Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a remarkable performance, defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 11 runs on March 11, 2025, at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. This victory prevented MI from securing direct entry to the final, allowing Delhi Capitals (DC) to claim the coveted spot instead.
The match not only showcased RCB's talent but also marked the defending champions' resurgence after a disappointing season. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front, scoring 53 off 37 balls, providing stability at the top of the order. Her innings included seven boundaries, and she was well supported by Ellyse Perry, who scored 49 off 38 balls. Both contributed to RCB’s impressive total of 199 runs for three wickets. Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham also added valuable runs, with Ghosh smashing 36 off 22 balls and Wareham scoring 31 off just 10 balls.
MI's pursuit of the target began with hopes pinned on their opener, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who emerged as the standout performer for the team, scoring 69 off 35 deliveries. Despite her efforts, MI's batting lineup faltered after the early loss of key players. Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 18) and Hayley Matthews (19 off 16) fell victim to RCB's effective bowling, which was led by Sneh Rana, who picked up three wickets for just 26 runs, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Sajeevan Sajana provided some late fireworks with 23 runs off 12 balls, but it was too little, too late for MI as they were eventually restricted to 188 runs for nine wickets, falling short of the target by 11 runs. MI's collapse not only denied them entry to the finals but also highlighted the pressure of the moment as they succumbed to RCB's disciplined bowling.
The match sent shockwaves through the WPL standings, ensuring DC would meet RCB at the finals set for March 15, 2025. Despite facing elimination, MI has now been placed under extreme pressure to perform against the Gujarat Giants in the upcoming eliminator match on March 13. This is the third consecutive season where MI finds itself contending for survival rather than vying for the championship.
Sciver-Brunt's lone battle to steer MI's ship was commendable, yet MI lost momentum when they needed it most, crumbling to RCB's bowling attack. The WPL 2025 also set records during this match, breaking the record for the most sixes scored across the season, underscoring the league’s growth and the competitive spirit among the teams.
Reflecting on the match, Rana commended her team’s efforts, saying her shoulder was alright and the bowlers adjusted their lengths well to combat the batting onslaught. On the flip side, Harmanpreet acknowledged the mistakes made, particularly during the final overs, which turned the tide against her team. “The last two overs we bowled were expensive and cost us,” she stated, highlighting the fine margins inherent within such significant fixtures.
With emotions running high, MI now shifts their focus to the upcoming eliminator against the Giants. They will need to regroup and deliver strong performances to remain contenders for the title this season. The stage is set for what promises to be another thrilling encounter as the stakes rise, and only time will tell if MI can climb back from this setback to secure their place among the top teams once more.