Smriti Mandhana’s cheeky response on ‘dinner’ with Gardner after record dismissal-OxBig News Network

Ash Gardner etched her name in the record books on Friday despite Gujarat Giants losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). On Friday, February 14, Gardner dismissed Smriti Mandhana for the ninth time in Women’s T20s, the most by any bowler, going past Nat Sciver Brunt’s eight.

After RCB were asked to chase down 202 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Gardner dismissed Mandhana LBW, after which she also dismissed Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Overall, Gardner has got the better of the Indian vice-captain 15 times.

GG vs RCB, WPL 2025 Highlights

After the match, Smriti was asked about whether he would like to take Gardner out for dinner after the Australian spinner dismissed her yet another time in competitive cricket. Replying to the presenter, the RCB skipper said, “I think I have to take her for runs, I think it is time now (laughs).”

Praises for Richa, Perry

Mandhana was delighted after RCB recorded the highest successful run-chase in the history of the WPL. Ellyse Perry scored 56 to lay the platform in the run-chase, after which Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 64 off 27 took RCB past the finish line. Kanika Ahuja, who returned after missing the last season, lent Richa support with an unbeaten 30-run knock.

“I am really happy that we were on the winning side. The way Richa and Pez (Perry) batted, it was amazing to watch. Brilliant to watch, they have been doing that in the nets. Really happy that things clicked,” Mandhana said.

“After the first innings, we knew it would be tough to bowl, so always thought we were in the game. We lost the top three wicket-takers of last year, but luckily we had good options (coming in),” Mandhana added.

After taking down the Giants, Mandhana’s RCB will be up against Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals (DC) on Monday, February 17 in Vadodara.