UP Warriorz scripted history on February 24, 2025, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, clinching the first-ever Super Over victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with a thrilling four-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The match was filled with excitement and drama, showcasing the resilience and skill of the Warriorz, especially star all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone, who played pivotal roles with both bat and ball.
Batting first, RCB posted 180 for 6, with Australian superstar Ellyse Perry leading the charge, scoring an impressive 90 off 56 balls. Her innings was complemented by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s steady 57 off 41, forming the backbone of RCB’s total. Perry's performance was particularly notable as she became the first player to reach 800 runs in WPL history. The Warriorz bowlers faced challenges, but Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, and Chinelle Henry each grabbed one wicket.
Chasing 181, UP Warriorz began well with Kiran Navgire smashing 24 runs off just 12 balls. Yet, they soon lost momentum, teetering at 125 for 7 after losing key wickets. The equation looked grim as Sophie Ecclestone joined the fray with only one wicket remaining. Expected to perform under immense pressure, Ecclestone delivered, turning the game around by hitting two massive sixes and a four off the last over bowled by Renuka Singh, leveling the scores and forcing the game to the Super Over.
"It was really tense out there, but I just tried to stick to my game plan, and it worked," said Ecclestone after the match.
With the scores tied at 180, the match headed to WPL’s inaugural Super Over. UP Warriorz batted first but struggled as Kim Garth bowled excellently for RCB, limiting them to just 8 runs, losing the wicket of Chinelle Henry. Returning to defend those 9 runs, Ecclestone took the ball once again, exuding composure under pressure. She successfully restricted RCB to 4 runs with pinpoint accuracy, sealing the victory for her team.
"It was thrilling to be part of the first Super Over match. Sophie stepped up when it mattered most, showing why she’s one of the best," said Deepti Sharma, the UP Warriorz captain.
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed disappointment, reflecting on the challenging circumstances her team faced. "We had it in the bag, but credit to UP; they showed great resilience. We'll learn and bounce back stronger," she stated.
This match wasn't just about statistics; it was about the heart and spirit displayed on the field. UP Warriorz's incredible comeback, especially Ecclestone's heroics, will be etched in WPL history as they move to the third spot on the points table.
Looking back at the game, fans were treated to stunning performances from various players. Sneh Rana, making her RCB debut, claimed three wickets and established herself as the standout bowler for her team. UP’s road to victory, powered by Ecclestone’s all-around mastery, sparked joy among the fans, signaling the potential of the franchises moving forward.
With both teams now gearing up for their next matches, the stakes are higher than ever. The WPL is proving to be full of surprises, and as the competition heats up, fans are left eagerly anticipating what the next match will hold. For UP, this remarkable victory serves not only as a morale booster but also sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Overall, the history-making match reflects the competitive spirit of women’s cricket, highlighting the resilience and talent present within the WPL, ensuring every fixture is watched intently by fans and analysts alike.