RCB hope to turn the tide around against in-form Mumbai Indians for first win of WPL

A lot will be on the line at the Brabourne Stadium as RCB return for their second game of WPL 2023, this time against the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians.  RCB started off their campaign with a loss to the Delhi Capitals and will want to reverse their fortunes within a day of finishing their last game. 

RCB had a lot of positives to bank on with the senior players putting in commendable shifts with the bat, only for them to get out at crucial junctures that helped Delhi wrestle away the momentum. 

The performance of RCB’s middle order came under the scanner in their loss to the Delhi Capitals, and with that part of the team’s batting comprising of some young names, they’ll want to go out and there and give it their best shot with the previous match done and dusted.

Mumbai Indians, though, will be soaring in confidence after humiliating the Gujarat Giants in their season opener. MI opened their campaign with a huge 143-run win, headlined by a 35-ball 60 from skipper Kaur that will hold them in good stead ahead of this clash. 

The MI bowlers also enjoyed a good time out on the field, with young left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque running through the Gujarat batting to scalp 4/11, while all-rounders Amelia Kerr and Nat-Sciver Brunt followed up their handy knocks with a couple of wickets.  

Key player battles:

Smriti Mandhana vs Natalie Sciver-Brunt

Smriti got off to a desired start in the WPL opener but somehow lost steam midway. However, knowing the RCB captain, she has always exhibited an urge to fight back and this is what RCB fans would be hoping for when they take on the Mumbai Indians. Nat Sciver-Brunt already showcased her bowling finesse, claiming an all-important brace in the opener. With an ability to get the ball to shape just enough to trouble the batters, this could be a defining battle. 

Ellyse Perry vs Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur was in exemplifying touch against the Gujarat Giants and she would be hoping to continue that momentum. Ellyse Perry too enjoyed a good outing with the bat but the Australian might be relied on with the ball, specifically in the late middle overs and death overs where Kaur has decimated the best of bowling oppositions. With acres of experience under her belt, Perry will be keen on making life difficult for Kaur. 

Richa Ghosh vs Saika Ishaque

Richa Ghosh is one of the most destructive batters and is a well-known game-changer. She was the only Indian cricketer to be a part of the Women’s World T20 Team of the Tournament and has been in sizzling touch. Despite a single-digit start to the WPL, Richa will want to turn things around and send the ball soaring into the stands. Given her love for smashing the ball at will, expect Richa to specifically target left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque, who herself will be at the forefront of attention after her exploits vs the Giants.

Match Details:

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians

Venue: Brabourne Stadium

Date: 6th March, 2023

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Squads:

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Smriti Mandhana (C), Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Erin Burns, Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Asha Shobana, Heather Knight, Dane van Niekerk, Preeti Bose, Poonam Khemnar, Komal Zanzad, Megan Schutt, Sahana Pawar

Mumbai Indians:

Yastika Bhatia (wk), Hayley Matthews, Dhara Gujjar, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, Jintimani Kalita, Issy Wong, Sonam Yadav, Saika Ishaque, Heather Graham, Chloe Tryon, Humairaa Kaazi, Priyanka Bala, Neelam Bisht