WPL 2025: Mandhana and Perry Power RCB to 199/3 Against MI

Synopsis

In the final league match, RCB showcased their prowess with a total of 199/3, led by skipper Smriti Mandhana's 53 runs and Ellyse Perry's unbeaten 49. This match against Mumbai Indians at Brabourne Stadium was crucial for both teams, with RCB seeking redemption and MI aiming for the top spot.

Key Takeaways

RCB scored 199/3 in their final league match.
Smriti Mandhana contributed significantly with 53 runs.
Ellyse Perry finished not out on 49.
Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham provided key support.
RCB aimed to reclaim pride after a tough season.

Mumbai, March 11 (NationPress) In their final league encounter, the dethroned champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru played with flair, led by skipper Smriti Mandhana's half-century and significant contributions from their batting order, setting a total of 199/3 against Mumbai Indians in Match 20 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday.

RCB, currently at the bottom of the standings, aimed to restore their pride. In contrast, Mumbai Indians had the opportunity to secure the top position by winning this match, which would grant them a direct entry into the finals.

Smriti Mandhana scored 53 runs, while Ellyse Perry contributed 49 not out, alongside Richa Ghosh who scored 36 and Georgia Wareham with 31 not out, helping RCB achieve a competitive total.

Mandhana provided a solid start after being asked to bat first, leading the team to 53/1 in the power-play. Despite struggling earlier this season, she displayed her form, partnering with Sabbhineni Meghana for a brisk 41 runs for the first wicket, with Meghana scoring 26 off 13.

Mandhana received a couple of chances but capitalized, reaching her half-century in 35 balls, adorned with six fours and three sixes. She began her innings with a four off Shabnim Ismail and launched a six over deep mid-wicket against Amelia Kerr. A series of boundaries in the 11th over helped her reach fifty before falling to Ismail on 53.

Mandhana and Perry combined for 59 runs for the second wicket, pushing the score past the hundred mark. After Mandhana's dismissal, Perry took over, maintaining the momentum with support from Ghosh, who scored 36 off 22, hitting five fours and a six. Their partnership for the third wicket yielded 53 runs off 44 balls, pushing RCB beyond 150.

Perry and Wareham then accelerated the innings, scoring 46 runs off the last 16 balls, with Perry finishing on 49 off 38 balls, including five boundaries and a six. Wareham added an explosive 31 off 10 balls, as they set a formidable target.

Bowling for Mumbai, Hayley Matthews took 2-37 while Amelia Kerr recorded 1-47.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 199/3 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 53, Ellyse Perry 49 not out, Richa Ghosh 36; Hayley Matthews 2-37) against Mumbai Indians.