UP Warriorz made history by becoming the first team to win through Super Over drama in the Women's Premier League (WPL) on February 24, 2025, edging out the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by just four runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The match was electrifying from start to finish, culminating with Sophie Ecclestone showcasing her all-round prowess. A key player for UP Warriorz, Ecclestone blasted 33 runs off 19 balls, contributing significantly to her team's total of 180 runs before the match headed to Super Over.
RCB set the stage by scoring 180 runs for the loss of six wickets, with Ellyse Perry delivering a standout performance, notching up 90 runs off 56 balls, which included nine boundaries and three sixes. Danni Wyatt-Hodge also made her mark, scoring 57 runs off 41 deliveries, ensuring RCB posted a challenging target.
Despite RCB's strong batting lineup, the latter stages of the game saw UP Warriorz staging a remarkable comeback. Ecclestone's late surge was pivotal; she went on to hit two sixes and one four off Renuka Singh’s final over, leaving UP with one run needed off the last ball. Unfortunately for the Warriorz, Ecclestone was run out by RCB's wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, leading the match to the Super Over.
When the Super Over commenced, the Warriorz batted first and could only muster 8 runs, losing the wicket of Chinelle Henry (4 runs). Ecclestone, who remained unbeaten on 1 run, faced immense pressure as she stepped back onto the field to defend the target.
RCB's innings within the Super Over fell flat as they struggled against Ecclestone's bossy bowling. The wicketkeeper-batter duo of Mandhana and Ghosh could only manage to score 4 runs off their six balls as Ecclestone proved impenetrable with her line and length.
This victory marked UP Warriorz's second consecutive win, having previously lost their opening games. The team is now finding momentum, which they hope to leverage for their upcoming matches. Coach and players expressed their eagerness to maintain this winning streak as they progress through the tournament.
UP Warriorz’s captain Deepti Sharma, celebrating the team's remarkable achievement, emphasized the resilience her squad displayed during the match. She stated, “Every game helps us understand our strengths and weaknesses; today we showcased determination.”
The match was not just about the Super Over; several moments during regulation play set the stage for this thrilling finish. With their backs against the wall at 7 for 4, UP still found ways to fight back, predominantly led by Sophie Ecclestone's dynamic display.
Reflecting on the RCB's aggressive approach, skipper Smriti Mandhana lamented, “We should have capitalized when the game was under our control. It's heartbreaking to let such close matches slip away.” Mandhana was once again dismissed by Deepti Sharma, continuing her poor run against off-spin bowling.
Returning to Ecclestone, her contribution with the bat and ball established her as the key player. She defended the modest target effectively, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike. This match demonstrated the excitement and competitiveness brought by the WPL to women's cricket, attracting greater attention to the sport.
Richa Ghosh’s quick reflexes to run out Ecclestone was notable; her athleticism and intelligence shone brightest at the most pivotal moment of the match.
With future matches on the horizon, both teams will look to learn from this encounter. UP Warriorz will aim to build their momentum, whereas RCB needs to regroup and reassess their strategies to convert close matches to victories.
Overall, this Super Over spectacle will go down as one of the memorable moments of WPL history, encapsulating the intense competition and high stakes of women’s cricket.