. High scores expected, so batsmen step up after we grab early scalps.’
Unfazed, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana retained her combination: ‘A new star rises per game. We tackle one at a time with boundless energy—no alterations.’ RCB’s summit position stems from a flawless quartet: 3-wicket heist over Mumbai Indians, 9-wicket blitz of UP Warriors, 32-run mastery vs Gujarat Giants, 8-wicket clinic against Delhi Capitals.
Third-ranked Gujarat holds two wins from four: edging UP Warriors by 10 runs, Delhi Capitals by 4 runs, but falling to MI by 7 wickets and RCB by 32 runs. They’re poised for a statement.
Lineups in full:
Gujarat Giants Playing XI: Beth Mooney (wicketkeeper), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Kanika Ahuja, Ashley Gardner (captain), Georgia Wareham, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, Happy Kumari, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (captain), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Gautami Naik, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.
As RCB open their innings, Gujarat’s bowlers aim to strike—could this be the upset that shakes WPL?