Royal Challengers Bengaluru Deny Mumbai Indians a Spot in WPL Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 11 runs in the final league game of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. This victory not only marked a spirited end to RCB’s campaign but also altered the standings, sending Delhi Capitals (DC) directly to the final for the third consecutive year. Mumbai Indians will now compete against Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator.

Match Summary

The match took place at Brabourne Stadium. RCB, batting first, posted a total of 199/3 in their 20 overs. In response, MI managed to score 188/9, falling short of the target. RCB’s innings was powered by Smriti Mandhana’s 53, supported by contributions from Ellyse Perry (49*), Richa Ghosh (36), and Georgia Wareham (31*). For MI, Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scored with 69.

RCB’s Innings

RCB’s innings began strongly with Smriti Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana forming an opening partnership. Mandhana, who had been struggling in recent games, found her form, while Meghana contributed a quick 26 off 13 balls. After Meghana’s dismissal, Mandhana continued to build the innings, reaching her half-century. Ellyse Perry initially played a supporting role but accelerated her scoring later in the innings. Richa Ghosh added a vital cameo, and Georgia Wareham’s explosive hitting at the end propelled RCB to a formidable total.

Wareham’s contribution was particularly impactful, as she scored 31* off just 10 deliveries, including five fours and a six. This late surge allowed RCB to accumulate 39 runs in the final 12 balls. Hayley Matthews was the most successful bowler for MI, taking 2 wickets for 37 runs.

MI’s Chase

MI’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing both openers, Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr, within the first six overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings, scoring 69 off 35 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. However, she lacked sufficient support from the other batters. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 20 runs, but her dismissal further dented MI’s chances.

Sajeevan Sajana provided a late spark with a 12-ball 23, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul the target. RCB’s bowlers, particularly Sneh Rana and Kim Garth, applied pressure and picked up crucial wickets. Sneh Rana finished with figures of 3/26, while Kim Garth took 2/33.

Key Moments

• Smriti Mandhana’s return to form with a 37-ball 53.
• Georgia Wareham’s explosive cameo at the end of RCB’s innings.
• Nat Sciver-Brunt’s valiant effort for MI, scoring 69.
• Sneh Rana’s crucial wickets in the middle overs.

Impact on Standings

RCB’s win meant that Delhi Capitals secured a direct entry into the final due to a better net run rate compared to MI. Mumbai Indians will now face Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator.

Brief Scores:

RCB W 199/3 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 53, Ellyse Perry 49*; Hayley Matthews 2/37) beat MI W 188/9 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 69; Sneh Rana 3/26, Kim Garth 2/33) by 11 runs