RCB Secures Dominant Victory Over UP Warriorz in WPL Clash

RCB's Impressive Win

In a thrilling Women's Premier League (WPL) match held in Navi Mumbai on Monday, RCB triumphed over UP Warriorz by nine wickets, thanks to a remarkable 137-run partnership between Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana. RCB opted to bowl first, restricting UPW to a mere 50/5 before Deepti Sharma (45*) and Deandra Dottin (40*) led a recovery, helping their team reach a total of 143/5. Nadine de Klerk and Shreyanka Patil each claimed two wickets for RCB.

RCB's Chase Unfolds

During the chase for 144 runs, Grace Harris kicked off the innings with two boundaries in the opening over against Deepti Sharma, while Smriti Mandhana also contributed with some well-placed shots against her fellow players Kranti Gaud and Shikha Pandey. RCB raced to 46 runs within just five overs.

Harris's Explosive Over

In a devastating over from Deandra Dottin, Grace Harris hit three sixes and four fours, accumulating a staggering 32 runs, including a no-ball and a wide. Grace reached her half-century in just 22 balls, with seven fours and three sixes, as RCB concluded the powerplay at 78/0. This over marked the joint-most expensive in WPL history, and it was the fourth time a player scored 50 runs during the powerplay.

RCB's Steady Progress

Mandhana also found her rhythm against spinners Asha Shobhana and Sophie Ecclestone, while Grace continued her onslaught. RCB crossed the 100-run mark in just 7.5 overs. By the end of the 10th over, RCB stood at 121/0, with Grace (76*) and Smriti (40*) still at the crease. The partnership ended when Shikha Pandey took a brilliant catch to dismiss Grace for 85 runs off 40 balls, featuring 10 fours and five sixes. RCB completed their chase at 145/1 in 12.1 overs, with Smriti finishing on 47* from 32 balls.

UP Warriorz's Recovery

Earlier in the match, Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin's 93-run partnership for the sixth wicket helped UP Warriorz recover to 143/5 in their 20 overs. After a shaky start, the duo steadied the innings and accelerated towards the end, with Deepti scoring 45* and Dottin contributing 40*.

Warriorz's Early Struggles

RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first. UP Warriorz struggled initially, managing only 21 runs in the first four overs. RCB's bowlers maintained tight lines, leading to the dismissal of Harleen Deol, who scored 11 runs. The powerplay concluded with UPW at 36-1.

Middle Order Collapse

Following the powerplay, RCB's bowlers intensified their efforts, claiming four wickets in a span of eight balls, leaving UPW at 50/5. Phoebe Litchfield's 20 runs were the only highlight as RCB's bowling attack proved too strong.

Dottin and Deepti's Late Surge

Deandra Dottin and Deepti Sharma managed to stabilize the innings, rotating the strike effectively. They crossed the 100-run mark in the 16th over, with a crucial 50-run partnership for the sixth wicket. In the final overs, they scored 43 runs off 24 balls, bringing UPW to a respectable total of 143. Deepti finished with 45* off 35 balls, while Dottin added 40* off 37 balls.

Match Summary

Brief Scores: UPW: 143/5 in 20 overs (Deepti Sharma 45*, Deandra Dottin 40*, Nadine de Klerk 2/28) lost to RCB: 145/1 in 12.1 overs (Grace Harris 85, Smriti Mandhana 47*, Shikha Pandey 1/28).