WPL 2025: RCB's Mandhana Expresses Disappointment After Super Over Loss

Bengaluru, Feb 25 (NationPress) The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Smriti Mandhana, found it tough to conceal her disappointment after her team narrowly missed victory in a thrilling Super Over showdown against UP Warriorz during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.

This exciting match, which was the first Super Over in WPL history, saw UP Warriorz maintain their composure to achieve a remarkable four-run win in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Bengaluru. “It’s disappointing to be on the losing side today. We executed many things well in both batting and bowling. Such situations arise; we will learn from this and return stronger,” Mandhana remarked post-match.

In pursuit of a challenging target of 181, the Warriorz started strong with Kiran Navgire’s explosive batting, scoring quickly before being dismissed for 24 off 12 balls. Despite contributions from Deepti Sharma (25) and Shweta Sehrawat (31) to stabilize the innings, RCB’s bowlers, spearheaded by Sneh Rana and Renuka Singh, applied unyielding pressure.

Under significant pressure, Ecclestone took charge of the game. With 29 runs needed from the last two overs, she hit Georgia Wareham for two massive sixes. However, RCB tightened their defense, leaving 18 runs to get in the final over, making it a tough task for the Warriorz.

Nevertheless, Ecclestone had different ideas. She hit two more sixes off Renuka Singh, followed by a crucial four past backward point, reducing the target to one run off the last ball, which she managed with a single on the next delivery.

In a dramatic turn of events, Kranti Goud failed to connect, and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh executed a direct hit, leaving Ecclestone short of her crease, which led to wild celebrations for RCB as the match proceeded to a historic Super Over. “I have remained positive throughout the tournament, but I felt a bit overwhelmed. We have a few days to work on it and return stronger,” she added.

Earlier, Elyse Perry scored a brilliant unbeaten 90, and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge contributed 57, enabling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to set a total of 180. Perry’s 90 runs off just 50 balls were crucial in anchoring RCB to a formidable score.

She received support from England’s Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, who scored her first fifty of the season with a solid 57 off 41 balls. Together, they helped RCB recover from shaky beginnings to post a competitive total.

“It’s always great to have Pez back bowling. She’s one of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket. Watching her bat is a delight. As a team, we feel sorry for her… how could we not secure the win for her? Ekta, Sneh Rana - all the bowlers performed exceptionally well. Sometimes, these things happen, and we can take immense pride in that game. We faltered towards the end, but we’ll learn from it and return stronger.”

Kim Garth was given the ball for RCB, while Chinelle Henry and Grace Harris spearheaded for UP Warriorz. Garth’s disciplined bowling limited Warriorz to just eight runs, creating a tense chase for RCB.

Yet, Ecclestone was far from finished. Tasked with defending nine runs, she delivered an exemplary performance under pressure. RCB’s chase stumbled right away as Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh struggled to find boundaries.

With six runs needed off the last ball, Ecclestone remained composed, delivering a precise yorker that allowed only a single, sealing a thrilling four-run victory for UP Warriorz.