WPL 2024: Asha’s five-wicket haul helps RCB defeat UP Warriorz in a thriller

Richa Ghosh (62, 37b, 12×4) entertained the packed M. Chinnaswamy crowd together with her strokeplay but it surely was Asha Sobhana’s (5 for 22) magical spell that made positive Royal Challengers Bangalore beat UP Warriorz by two runs within the Women’s Premier League 2024 conflict in Bengaluru on Saturday.

While defending 158, Sophie Molineux gave RCB an early breakthrough, outfoxing Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy, who acquired deceived by the flip whereas defending for a straight ball within the second over.

Debutant Vrinda Dinesh’s cautious play and a fortunate rebound for Tahlia McGrath by Shreyanka Patil at cover-point noticed Warriorz ending the PowerPlay at 36 for one.

Asha broke Warriorz’ momentum, eradicating Vrinda and McGrath within the area of three deliveries. Vrindra acquired stumped whereas stepping out earlier than McGrath went for a sweep and acquired bowled via her legs.

However, Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat saved Warriorz within the hunt with a 77-run stand for the fourth wicket, taking the Uttar Pradesh crew to 126 in 16 overs.

With simply 32 wanted off the final 4 overs, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana introduced Asha in quest of a wicket, and the latter delivered, dismissing Shweta, Harris and Kiran Navgire in a single over to drag issues again and end with a five-wicket haul.

With 30 runs wanted in 18 deliveries, Poonam Khemnar and Deepti Sharma scored 14 off Shreyanka to shut the hole. Georgia Wareham eliminated Poonam within the nineteenth over, leaving Molineux 11 runs to defend within the last over.

Deepti hit a 4 on the penultimate supply, however she was unable to copy S. Sajana’s feat of hitting a six with 5 wanted off the ultimate supply, as RCB started its season with an exhilarating victory.

Earlier, Richa’s cracking fifty alongside a much-needed contribution from S. Meghana (53, 44b, 7×4, 1×6) took Challengers to 157 for six after being put in.

Vrinda, Poonam and Saima Thakor made debuts for Warriorz, whereas RCB handed caps to Meghana, Molineux and Wareham.

Harris and McGrath bowled in tandem, giving early jolts to RCB. Harris discovered Sophie Devine plumb in entrance whereas McGrath removed Mandhana, who began positively. An elegant six over long-off and a pull at quick tremendous leg confirmed a glimpse of her class, however a reckless pull minimize quick her innings within the sixth over as RCB managed solely 40 within the PowerPlay.

Ellyse Perry was despatched down at No. 4 to supply cushion down the order. She discovered Saima at cowl within the eighth over as RCB’s rating learn 64 on the midway mark.

Meghana navigated her approach via and altered gears together with Richa. A single introduced her fifty within the 14th over, whereas Richa hit three fours to take RCB previous 100.

Rajeshwari Gayakwad broke the 71-run stand, getting Meghana stumped. Wareham additionally fell in the identical over on a duck.

Richa reached the half-century mark with a 4 off McGrath earlier than hitting her additional for 2 consecutive boundaries. Deepti ended her preventing knock, however Shreyanka and Molineux propelled the house crew previous 150 which turned out to be a par whole at this venue.