Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their dominant run in the Women’s Premier League 2026 with another authoritative performance, defeating Gujarat Giants to make it five wins out of five and seal their place in the playoffs. Led by captain Smriti Mandhana, RCB once again showcased why they are being widely regarded as the most complete and consistent team of the tournament so far.
The victory was not just about maintaining an unbeaten record. It was about control, clarity, and confidence. Against a Gujarat Giants side desperate to stay alive in the playoff race, RCB played with composure, executed their plans perfectly, and outclassed their opponents in all three departments.
Match Context: Momentum vs Survival
The match carried very different stakes for the two sides.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru came into the contest:
- Unbeaten in the tournament
- Sitting comfortably at the top of the table
- Playing with freedom and confidence
Gujarat Giants, on the other hand:
- Needed a win to stay competitive in the playoff race
- Had struggled with consistency
- Were under pressure to deliver a near-perfect performance
From the first over, it was clear which team handled the pressure better.
Smriti Mandhana’s Leadership Sets the Tone
Smriti Mandhana’s influence on this RCB side goes far beyond runs. Her leadership has brought clarity, calmness, and belief to the squad.
In this match, Mandhana:
- Made sharp tactical calls
- Rotated bowlers intelligently
- Kept fielding intensity high
Even when not at the centre of every highlight, her presence ensured RCB never lost control of the game.
Gujarat Giants’ Innings: Bright Starts, No Finish
Gujarat Giants began their innings with intent, knowing they could not afford a slow start. The top order showed flashes of promise, finding boundaries early and attempting to put RCB under pressure.
However, that intent was not sustained.
Key issues in Gujarat’s batting included:
- Failure to build long partnerships
- Losing wickets at regular intervals
- Inability to accelerate in the death overs
Each time Gujarat threatened to build momentum, RCB struck back with timely wickets.
RCB Bowling: Discipline Over Drama
RCB’s bowling performance was built on discipline and patience, not reckless aggression.
The bowlers focused on:
- Bowling to the field
- Using variations smartly
- Forcing batters to hit against the wind
Rather than chasing wickets every ball, RCB applied sustained pressure, which eventually led to errors from Gujarat’s batters.
Middle Overs: The Turning Point
The middle overs proved decisive. Gujarat Giants struggled to rotate strike as RCB tightened the screws.
During this phase:
- Dot balls increased
- Boundaries dried up
- Run rate dipped sharply
This pressure forced Gujarat into risky shots, resulting in soft dismissals that prevented them from posting a competitive total.
Fielding Excellence Keeps RCB Ahead
RCB’s fielding standards once again stood out.
They:
- Saved crucial runs in the deep
- Took clean catches under pressure
- Maintained high energy throughout
In WPL 2026, RCB’s fielding has been a consistent differentiator, and this match was no exception.
Gujarat Giants Post a Below-Par Total
Despite moments of resistance, Gujarat Giants were restricted to a total that always looked chaseable.
The lack of a strong finish hurt them badly:
- Death overs produced limited runs
- Set batters failed to convert starts
- RCB controlled the final overs expertly
Against an in-form RCB batting unit, Gujarat needed more on the board.
RCB’s Chase: Calm, Controlled, Clinical
RCB’s response with the bat was the perfect example of how a top team approaches a chase.
Rather than rushing:
- The openers focused on strike rotation
- Boundaries were taken when offered
- Wickets were protected
There was no sense of panic, only quiet confidence.
Smriti Mandhana’s Impact at the Top
While RCB have multiple match-winners, Smriti Mandhana’s role at the top remains crucial.
Her approach:
- Neutralised early swing
- Put pressure back on bowlers
- Allowed the middle order to play freely
Even without a reckless scoring rate, she ensured RCB stayed ahead of the required run rate at all times.
Partnerships Win Matches
One of RCB’s biggest strengths this season has been partnerships, and this match followed the same pattern.
Key features of RCB’s batting:
- Strong communication between batters
- Clear understanding of roles
- No collapse despite the occasional wicket
These partnerships ensured Gujarat never found a way back into the game.
