Mandhana and Gardner Rivalry Intensifies RCB vs Gujarat Giants Match

As excitement builds for the upcoming clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Giants (GG) at the DY Patil Stadium, the spotlight is on two cricket stars: Smriti Mandhana and Ashleigh Gardner. This match is pivotal in the context of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, with both teams currently equal on points. Fans are eager to see how the Mandhana vs. Gardner rivalry unfolds on the field.

Mandhana vs. Gardner: A Competitive History

The rivalry between Smriti Mandhana and Ashleigh Gardner has been a significant narrative in women’s T20 cricket. Gardner has historically had the upper hand, dismissing Mandhana nine times in their encounters. They have faced off in 27 T20 innings, where Mandhana has managed to score 156 runs off 156 balls. No bowler has dismissed Mandhana more frequently than Gardner, with Nat Sciver-Brunt closely trailing.

Changing Dynamics

Recent matches indicate a shift in this dynamic. Up until December 2024, Mandhana had been dismissed five times by Gardner in ODIs, scoring just 68 runs off 76 balls against her. However, last year, in the absence of teammate Shafali Verma, Mandhana adopted a more aggressive stance, scoring 96 runs off Gardner in four meetings without being dismissed.

Match Preview: RCB vs. GG

As both teams prepare to face each other again, they bring several key players to the forefront. Gujarat Giants are coming off their first defeat of the season, but they are expected to maintain their lineup without changes.

Probable Teams

• Gujarat Giants:
  • Beth Mooney (wk)
  • Sophie Devine
  • Ayushi Soni
  • Ashleigh Gardner (capt)
  • Georgia Wareham
  • Kanika Ahuja
  • Bharti Fulmali
  • Kashvee Gautam
  • Tanuja Kanwar
  • Rajeshwari Gayakwad
  • Renuka Singh
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
  • Grace Harris
  • Smriti Mandhana (capt)
  • D Hemalatha
  • Gautami Naik
  • Richa Ghosh (wk)
  • Radha Yadav
  • Nadine de Klerk
  • Arundhati Reddy
  • Shreyanka Patil
  • Linsey Smith
  • Lauren Bell

Key Players to Watch

This match will feature performances from pivotal players like Bharti Fulmali and Arundhati Reddy. Fulmali has been in great form, delivering crucial strikes in the lower middle-order. Last season, she hit 12 sixes, ranking her among the top hitters in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.

On the bowling side, Arundhati Reddy has shown consistency despite not claiming wickets. Her control in the middle overs might be crucial against a powerful batting lineup from GG.

Statistical Highlights

Several relevant statistics inform the upcoming match:

• Sophie Devine has bowled three overs in the powerplay this season but will need strategic adjustments against RCB.
• Mandhana has a notable record against Devine, scoring 103 runs off 74 balls.
• Lauren Bell has consistently set early game tones for RCB, facing off against Beth Mooney.

Pitch and Conditions

The DY Patil Stadium has so far favored bowlers, particularly spinners, after eight league games. Teams winning the toss have largely chosen to chase, with RCB exhibiting strength in chasing targets compared to GG, who have successfully defended targets in their victories.

As the match day approaches, the anticipation for the Mandhana and Gardner showdown intensifies, making this encounter a crucial part of the WPL 2026 narrative.