RCB Dominates UP Warriorz with Stellar Performance in WPL Match
RCB Secures Victory with a Strong Chase
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 12: A remarkable partnership of 137 runs between Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a convincing nine-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) encounter on Monday.
RCB opted to bowl first, quickly putting UPW on the back foot at 50/5. However, Deepti Sharma (45*) and Deandra Dottin (40*) staged a recovery, guiding their team to a competitive total of 143/5. Nadine de Klerk and Shreyanka Patil each took two wickets for RCB. In response, Grace Harris showcased her explosive batting with a stunning 85 off just 40 balls, while Smriti remained not out at 47, leading RCB to their second consecutive win, leaving UPW with two losses in a row.
Grace Harris kicked off the chase with two boundaries in the opening over against Deepti Sharma, while Smriti added runs against her fellow players Kranti Gaud and Shikha Pandey.
As the innings progressed, Shikha and Kranti struggled to contain the aggressive batting duo, allowing RCB to reach 46 runs within the first five overs.
In a devastating final over of the powerplay, Grace unleashed a barrage of three sixes and four fours against Deandra Dottin, resulting in a staggering 32 runs being scored. Grace reached her fifty in just 22 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, as RCB concluded the powerplay at an impressive 78/0, marking the joint-most expensive over in WPL history.
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.
At the halfway mark, RCB stood at 121/0, with Grace (76*) and Smriti (40*) still at the crease.
The partnership of 137 runs came to an end when Shikha took a brilliant catch to dismiss Grace for 85, which included 10 fours and five sixes. However, with only three runs needed and eight overs remaining, the outcome was already decided.
RCB completed their chase at 145/1 in 12.1 overs, with Smriti scoring 47* off 32 balls, including nine fours, and Richa Ghosh remaining not out on 4.
Earlier, Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin's 93-run partnership for the sixth wicket was crucial in helping UP Warriorz reach 143/5 in their allotted overs.
The duo initially stabilized the innings before accelerating the scoring rate, with Deepti hitting 15 runs in the final over, including three boundaries.
RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first. UP Warriorz had a shaky start, managing only 21 runs in the first four overs with Meg Lanning and Harleen Deol at the crease.
RCB's bowlers maintained tight lines, forcing Harleen (11) to take risks, resulting in a catch for Lauren Bell.
After the powerplay, UP Warriorz were at a modest 36-1, with Phoebe Litchfield and Meg Lanning batting. However, RCB's bowlers intensified their attack, taking four wickets in just eight balls, leaving UPW at 50/5. Litchfield's 20 was the only highlight as RCB's bowling proved too strong, with skipper Lanning (14), Kiran Navgire (5), and Shweta Sehrawat (0) failing to make an impact.
Deandra Dottin and Deepti Sharma then steadied the innings, rotating the strike effectively. UPW crossed the 100-run mark in the 16th over, with the duo forming a vital 50-run partnership for the sixth wicket, turning the tide after a dismal start.
After the 16th over, UPW was at 100/5, but Dottin and Deepti accelerated in the final overs, scoring 43 runs off 24 balls to finish at a respectable 143. Deepti top-scored with 45* (35 balls, five fours, one six) while Dottin contributed 40* (37 balls, two fours, one six).
Nadine (2/28) and Shreyanka (2/50) were key bowlers for RCB, with Lauren Bell also impressing with her economical bowling, taking 1/16 in four overs.
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).