🏏WPL 2026, Match-12, GG W vs RCB W, BCA Stadium Vadodara🏏

🏏WPL 2026, Match-12, GG W vs RCB W, BCA Stadium Vadodara🏏

Should RCB beat GG today? They would've not only registered five wins on the trot and not only pulled the double over GG but would've also emerged triumphantly unfazed through a scheduling quagmire that would've seen them play three games in four days with a travel day squeezed in between.

While that is but one possible eventuality, there's tremendous promise in its realisation considering RCB marched to four commanding wins.

That isn't to say that they haven't been challenged. Adversity came early, in their opening fixture against the Mumbai Indians, but their depth and Nadine de Klerk's resolve led them to a statement win.

The second game saw Grace Harris brutally dismantle her former team while the third saw the bet they hedged in Radha Yadav's batting pay off.

Their most recent win, over the Delhi Capitals, was the completion of the picture with Smriti Mandhana answering the call to arms with a defining 96.

Meanwhile, their bowling attack, led by Lauren Bell, has dutifully carried out demolishing orders against opposition batting orders.

The season began well for the Gujarat Giants as they pipped the UP Warriorz in a high-scoring fixture. Then, Sophie Devine's all-round magic steered them to a remarkable win over the Capitals. But their campaign went off track after a loss to the Mumbai Indians and further still when Shreyanka Patil's 5/23 sunk them to consecutive losses.

While their batters have delivered them three high scores, their bowling unit is yet to put together a cohesive and effective performance. All this to say that the Giants, now reeling off two losses, won't find it easy to stave off a side in a frenzy.

When: Monday, 19th January at 7:30 PM IST

Where: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara

What to expect: This is the first game of the season in Vadodara. The venue has hosted six Women's T20s till date - all in WPL 2025, and all were won by the chasing side. The average first innings score here is 156.

What to expect: This is the first game of the season in Vadodara. The venue has hosted six Women's T20s till date - all in WPL 2025, and all were won by the chasing side. The average first innings score here is 156.

Team news:

Gujarat Giants

While the Giants have tinkered with their uncapped talents, the outlook of their side is not expected to change.

Probable XI: Beth Mooney(wk), Sophie Devine, Shivani Singh, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur

While every combination has been a winning one so far for RCB, their latest XI appeared to offer better balance and they are unlikely to make changes.

Probable XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Gautami Naik, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell

Another big showdown in the Women’s Premier League 2026. The Gujarat Giants take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 12 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on January 20. These two just faced off in Match 9, where RCB pretty much ran the show and beat GG by 32 runs. That gives Bengaluru a slight edge now, leading the head-to-head with four wins to Gujarat’s three.

The Giants need to shake off that last defeat. Their batting lineup just fell apart trying to chase 183. Still, with Sophie Devine leading, and hitters like Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, they’re far from out of it. The bowling side isn’t looking too bad either; Kashvee Gautam and Georgia Wareham keep things tight with their spin.

Meanwhile, RCB comes in buzzing from that recent win. Radha Yadav smashed 66 off 47, and Shreyanka Patil grabbed five wickets, showing they don’t have to rely on Ellyse Perry to get the job done. Smriti Mandhana, their captain, wants to keep the wins coming, and with Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith backing up the bowling, they look stronger than ever.

Last Match Result

RCB won by 32 runs at DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Radha Yadav scored 66 off 47 balls to rescue RCB from 45/4 to post 182/7. Shreyanka Patil then grabbed 5 wickets for just 23 runs, bowling out GG for 150. Bharti Fulmali’s 39 off 20 balls was the only highlight for GG.

Top Performers---

Batters:

Radha Yadav (RCB): 66 runs in the last match, 438 total runs

Ashleigh Gardner (GG): 357 runs

Bowlers:

Shreyanka Patil (RCB): 5 wickets in Match 9, 17 total wickets

Georgia Wareham (GG): 12 wickets

Kashvee Gautam (GG): 12 wickets

Pitch Report: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Here is the pitch report that tells us the quality of the pitch:

Pitch Character ---------Batting-friendly. The surface offers consistent bounce and helps batters play their shots freely once they settle in.
Early Advantage -----Pacers. The new ball swings a bit in the first few overs. Fast bowlers can pick up early wickets if they hit the right lengths.
Mid-Game Shift ------Spinners. As the match goes on, spinners find more grip and turn. They become important during the middle overs.
Average 1st Innings Score ----150-160 runs (in WPL T20 matches).
Dew Factor -----Dew plays a big role in evening matches. The ball gets wet and hard to grip, making bowling difficult in the second innings.
Toss Strategy ------Bowl first. Teams chasing have an advantage because of the dew and easier batting conditions later.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB proved in Match 9 that they can win without Ellyse Perry. Radha Yadav’s 66 showed she can handle pressure and build match-winning innings. Her 105-run partnership with Richa Ghosh turned the game completely. This gives RCB huge confidence going into Match 12.

Shreyanka Patil’s 5-wicket haul makes her the in-form bowler right now. She broke GG’s chase with clever bowling and picked up key wickets. Lauren Bell supports her well with pace, and Linsey Smith adds variety with her spin. This bowling attack can defend totals on any surface.

Captain Smriti Mandhana needs to score runs. She got out for just 5 in Match 9, and RCB needs her to fire at the top. If she clicks along with the others, RCB becomes very hard to beat.

Key Players to Watch

Here are the best players to watch out for in this battle:

Best Batter: Radha Yadav (RCB)

The Indian all-rounder shone bright in Match 9 with 66 off 47 balls. She walked in when RCB struggled at 45/4 and turned the game around completely. Her six fours and three sixes showed her range and power. Yadav can hit boundaries and also rotate strike smartly. GG bowlers will find it tough to stop her if she gets going again.

Best Bowler: Shreyanka Patil (RCB)

Shreyanka Patil grabbed 5 wickets for just 23 runs in Match 9. She trapped Beth Mooney lbw and kept picking up wickets throughout the innings. Her accuracy and the ability to trouble all batters. GG failed to read her variations, and she broke their chase single-handedly. Expect her to continue this form in Match 12.