In a display of absolute dominance, Smriti Mandhana and Alyssa Healy’s explosive opening partnership powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a resounding nine-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The duo’s blistering innings set the tone early, chasing down a modest target with overs to spare.
Mandhana, the RCB skipper, led from the front with a fiery 54 off just 30 balls, smashing eight fours and a towering six. Healy complemented her perfectly, racing to 44 off 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and two maximums. Their 101-run stand in just 10 overs left the Warriorz bowlers reeling and the Bengaluru crowd in ecstasy.
Earlier, UP Warriorz posted 118 for 9 in their 20 overs after RCB captain Mandhana won the toss and opted to field. Grace Harris top-scored with 38 off 28, but regular wickets prevented any momentum. RCB’s bowlers, led by Sophie Devine and Asha Shobana with two wickets apiece, kept things tight.
Post the openers’ departure, Ellyse Perry (19*) and Richa Ghosh (2*) guided RCB home in just 12.2 overs. This clinical performance vaults RCB up the points table, showcasing their championship credentials. Mandhana’s leadership and the team’s depth promise more fireworks ahead in WPL 2024.