A show of grit & determination: Throwback to RCB-W’s maiden win in WPL

WPL 2024 wasn’t the best of seasons for the newly formed RCB women’s team as they had to fight hard for their wins, the first of which came only in their sixth match of the tournament. 

After losing the first five matches, RCB needed a miracle to get them out of the rut. Winning the toss, Smriti Mandhana opted to bowl first against the UP Warriorz. Much to RCB’s joy, Sophie Devine’s divine intervention upfront got rid of two of the opposition’s most dangerous batters in Alyssa Healy (1) and Devika Vaidya (0).

Megan Schutt chimed in with another crucial scalp and this time it was the seasoned Tahlia McGrath who was on her way back. Grace Harris and Kiran Nagvire did manage to put a foot down and fend off the RCB bowling unit for a while, adding 24 runs for the fourth wicket.

However, the introduction of Asha Sobhana got rid of Navgire for 22, and an over later, the incoming Simran Shaikh fell victim to the leg-spinner too. It was the arrival of Indian all-rounder, Deepti Sharma, and her batting effort that calmed down the frayed nerves in the UP camp as she partnered with Harris, adding 69 runs for the sixth wicket.

However, RCB’s star all-rounder, Ellyse Perry took over the reins in her own hand, removing both Deepti and Harris in a span of three balls. Adding another wicket to her tally, Perry also claimed the scalp of Shweta Sehrawat.

Despite showing steely resolve till the very end, the Warriorz could only pile up 135 before they were skittled out. Ellyse Perry led the show with a three-wicket haul and was well accompanied by Sophie Devine and Asha Sobhana as the duo shared four wickets between them.

Despite a relatively modest target to chase, RCB were dented early as they lost Sophie Devine (14), Smriti Mandhana (0) and Ellyse Perry (10) in very short succession. They were further dealt a blow as Heather Knight departed after making a start for 21, leaving a lot to do for the young pair of Kanika Ahuja and Richa Ghosh.

However, seemingly unfazed by the monumental task at hand, Ghosh and Ahuja added 60 crucial runs for the fifth wicket, propelling RCB to a favourable position. Despite Kanika missing out on a well-deserved half-century as she departed for a memorable 30-ball 46, Ghosh (31*) was joined by Shreyanka Patil (5*) to ensure that they took the team over the line without enduring any more hiccups, bringing about a 5-wicket win and putting an end to the losing streak.