WPL: Bangalore storms into their first final

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB-W) sealed their berth in the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 as they beat Mumbai Indians women by five runs in the Eliminator game on Friday, March 15 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. After RCB captain Smriti Mandhana opted to bat first in the crucial game, her side was 49/4 after 9.1 overs. However, a crucial half-century from Ellyse Perry guided her team to a respectable total of 135/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Mumbai got off to a decent start in the chase as they were 50/2 after eight overs. However, some tight bowling by RCB in the middle overs didn’t let MI run away with the game. Wickets of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Sajeevan Sajana (1 of 3) in the 18th and the 19th over respectively pulled things back in Bangalore’s favor.

In the end, Asha Shobhana (1/13, 2 overs) held her nerve and defended 11 runs (12 for win) in the final over to help her side progress to the finals.

Top Performers of the Match

Elysse Perry (66 off 50)

After scripting history in the previous fixture, Perry continued her marvelous form against Mumbai Indians, albeit, with the bat this time around. The all-rounder walked in to bat after RCB lost their opener Sophie Devine in the second over. Wickets continued to tumble from the other end, however, Perry was the glue holding the RCB’s innings together. She went on to play a crucial knock of 66 (50) with the help of eight fours and a six.

Shreyanka Patil (2/16)

The off-spinner came on in the powerplay itself and helped her side get their first breakthrough by dismissing Hayley Matthews (15 off 14). She further returned to bowl the pivotal 18th over just 20 more runs to win. However, Patil threw the game wide open by getting the all-important scalp of the Mumbai captain Harmanpreet Kaur (33 off 30) giving away just four runs. She finished her spell with figures of 2/16 and played a vital role in her team’s win.

What’s next for both teams?

Following their loss, Mumbai Indians have been eliminated from the tournament as the defending champions failed to defend their crown. On the other hand, RCB qualified for their first-ever final of the WPL and will take on the table-toppers Delhi Capitals in the summit clash on Sunday, March 17 at the same venue.