Smriti Mandhana and Sophir Devine were dismissed early by UP Warriorz after their side lost the toss and were sent to bat first. Whereas Ellyse Perry was also unable to get going which is pretty unlike her. Before the second strategic break, Sabbhineni Meghana and Richa Ghosh forged a much-needed partnership and laid the groundwork.
When it looked like they would end the innings strongly, UP Warriorz responded by taking a couple wickets. Ghosh and Meghana both scored fifty runs, helping RCB come closer to achieving the 160-run mark. Since MI Women defeated a larger total last night, this ought to be easy. Considering the type of powerplay that RCB Women had, they would be happy with a target of more than 150.
Just like Royal Challengers Bangalore, the UP Warriorz also started poorly during the powerplay. Skipper Allysa Healy departed during the second over of the chase for a single digit score. A slow second wicket stand between Vrinda Dinesh and Tahlia Mcgrath looked to lay the foundation for the chase.
Sobhana Asha destroys UP Warriorz with amazing fifer
However, Kerala leg-spinner Sobhana Asha dismissed the two batters with her incredible skills. Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat took the innings forward with an amazing partnership. Their 77-run stand ensured that their side was in the chase all along.
Asha came back to deliver her final over at the death as a risky call from skipper Smriti Mandhana. But the risk proved to be great for the hosts since she was able to scalp three wickets in that over. The match turned on its head and it reached a situation where both teams had a great chance to clinch the game.
Poonam Khemnar and Deepti Sharma issued some vital blows in the 18th over, but the former was removed at a crucial time by Georgia Wareham. UP Warriorz Women required 11 off the last over and Smriti Mandhana went for the experience of Sophie Molineux to deliver her the win. Some amazing bowling won the contest for the hosts as they registered a 2-run win over UP-Warriorz Women.
Fans react as Royal Challengers Bangalore register narrow win over UP Warriorz during WPL encounter: –
RCB DEFEATED UP WARRIORZ AT THE CHINNASWAMY STADIUM…!!! ? pic.twitter.com/7cX9EH2b13
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 24, 2024
RCB fans pic.twitter.com/YGBQLDjFrg
— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) February 24, 2024
The Message is clear E Sala Cup Namde
— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) February 24, 2024
Thanks WPL for this thriller
Second consecutive match, the outcome of which was not decided till the ball was bowled
— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) February 24, 2024
Good win for RCB ?
— Balaji (@RDBalaji) February 24, 2024
Dream for Dhobi and Vadapav to win against RCB women's ???
— Praneeth (@fantasy_d11) February 24, 2024
RCB Win… Girls ?
— Vishwajit Patil (@_VishwajitPatil) February 24, 2024
Well played deepti for opposition team pic.twitter.com/3pj3nGV25H
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) February 24, 2024
RCB thanks to Asha DEFENDED a target at Chinnaswamy. What a game though kept swinging sides till the last ball.
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) February 24, 2024
Congratulations RCB for win.. This is a good win absolutely thriller ??
— Subhash Choudhary (@subhash92) February 24, 2024
Spectacular
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) February 24, 2024
First match of WPL decided on the final ball.
Second match of WPL decided on the final ball.
WPL is peaking. ??
— PM Deshma ?? (@PmDeshma) February 24, 2024
Amazing win but so many mistakes to correct
— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) February 24, 2024
Yesterday – Mumbai Indians won on the final ball with a six.
Today – RCB won the match by just 2 runs.
– A blockbuster start to the WPL. ?
— PM Deshma ?? (@PmDeshma) February 24, 2024