A nail-biting game at Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 24 witnessed UP Warriorz defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural Super Over of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Sophie Ecclestone’s all-round excellence was instrumental in a high and low drama-filled match for both sides. In the last over Richa Ghosh pulled off a MS Dhoni-Style run out in the last ball.
RCB Posts a Tough Total
RCB scored 180/6 after being sent in to bat, with Ellyse Perry taking the lead, scoring an unbeaten 90 off 56 balls. She was ably supported by Danni Wyatt-Hodge (57), with the two adding 94 for the second wicket. Though there were a few dismissals, including RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, Perry’s innings made for a fighting total. UP Warriorz bowlers, such as Tahlia McGrath (1/30), Chinelle Henry (1/34), and Deepti Sharma (1/42), picked up wickets at key moments.
Also Read: Navjot Singh Sidhu Makes Bold Prediction About Virat Kohli’s Future
UP Warriorz Fight Back
UP Warriorz’s pursuit failed in response as RCB bowlers mounted pressure. Kiran Navgire (24) and Dinesh Vrinda (14) gave the pursuit a good beginning, but rapid wickets by Renuka Singh (2/36) and Sneh Rana (3/27) left them at 93/5. In spite of a gallant 31 by Shweta Sehrawat, the pursuit was reduced to the last over, requiring 18 runs.
Also Read: PCB Set To Take Big Decision After Facing Huge Backlash On Pakistan’s Loss Against India
Ecclestone’s Heroics & Super Over
Sophie Ecclestone (33* from 19) struck a breathtaking last over, having two sixes and a four, which brought UP Warriorz close to winning. Richa Ghosh’s great run-out pushed the game to a Super Over.
Ecclestone protected eight runs in the Super Over with spectacular bowling, holding RCB to a mere three runs from the first five deliveries. RCB required a six to emerge victorious, but Mandhana couldn’t manage that, and UP Warriorz achieved a record victory by four runs.
