[Watch]: Richa Ghosh And Kanika Ahuja Discuss Strategy Behind Historic Chase Against GG

Smriti Mandhana and her team performed stunningly to crush Gujarat Giants’ home debut hopes at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Despite an explosive batting display by the Giants, Mandhana’s side proved why they are the defending champions, sealing a remarkable six-wicket victory with nine balls to spare.

Gujarat Giants’ Strong Start

Making their home debut under a new skipper, Ashleigh Gardner, the Gujarat Giants were eager to leave a mark. Leading from the front, Gardner showcased her batting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 79 off just 37 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney also played a crucial role, scoring a crafty half-century. Batting first after being inserted by Smriti Mandhana, Gujarat Giants posted a mammoth 201/5 in 20 overs. This score matched their highest total in WPL history, reflecting their aggressive intent.

Smriti Mandhana’s Captaincy Masterclass

Mandhana’s decision to bowl first seemed questionable at first, but her strategic bowling changes later played a crucial role in restricting Gujarat’s scoring rate during key phases of the game. With a massive total of 202 to chase, Ellyse Perry took charge of the innings. Her composed 57 off 34 balls ensured the defending champions remained in the game despite early setbacks.

Richa Ghosh’s Match-Winning Knock

The match took a dramatic turn when Richa Ghosh, dropped on her first ball, capitalized on the opportunity to score a game-defining innings. Her aggressive stroke play, combined with her excellent running between the wickets, put pressure back on the Giants.

Kanika Ahuja provided the perfect support, scoring an unbeaten 30 off just 13 balls. Her fearless approach changed the momentum completely. The 93-run partnership between Richa and Kanika was the defining moment. Gujarat’s sloppy fielding and missed opportunities allowed the defending champions to capitalize.

Post-Match Reflections

After the match, Richa Ghosh credited Kanika’s aggressive intent for their successful chase, emphasizing the importance of their strategic discussion in the middle.

Richa Ghosh, “When both of us were in the middle, we were talking about how to take the game deep, how many runs were required, we were a bit under pressure in the middle, but we didn’t let the pressure get to us. Kanika (Ahuja) provided brilliant support from the other end with the kind of attacking shots she played, to get the momentum in our favour. I feel Kanika’s knock was also very crucial, with the way she scored those boundaries and rotated the strike, which was very important considering the game situation at that point in time.”

 

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Kanika Ahuja Praises Richa Ghosh’s Incredible Performance

Kanika Ahuja expressed her admiration for Richa Ghosh after the game, describing her as “unbelievable.” She mentioned that during practice sessions, she often watches Richa, impressed by her ability to generate power. For Kanika, Richa is a legend. She felt confident that as long as Richa was at the crease, they could easily win the game.

Kanika Ahuja expressed, “Richa is just unbelievable, whenever she plays in practice, I keep watching her, admiring her and how she’s generating power, for me she’s a legend. I knew until Richa was there at the crease, that we could easily win the game, and she also trusted me a lot.”

Kanika Ahuja’s celebration after the win was an absolute fan-favorite moment. Her Punjabi bhangra on the field added flair to an already thrilling game.

Kanika stated, “I had been thinking that if I got an over, I would celebrate like this. That dance was a pure Punjabi.”

Unsurprisingly, Richa Ghosh was named Player of the Match for her exceptional batting performance. Her ability to handle pressure and execute a brilliant run chase made all the difference.

Upcoming Clash for RCB

Next, Mandhana’s team will face Delhi Capitals, led by the formidable Meg Lanning. This battle is set to be an exciting one. While the Giants showed great promise, their fielding errors and lack of composure under pressure cost them the game. They will need to regroup before their next encounter.