WPL 2025: G. Kamalini, 16, clinches Mumbai's thrilling four-wicket victory over RCB
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Synopsis
In a gripping finale at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, 16-year-old G. Kamalini delivered the winning runs for Mumbai Indians, leading them to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2025. Key performances from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur were pivotal in this exciting match.
Key Takeaways
- G. Kamalini, at just 16, secured the winning runs for Mumbai.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt's explosive 42 runs were instrumental.
- Harmanpreet Kaur's half-century contributed significantly.
- Amanjot Kaur was named Player of the Match.
- Elysse Perry's 81 runs highlighted RCB's innings.
Bengaluru, Feb 21 (NationPress) Nat Sciver-Brunt (42), Harmanpreet Kaur (50), and Amanjot Kaur (34) delivered impressive performances to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory for Mumbai Indians against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.
The highlight of the match occurred in the final over when the 16-year-old prodigy G. Kamalini struck the decisive runs, leading Mumbai to victory with just one ball remaining.
Following Elysse Perry's impressive 81-run knock that lifted Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 167/7 in their allotted 20 overs, the defending champions took the early advantage by dismissing wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia in the second over, caught by Kim Garth.
However, Mumbai responded effectively, accumulating 49 runs in the next four overs, largely thanks to Nat Sciver-Brunt's explosive 42 runs from just 21 balls.
The introduction of Ekta Bisht in the sixth over marked another turning point, as Sciver-Brunt capitalized with three consecutive boundaries, followed by Hayley Matthews adding to the score before being dismissed on the final ball of that over.
Kim once again played a crucial role, trapping Sciver-Brunt in front of the stumps an over later, as her off-cutter deceived the English batter.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur then formed a significant 62-run partnership, with Kaur reaching her sixth half-century in this tournament.
Despite Mumbai's strong position, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 18th over when Georgia Wareham took out both Harmanpreet and Sajeevan Sajana in consecutive deliveries.
Amanjot Kaur, who earned the Player of the Match accolade, hit two sixes in the 19th over against Kanika Ahuja, bringing Mumbai within six runs of the target. With the pressure mounting, Kamalini stepped up to score a decisive four on the penultimate ball, clinching the win with one ball to spare.
In the earlier innings, Perry played a crucial role with her 81 runs, showcasing her prowess with 11 boundaries and two sixes, while her teammates struggled to make an impact.
Smriti Mandhana began aggressively, following her previous match's performance, but was eventually dismissed after attempting a pull shot off Shabnim Ismail.
Perry made an immediate impact, striking a four on her first ball, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge fell victim to Sciver-Brunt, leading to an early exit.
Despite a rocky start, Richa Ghosh and Perry forged a vital 50-run partnership, setting up a defendable total for RCB.
With Perry accelerating her scoring, she reached her fifty in just 30 deliveries, before being dismissed on the second last ball of the innings.
Brief scores:
RCB 167/7 in 20 overs (Elysse Perry 81, Richa Ghosh 28; Amanjot Kaur 3-22) lost to Mumbai Indians 170/6 in 19.5 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 50, Nat Sciver-Brunt 42; Georgia Wareham 3-21) by four wickets.
