By RCB bounced back from two consecutive losses with a strong batting display, defeating UP Warriorz by 23 runs in the final match of the Bengaluru leg of WPL 2024. Smriti Mandhana’s 80* off 50 balls, supported by Ellyse Perry’s 58 off 37 and Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 21*, powered RCB to a challenging total of 198/3. Alyssa Healy’s 55 off 38 kept UPW in the chase, but regular wickets meant they fell short, finishing on 175/8.
RCB’s decision to change the opening combination paid off, with Sabbhineni Meghana partnering Mandhana to add 51 runs. Mandhana capitalized on missed chances, including a stumping opportunity, to score freely. Perry joined the party, hitting two sixes and a four in a 17-run over. The late surge, with 69 runs in the last five overs, propelled RCB to their highest total of the season.
In response, UPW started positively but lost wickets at regular intervals. Despite Healy’s fifty and Jaker Ali’s late onslaught, UPW fell short. Sophie Molineux and Asha Sobhana picked up crucial wickets to restrict UPW. With 29 runs needed off the last over, Molineux finished with figures of 2-29 to secure RCB’s victory.
Brief Scores: RCB 198/3 (Mandhana 80*, Perry 58) beat UPW 175/8 (Healy 55, Sharma 33; Molineux 2-29, Sobhana 2-29) by 23 runs.
