Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Smriti Mandhana delivered a lighthearted yet sharp response when questioned about her recurring battles with Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, following RCB’s record-breaking six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 on Friday, February 14.
The clash at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium saw Gardner dismiss Mandhana for the ninth time in Women’s T20 cricket – the most by any bowler – surpassing England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt (8).
Smriti Mandhana’s witty retort steals spotlight
Gardner, who also removed Danni Wyatt-Hodge, now boasts 15 career dismissals of the Indian vice-captain across formats. Despite her personal setback, Mandhana laughed off a post-match query about inviting Gardner to dinner as a peace offering, quipping, “I think I have to take her for runs now. It’s time!”
Also WATCH: Ashleigh Gardner stuns RCB by removing Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge in a single over | WPL 2025
The remark came after RCB scripted the highest successful chase in WPL history, overhauling Gujarat’s 201/4 with eight balls to spare.
Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh star in record chase
Ellyse Perry (56 off 38) anchored the innings, while Richa Ghosh’s explosive 64* (27 balls) and Kanika Ahuja’s unbeaten 30 (14) sealed the thriller. Mandhana praised the duo, stating, “The way Richa and Pez [Perry] batted was amazing. They’ve been doing this in the nets, and I’m thrilled it clicked today.”
While Gardner’s record feat highlighted Gujarat’s bowling, their lackluster death overs and RCB’s fearless batting tilted the game. Mandhana acknowledged the challenge, adding, “After the first innings, we knew bowling would be tough, but we backed ourselves. Losing last season’s top wicket-takers meant new players had to step up, and they did.”
RCB, riding high on momentum, will next face Delhi Capitals on February 17 at the same venue.
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