The Women's Premier League (WPL) witnessed its first-ever Super Over on Monday, February 24th, and the match will stay in everyone’s memory. The UP Warriorz, led by Deepti Sharma, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a nail-biting finish at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Sophie Ecclestone, the world's No. 1 T20I bowler, was the undisputed star, delivering a performance that will be talked about for years to come.
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RCB-W Performance:
- Batting: RCB posted a strong total of 180/6, thanks largely to a magnificent 90 off 56 balls from Ellyse Perry. Her innings, the highest individual score by an RCB batter in WPL, was a master class in power hitting and placement. Danni Wyatt-Hodge provided excellent support with 57 off 41 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to contribute significantly, a recurring issue for RCB.
- Bowling: The bowling, while defending a good total, ultimately faltered under pressure. Renuka Singh, tasked with bowling the crucial final over, couldn't contain Ecclestone's onslaught. In the Super Over, Kim Garth bowled reasonably well, conceding only eight runs but it was not of much help.
- Fielding: Had lot of mix ups.
UP Warriorz Performance:
- Batting: The Warriorz' run chase was a rollercoaster. They lost wickets regularly, with Deepti Sharma (25 off 13) and Kiran Navgire running between the wickets provided some impetus. Shweta Sehrawat's 31 was important, but it was Sophie Ecclestone's incredible late blitz (33 off 19 balls) that forced the Super Over. Her back-to-back sixes and a four in the final over off Renuka Singh were the stuff of legends.
- Bowling: The bowling performance was mixed, with Chinelle Henry, Deepti Sharma, and Tahlia McGrath each picked up a wicket, they were unable to consistently contain Perry and Wyatt-Hodge. However, Ecclestone stepped up in the Super Over, conceding just four runs and showcasing her nerves of steel.
- Fielding: There was a run out in the last ball.
Super Over Insight:
With the scores tied, the match went into a Super Over – a first for the WPL. RCB, batting first, managed only eight runs off Kim Garth's over, thanks to some tight bowling and smart field placements by the Warriorz. Then, it was Ecclestone's turn to shine again. She defended the target with remarkable composure, restricting RCB's big hitters and securing a historic victory for UP.
Despite the loss, RCB remain at the top of the points table, but their home form is becoming a concern, having now lost to both Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz in Bengaluru. The Warriorz, on the other hand, have moved up to third place, their campaign revitalized by this thrilling win.
