In a thrilling contest that marked the first-ever Super Over in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, Sophie Ecclestone’s all-round brilliance propelled UP Warriorz to a dramatic win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday in Bengaluru.
Ellyse Perry and Danni Wyatt-Hodge Star for RCB
RCB, batting first, posted a competitive total of 180 for six. Ellyse Perry led the charge with an unbeaten 90 off 56 balls, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge contributed a solid 57 runs. The pair put on a partnership of 94 runs for the second wicket, with Perry anchoring the innings and Wyatt-Hodge finding boundaries with ease.
Despite the strong foundation, RCB’s middle order failed to capitalize. Richa Ghosh (8), Kanika Ahuja (5), and Georgia Wareham (8) were dismissed cheaply, leaving RCB scrambling for runs in the latter stages.
For UP Warriorz, the bowlers stuck to their task. Deepti Sharma (1/42), Chinelle Henry (1/34), and Tahlia McGrath (1/30) each claimed a wicket, but it was the spinners who ensured RCB didn’t get away with too many runs in the middle overs.
Warriorz’s Response Falters, Ecclestone’s Heroics Shine
Chasing down 181, UP Warriorz had a shaky start. Openers Kiran Navgire and Dinesh Vrinda put on a decent 30 runs in 2.5 overs, but both were dismissed in quick succession. Navgire was bowled by Renuka Singh, and Vrinda followed soon after, caught by RCB captain Smriti Mandhana.
Sneh Rana’s off-spin accounted for two key wickets, including that of captain Deepti Sharma, who had made a quick-fire 25 off 13 balls. Richa Ghosh also showcased her sharp wicket-keeping skills by stumping Tahlia McGrath and catching Deepti behind the stumps.
Shweta Sehrawat’s 31 off 25 balls kept UP Warriorz in the chase but was not enough. Rana (3/27) was the standout bowler for RCB, while Kim Garth (2/40) and Renuka Singh (2/36) also contributed with key wickets.
Ecclestone’s Power Play in Super Over
With the target still in sight, UP Warriorz found themselves needing 18 runs off the final over. Sophie Ecclestone took charge, hitting Renuka Singh for two consecutive sixes and a boundary. The equation came down to just 2 runs off 2 balls, but disaster struck when Ecclestone was run out by Ghosh while attempting a quick single.
Despite the run-out, the match was tied, and the game moved into the Super Over for the first time in WPL history.
RCB Falls Short in the Super Over
In the Super Over, UP Warriorz posted a modest 8 runs, with Kim Garth bowling for RCB. The task for RCB was clear: chase down 9 runs to win.
Richa Ghosh and Mandhana took the strike for RCB, but Ecclestone delivered an inspired performance with the ball. She kept her calm, conceding just 4 runs in her over, with RCB failing to get close to the target.
Ecclestone’s all-round display with both bat and ball sealed the victory for UP Warriorz, marking a thrilling conclusion to a match full of twists and turns.
A Historic Win for UP Warriorz
The match was a true spectacle, showcasing the drama and excitement of T20 cricket. UP Warriorz’s victory was built on individual brilliance from Ecclestone, who displayed both composure and power under pressure.
This win not only gave Warriorz their first Super Over victory in WPL history but also highlighted the growing competitiveness and unpredictability of the tournament. As the league continues, fans will be eagerly awaiting more such nail-biting finishes.
Will UP Warriorz carry this momentum forward, or will RCB bounce back from this close defeat? The action-packed journey of WPL is far from over, and every match is proving to be a thrilling contest.
