The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased their batting prowess on February 24, 2025, scoring 179 runs for 6 wickets after 20 overs against UP Warriorz during match 9 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite starting slowly, RCB, powered by Ellyse Perry's outstanding performance, put together a competitive total to set the stage for the contest against the Warriorz.
Winning the toss, Deepti Sharma, captain of the UP Warriorz, opted to bowl first, confident of chasing down the target on the pitch often described as favorable for batting. This decision came after the Warriorz maintained their winning momentum from their previous match against the Delhi Capitals. RCB, on the other hand, entered the game hoping to bounce back from a narrow defeat to the Mumbai Indians, where they missed the chance to secure the top spot on the points table.
RCB brought Sneh Rana, the offspinning allrounder, for her debut, coming in as replacement for the injured Shreyanka Patil, showcasing their resolve to strengthen the side. Ellyse Perry, after being declared fit to bowl, illuminated the innings with her batting, scoring 89 runs off 56 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Her remarkable innings cemented her reputation as one of the league's stars.
Initially, RCB's start was cautious, and by the end of the mandatory power play, they registered just 42 runs for the loss of one wicket. A significant moment was marked when Smriti Mandhana, RCB's captain, was dismissed for just 9 runs, leaving the team at 23 for 1. Batting alongside Perry, Danni Wyatt-Hodge stabilized the innings as the duo built partnerships and increased the run rate, eventually leading RCB to recover as Wyatt-Hodge scored 57 runs off 39 balls.
Perry began slow but increased her tempo slowly, first breaking free with the boundaries, which gave RCB the momentum needed. The partnership between Wyatt-Hodge and Perry was instrumental, with the pair contributing splendidly, taking RCB to the 100 runs mark within just 12.5 overs. Perry's impressive fifty was reached with back-to-back sixes, exhibiting her aggressive intent.
Throughout the innings, RCB displayed resilience, recovering from losing wickets at sporadic junctures. While Wyatt-Hodge's pivotal knock was complemented by Richa Ghosh's quick scoring (four runs from three balls) before she was dismissed, Perry remained the anchor of the innings. Ellyse Perry scored heavily off UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma, who herself had moderate figures by finishing with one wicket for 42 runs after her four overs.
Notable mentions were the stellar bowling performances from UP's Sophie Ecclestone, who effectively kept things tight, claiming 0 for 28 from four overs, and Tahlia McGrath, who dismissed key players Richa Ghosh and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, contributing immensely to the match dynamics.
After RCB's innings concluded at 179/6, the pressure was now on the UP Warriorz to chase down this challenging total. The complexion of the match set the tone for what was required, amping up the competitiveness as both teams eyed to secure points for the standings.
Throughout the match, RCB's batting was highlighted by Perry's performance and the team’s spirit to come back strong after their previous encounter. What transpired next would determine if UP Warriorz could capitalize on their batting to claim victory or if RCB's bowling depth, bolstered by Perry’s potential contributions, would secure them the win.
The match also held significance as RCB and UP Warriorz looked to solidify their standings within the league, with RCB initially aiming for the top and UP Warriorz fighting to break free from the middle of the table. The exciting cricket on display promised thrilling encounters as both teams have now gained insights for their upcoming fixtures based on their performances today. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams perform as the tournament progresses and they continue to vie for the coveted championship title.