WPL 2025: Mandhana Reflects on RCB's Inconsistent Performance Following Elimination
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Synopsis
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's captain Smriti Mandhana reflects on her team's inconsistent performance that led to their elimination from WPL 2025, while praising Georgia Voll's contribution in UP Warriorz's victory. Despite individual efforts, RCB struggled in the final matches.
Key Takeaways
- Smriti Mandhana expressed regret over RCB's inconsistent performance.
- Georgia Voll played a pivotal role in UP Warriorz's win.
- RCB's top three wicket-takers from last season were missed.
- Team morale was affected by recent losses.
- UP Warriorz displayed strong team effort to secure victory.
Lucknow, March 9 (NationPress) Royal Challengers Bengaluru's skipper Smriti Mandhana expressed disappointment over her team's inconsistent display during their last five matches, which adversely affected their season. She acknowledged the significant contribution of Georgia Voll in leading UP Warriorz to a 12-run victory in the WPL 2025 clash at Ekana Stadium today.
Mandhana pointed out that the team's troubles began with the loss of their top three wicket-takers from a successful previous season and their inability to maintain momentum after a promising start, ultimately leaving them at the bottom of the standings.
She praised the UP Warriorz batters for their formidable performance, notably Voll, who scored an impressive 99 not out off 56 balls, while Kiran Navgire contributed a quick 46 runs off just 16 deliveries to propel UPW to a staggering total of 225/5, marking the joint-highest score in the tournament's history.
Despite a valiant effort from Richa Ghosh (69 off 33) and Sneh Rana (26 off 6), RCB fell short, with UP Warriorz holding their composure to secure a 12-run win.
"They played aggressively right from the start. Coming into the final game of the season, they displayed a different approach. We performed well in the last three overs, but hats off to Voll," Mandhana remarked.
Reflecting on her team's recent struggles, she stated, "We had a strong start and anticipated a successful season. However, in the last five matches, we fell short of our own expectations, showing flashes of good cricket but failing to seize crucial moments that cost us dearly."
"Losing our top three wicket-takers was a significant blow. While the replacements performed admirably, we believed we could carry the momentum forward. Franchise cricket can be unpredictable. I am pleased with Richa's performance today and also Rana, who has had a tough few years but stepped up as a replacement," added Mandhana.
Meanwhile, UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma noted that her team was always prepared for a challenge from RCB.
"T20 matches are often tightly contested. We knew we had to stay alert. It was a collective team effort where everyone contributed. I have experienced these conditions before. If we managed to score runs, RCB could too. My focus was on my main deliveries and variations to create breakthroughs. We’ve discussed our middle order's inconsistency, but today, everyone showed their character. Voll scored back-to-back fifties, and Grace and Kiran also played vital roles. Winning makes everything appear positive, and I am pleased with the team’s performance," said Deepti.
She expressed her disappointment at not qualifying for the playoffs but acknowledged that they played the way they aspired to in their final match.
