At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bangalore showcased impressive batting against UP Warriorz in a Women’s Premier League match. Skipper Smriti Mandhana and star all-rounder Ellyse Perry‘s noteworthy fifties propelled RCB to a formidable 198 for three in 20 overs.
In an effort to break a two-match losing streak, RCB strategically promoted S Meghana to the opening slot, replacing Sophie Devine, and the decision proved successful.
Meghana and Mandhana formed a robust partnership, contributing 51 runs in 5.3 overs. The hosts concluded the Power Play at 57 for 1, marking their best performance in WPL 2.
In partnership with Perry (58, 37b, 4×4, 4×6), Mandhana added 95 runs in just 64 balls for the second wicket, capitalizing on the strong start as the UP bowlers struggled under continuous pressure.
Mandhana exhibited remarkable timing, showcasing a variety of shots and confidently handling spinners, which is crucial given her occasional challenges against them.
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Ellyse Perry showcased outstanding form for RCB against UP Warriorz in a WPL match
The left-hander, dropped at 28, particularly targeted off-spinner Chamari Athapathuthu and left-arm pacer Anjali Sarvani, punishing them with numerous fours and sixes.
Yet, Mandhana’s slog-sweep off off-spinner Deepti Sharma concluded in the hands of Poonam Khemnar at deep mid-wicket, momentarily quieting the enthusiastic RCB fans.
However, Perry, who dispatched left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad for two consecutive sixes, and Richa Ghosh formed a partnership that contributed 42 runs in just 18 balls for the third wicket, propelling RCB to an imposing total.
Notably, one of Perry’s sixes even shattered the window of a display car. The Warriorz’s pursuit lacked notable highlights, aside from a fifty (55, 38b, 7×4, 3×6) by captain Alyssa Healy, concluding at a total of 175/8.
Vrinda Dinesh from the Warriorz has been sidelined for the rest of the WPL due to a shoulder injury sustained in the match against Mumbai Indians on February 28.
The UP team has enlisted wicket-keeper batter Uma Chetry as a replacement at her original price of Rs 10 lakhs. Uma, who recently represented India A against England A, was also part of the victorious India A Emerging squad in the ACC Emerging Women’s Asia Cup 2023.
RCB altered their lineup by replacing the injured Shreyanka Patil with the experienced Ekta Bisht.
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