Royal Challengers Bangalore Clinch Thrilling Victory Over Mumbai Indians in Women's Premier League Eliminator
Ellyse Perry's All-Round Heroics Propel RCB into Title Clash Against Delhi Capitals
In the Eliminator here on Friday, Royal Challengers Bangalore overcame the reigning champion Mumbai Indians by five runs, thanks to a strong all-around performance from Australian Ellyse Perry. This set up a Women's Premier League final matchup versus Delhi Capitals.
Thanks to some sharp bowling from Perry (1/29) and Shreyanka Patil (2/16), Mumbai, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, stumbled when chasing a meager score of 136, managing just 130 runs at the expense of six wickets.
The Mumbai Indians failed to muster the necessary momentum, which vanished entirely when Harmanpreet was out for 33 in the eighteenth over.
We bowled exceptionally effectively, holding them to less than 140 runs. Although we did not bat well in the final 12 balls, our batting was still good. We only needed one boundary in 12 balls, but we were unable to grab it. You have to learn from this game because it constantly challenges you and teaches you," Harmanpreet remarked afterwards.
The match's MVP Perry's 66 off 50 balls served as the cornerstone of the RCB total after Mumbai destroyed their top order, bringing them down to 24 for 3 in the four Powerplay overs. Perry made a thoughtful choice of shots.
To take the first wicket, Hayley Matthews (2/18) delivered a flighted off-break that slipped through Sophie Devine's defense.
Out of the deep cover area, skipper Smriti Mandhana (10) holed out off a Nat Sciver-Brunt delivery that stalled a little on the southpaw, and Pooja Vastrakar caught the absolutely uninspired Disha Kasat (0) inside the 30 yard circle off left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque (2/18).
Brief scores: MI 130/6 in 20 ovs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 23, Harmanpreet Kaur 33, Amelia Kerr 27 not out) vs. RCB 135/6 in 20 ovs (Ellyse Perry 66; Hayley Matthews 2/18, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/18). RCB prevailed by a margin of five runs.
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