As the Royal Challengers Bangalore kick started their WPL campaign against the UP Warriorz on February 24, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana failed to make a mark yet again as her disappointing WPL record couldn’t be changed on the night courtesy of a Tahlia McGrath delivery which saw her go back to the pavilion on just 13 runs.
Smriti had just scored 149 runs in 8 matches of her WPL career which saw her aiming to dismiss last year’s woes this time round. However, it was the worst possible start for her side which saw her disappointed yet again.
6⃣,4⃣ followed by a roar 🔥#RCB Captain Smriti Mandhana is up and away 😎💥
Match Centre 💻📱 https://t.co/kIBDr0FhM4#TATAWPL | #RCBvUPW pic.twitter.com/tioodojlY5
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 24, 2024
Put to bat first, Bangalore found themselves immediately on the defensive. Why? Well, the batswoman Sophie Devine, who had finished the previous campaign as one of the highest six-hitters in the tournament, departed early, scoring just a single run. It’s hard to interpret this differently.
Innings Break!
Fifties from Sabbhineni Meghana & Richa Ghosh guide #RCB to 157/6 😎
Will it be enough for @UPWarriorz? Find out 🔜
Match Centre 💻📱 https://t.co/kIBDr0FhM4#TATAWPL | #RCBvUPW pic.twitter.com/2x85howr6r
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 24, 2024
Smriti Mandhana attempted to guide her team in the right direction but was eventually dismissed after making a promising start. However, amidst all this, Sabbhineni Meghana stood tall, consistently scoring boundaries to alleviate the pressure.
Soon, Richa Ghosh accelerated the scoring, and the two of them built a crucial partnership for the fourth wicket, laying a foundation for the final four overs. However, things didn’t unfold as they had hoped, as Rajeshwari Gayakwad claimed two wickets in a single over and tightened the screws in the death overs. Shreyanka Patil and Sophie Molineux contributed some valuable runs to push the score to 157.
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