Gujarat Giants’ Bowling: Effort Without Penetration
To Gujarat’s credit, their bowlers tried to fight back.
They:
- Changed pace frequently
- Attempted to target the stumps
- Experimented with field placements
However, the lack of early wickets meant RCB could dictate the chase on their terms.
Why Gujarat Couldn’t Apply Pressure
The difference between the two sides was not just skill, but execution under pressure.
Gujarat struggled with:
- Inconsistent lines
- Loose deliveries at key moments
- Failure to break partnerships
Against a confident RCB lineup, these mistakes proved costly.
Five Wins Out of Five: What Makes RCB So Dominant?
RCB’s unbeaten run in WPL 2026 is no accident.
Their success is built on:
- Balanced team combination
- Clear leadership under Smriti Mandhana
- Consistency across batting and bowling
- Strong fielding culture
They have found ways to win in different situations, which is the hallmark of a championship-quality team.
Playoffs Secured: A Big Psychological Advantage
By sealing a playoff spot early, RCB have achieved something invaluable—freedom.
This allows them to:
- Rotate players if needed
- Test combinations
- Manage workloads
At the same time, it sends a strong message to the rest of the league.
Gujarat Giants’ Tournament Situation
For Gujarat Giants, the loss complicates their campaign.
They now face:
- A tough path to qualification
- Increased pressure in remaining matches
- Little margin for error
While elimination is not confirmed, their room for recovery is shrinking fast.
Fan Reaction: RCB Fever Continues
RCB fans once again turned social media into a sea of red and gold.
Reactions focused on:
- Smriti Mandhana’s leadership
- RCB’s unbeaten streak
- Growing belief in a title win
The team’s consistency has reignited fan enthusiasm across the country.
Expert Analysis: RCB Setting the Benchmark
Cricket analysts have been unanimous in their assessment.
RCB are being praised for:
- Tactical clarity
- Composure in chases
- Depth in both departments
Many now consider them favourites to lift the WPL 2026 trophy.
Comparison With Other Teams
What separates RCB from the rest of the league is their ability to avoid off days.
Even when:
- A batter fails
- A bowler has an expensive over
Someone else steps up. This depth has kept them unbeaten.
Areas RCB Can Still Improve
Despite their perfect record, RCB will look for marginal gains.
Potential focus areas include:
- Sharper starts in the powerplay
- More aggressive use of spinners
- Experimenting with the lower middle order
These improvements could make them even more dangerous in the playoffs.
What Gujarat Giants Need Going Forward
Gujarat must regroup quickly.
Key priorities:
- Better use of powerplay overs
- Stronger middle-order partnerships
- More disciplined bowling
Without these changes, their campaign could end prematurely.
Why This Match Matters in the Bigger Picture
This was more than just another league game.
It:
- Confirmed RCB’s playoff spot
- Highlighted the gap between top and mid-table teams
- Shifted pressure firmly onto the chasing pack
As WPL 2026 progresses, results like these shape the entire tournament narrative.
Also Read: Major Injury Concerns for South Africa Ahead of T20 World Cup, but Anrich Nortje Remains Upbeat
Smriti Mandhana’s Captaincy Legacy Growing
Mandhana’s captaincy has been one of the stories of the season.
She has:
- Built a calm, confident unit
- Empowered players to express themselves
- Led by example under pressure
Her leadership is a major reason behind RCB’s unbeaten run.
Looking Ahead: Can RCB Go Unbeaten?
With five wins out of five, the big question is whether RCB can complete the league stage unbeaten.
They have:
- Momentum
- Confidence
- Tactical flexibility
However, the challenge will be maintaining intensity now that qualification is secured.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru WPL 2026 match was a clear demonstration of why RCB are currently the team to beat. With Smriti Mandhana’s side making it five wins out of five, they not only sealed a playoff spot but also strengthened their claim as title favourites.
RCB’s victory was built on disciplined bowling, calm batting, and exceptional leadership. Gujarat Giants fought hard but were ultimately outplayed by a side operating at a higher level of consistency and confidence.
As the tournament moves closer to the knockout stage, one thing is clear: RCB are not just winning matches — they are setting the standard for WPL 2026.
