Royal Challengers Bangalore Hold Off UP Warriorz in Tense Finish (WPL 2024)
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) edged past the UP Warriorz (UPW) by a narrow margin of 4 runs in a thrilling encounter in the 11th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. The match, played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, saw both teams display fighting spirit until the final over.
UPW Wins the Toss and Elects to Field:
UPW captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to exploit the batting-friendly conditions at the Chinnaswamy. RCB openers Smriti Mandhana and Meghana got off to a decent start, putting on a 40-run partnership before Meghana (28 off 21) was dismissed by Anjali Sarvani.
Mandhana and Perry Anchor the Innings:
Mandhana, the RCB captain, played a crucial knock, scoring a well-paced 62 runs off 48 balls. Ellyse Perry joined her in the middle and provided valuable support, contributing 47 runs off 35 deliveries. Their partnership of 83 runs laid the foundation for a strong total.
Late Wickets Restrict RCB’s Momentum:
However, RCB lost wickets in clusters towards the end of their innings. Deepti Sharma, the UPW spinner, picked up two crucial wickets, restricting RCB to a total of 198/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
UPW Fight Back But Fall Short:
Chasing 199 for victory, UPW got off to a flying start with opener Kiran Navgire scoring a quickfire 32 off 21 balls. However, RCB’s bowlers struck back at regular intervals, picking up key wickets. Chamari Athapaththu (43) and Grace Harris (38) played well for UPW, but their dismissals in quick succession put the team in a precarious position.
Thrilling Finish:
With 15 runs needed in the final over, UPW’s Sophie Ecclestone smashed a six and a four off Renuka Singh Thakur. However, she fell on the penultimate ball, needing just 5 runs for victory. The last pair couldn’t manage to take UPW over the line, as RCB secured a hard-fought win.
Match Summary:
- RCB: 198/3 (20 overs) – Smriti Mandhana 62(48), Ellyse Perry 47(35)
- UPW: 194/8 (20 overs) – Chamari Athapaththu 43(32), Grace Harris 38(24)
- Result: RCB won by 4 runs
- Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (RCB)
This victory was crucial for RCB, who are now placed third in the points table. They will look to carry this momentum forward in the remaining matches of the tournament.
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