In a heart-stopping match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, UP Warriorz beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a Super Over finish in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The match witnessed both sides tied on 180 runs at the end of regular play, which resulted in a nail-biting finish.
RCB’s Dominant Batting Performance
Choosing to bat first, RCB compiled a strong total of 180/6. The innings was underpinned by a masterful display from Ellyse Perry,who was not out on 90 runs off 52 balls. Perry’s innings was a combination of power and accuracy, dotted with strategic boundaries and informed singles. She was ably supported by Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who added a crucial 57 runs off 41 balls. The duo put together a strong foundation, taking RCB to a fighting score.
UP Warriorz’s Fightback Chase
Chasing 181, UP Warriorz experienced initial hiccups with early dismissals. Shweta Sehrawat, though, stabilized the innings with a steady 31-run innings. The turning point arrived with Sophie Ecclestone’s aggressive batting towards the end. With 42 runs needed off the last three overs, Ecclestone took on the bowling with a boundary spree, scoring 17 runs in an over and reducing the equation to a manageable height. Her unbeaten 33 off 19 balls was instrumental in tying the scores and taking the game to a Super Over.
Super Over Decider
UP Warriorz scored 8 runs in the Super Over. Tasked with the ball, Ecclestone exhibited her multi-faceted skills by bowling a tight over, conceding just 4 runs, and leading her side to a thrilling win.
Key Performers
• Sophie Ecclestone (UPW): 33* (19 balls); Super Over: 1 over, 4 runs taken
• Ellyse Perry (RCB): 90* (52 balls)
• Danni Wyatt-Hodge (RCB): 57 (41 balls)
• Harshit Rana (RCB): 3 wickets for 27 runs
Post-Match Reflections
Ecclestone’s twin act with bat and ball helped her win the Player of the Match award. Looking back at the game, she attributed her coolness under pressure and the team effort. “Remaining calm was important. We had faith in our ability to get through, and it worked,” Ecclestone said.
RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana acknowledged the competitive nature of the match and highlighted areas for improvement. “It was a close match. Although our batting was good, we must learn to finish games better,” Mandhana said.
Implications for the Tournament
This win boosts UP Warriorz in the points table, boosting their confidence for future matches. RCB, on the other hand, will need to refocus and fine-tune their strategies to stay competitive in the tournament.
WPL 2025 continues to deliver thrilling cricket as teams showcase exceptional talent and determination, delighting cricket fans worldwide.
Edited By- Anusmriti Ganguly
