In a thrilling encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against the UP Warriorz in the ninth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The match, held on February 24, 2025, saw both teams delivering exceptional performances, culminating in a dramatic Super Over finish.
RCB vs UP Warriorz Match Overview
The contest was a roller-coaster ride, with momentum swinging between both sides. RCB, led by captain Smriti Mandhana, showcased a formidable batting display, setting a competitive target. In response, the UP Warriorz, under the leadership of Deepti Sharma, matched RCB’s efforts, leading to a tie and necessitating a Super Over to determine the winner.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, RCB aimed to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions of their home ground. However, they faced an early setback when captain Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for 6 runs off 9 balls by Deepti Sharma, who has had a history of successfully challenging Mandhana. Despite this early loss, RCB’s batting lineup demonstrated resilience.
Ellyse Perry emerged as the linchpin of RCB’s innings. Coming in early, Perry anchored the innings with a masterful 90* runs, showcasing her experience and skill. She found support from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who contributed a valuable 56 runs. The duo’s partnership was instrumental in stabilizing the innings and setting a challenging total.
The middle-order also chipped in with crucial runs. Richa Ghosh added a quickfire 28, while Georgia Wareham’s cameo of 15 runs further bolstered the total. RCB concluded their innings at 180/6, setting a formidable target for the UP Warriorz.
UP Warriorz Chase
Chasing 181 for victory, the UP Warriorz faced immediate challenges. The opening pair struggled to build momentum, with early wickets putting pressure on the middle order. Deepti Sharma, stepping up in a critical situation, played a captain’s knock, scoring a resilient 39 runs. Her partnership with Grace Harris, who added 38 runs, was pivotal in keeping the Warriorz in contention.
As the overs progressed, the required run rate escalated, intensifying the pressure. The RCB bowlers maintained disciplined lines, with Georgia Wareham and Renuka Singh Thakur leading the attack. Despite a valiant effort, the UP Warriorz managed to match RCB’s total, ending their innings at 180/7, leading to a tie.
The Super Over Decider RCB vs UP Warriorz
With the match tied, a Super Over was employed to break the deadlock. RCB batted first in the Super Over, with Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh taking the crease. Facing the experienced Sophie Ecclestone, RCB managed to score 10 runs, setting a modest target for the Warriorz.
In response, the UP Warriorz sent out Grace Harris and Deepti Sharma to chase down the target. Renuka Singh Thakur was entrusted with the ball for RCB. Displaying nerves of steel, Harris struck a boundary off the first ball, followed by smart running between the wickets. The Warriorz successfully surpassed the target, scoring 11 runs and clinching the match in a nail-biting finish.
Key Performances
- Ellyse Perry (RCB): Her unbeaten 90 runs were the backbone of RCB’s innings, showcasing her prowess under pressure.
- Deepti Sharma (UPW): Contributed significantly with both bat and ball, dismissing Mandhana early and later anchoring the chase with a crucial 39 runs.
- Grace Harris (UPW): Her aggressive batting in the Super Over, including a decisive boundary, was instrumental in securing the win for the Warriorz.
- Sophie Ecclestone (UPW): Bowled a tight Super Over, restricting RCB to a manageable total and setting up the platform for the Warriorz’s victory.
Implications for the Tournament
This victory propels the UP Warriorz up the points table, boosting their morale as the tournament progresses. For RCB, the narrow loss serves as a reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on critical moments.
The Women’s Premier League 2025 continues to deliver exhilarating matches, with teams showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Fans can look forward to more such thrilling encounters as the tournament unfolds.
