UP Warriorz edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a nail-biting finish during the first-ever Super Over of the Women’s Premier League on February 24, 2025, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match was defined by Sophie Ecclestone’s breathtaking all-round performance, which overshadowed Ellyse Perry’s impressive innings.
RCB set the pace early on, posting a challenging total of 180 runs with Perry leading from the front, scoring 90 runs off 56 balls. Her innings included nine fours and three sixes, showcasing her complete dominance over the UP bowlers. Alongside her, Danni Wyatt-Hodge added 57 runs, contributing to a solid partnership of 94 runs between the two.
From the outset, the tension was palpable. UP Warriorz, captained by Deepti Sharma, struggled to find stability during their chase. After her successful starts with the ball, Sharma opted to chase, aligning with trends seen at the venue. The pursuit started on the wrong foot when opener Kiran Navgire fell for just four runs, edging to the keeper. With regular wickets falling, UP Warriorz faced the uphill task of chasing down 180.
With their middle order faltering, the pressure mounted until it was Ecclestone, nicknamed 'Super Sophie', who provided the spark. Her aggressive batting, scoring 33 runs off just 19 balls, reignited hope for the team. With just one wicket remaining and only one run required from the final ball, Ecclestone’s run-out by Richa Ghosh sent the match to the Super Over, culminating with both teams ending the regular match tied.
The scene shifted to the Super Over, where UP Warriorz batted first. They aimed for nine runs against RCB, who handed the ball to their seasoned bowler Kim Garth. IN the tense atmosphere, UP Warriorz managed to score only eight runs. Ecclestone, though spent from her previous efforts, took on the mantle to bowl the decisive Super Over.
Ellyse Perry, who had dominated the match until then, was not sent out to bat by RCB, forcing the other players to take on the challenge. Stepping onto the bowling crease, Ecclestone delivered under pressure, restricting RCB to just four runs. This was significant, considering the caliber of RCB's batting lineup, which included Perry. Smriti Mandhana, the captain of RCB, expressed her disbelief after the game, stating, "How could we not win [for Ellyse Perry]?" reflecting the frustrations of the RCB side.
Mandhana elaborated on her team’s sentiment, saying, "I am sorry [for Ellyse Perry]. It was brilliant to watch her batting." This sense of defeat was palpable, especially since Perry’s knock mirrored her previous matches where she had been the shining light for RCB.
The Super Over victory also marked a new chapter for the Women’s Premier League, with Ecclestone shining as both the player of the match and the architect of victory, earning praise for her composure and skill. "It was amazing to experience [the Super Over]. That's probably been as nervous as I have been in five years of cricket," Ecclestone remarked, capturing the intensity of the moment.
This victory not only stands as a significant moment for UP Warriorz but also sets the tone for the rest of the tournament, heightening anticipation for future matches. With such thrilling finishes, fans and pundits alike are excited to see how the competition will evolve as each team vies for the title.