Skipper Smriti Mandhana and star all-rounder Ellyse Perry showcased their prowess with engaging fifties, laying a solid foundation for Royal Challengers Bangalore's commanding 23-run victory over UP Warriorz in their Women’s Premier League encounter.
Mandhana's blistering knock of 80 runs from 50 balls, embellished with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, coupled with Perry's aggressive 58 off 37 deliveries, comprising 4 fours and 4 sixes, propelled Royal Challengers to an imposing total of 198/3.
In response, UP Warriorz faced an uphill battle during their chase, with captain Alyssa Healy being the lone standout performer with a well-compiled fifty, scoring 55 runs off 38 balls, adorned with 7 fours and 3 sixes. However, their efforts fell short as they concluded their innings at 175/8.
The match marked the culmination of WPL's Bengaluru leg, with the action now shifting to New Delhi starting Tuesday.
UP Warriorz commenced their innings with an aggressive approach, notching up 47 runs in just 4.2 overs, courtesy of Healy and Kiran Navgire's aggressive batting display. However, Royal Challengers' Sophie Devine intervened by dismissing Navgire, thereby curbing the run flow.
Despite Healy's valiant effort, UP struggled to keep up with the escalating required run rate, losing wickets at regular intervals. Sophie Molineux's dismissal of Healy further dented UP's hopes, eventually restricting them from reaching the target.
Earlier, Royal Challengers opted for a strategic change by promoting S Meghana as the opener, a decision that paid dividends as she, alongside Mandhana, provided a solid start. Mandhana and Perry capitalized on this platform, decimating the UP bowlers with their aggressive stroke play.
However, UP's Vrinda Dinesh suffered a setback, ruling her out for the remainder of the WPL due to a shoulder injury. As a replacement, UP Warriorz signed wicket-keeper batter Uma Chetry.
Additionally, Royal Challengers made a tactical alteration by including veteran left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht in place of the injured Shreyanka Patil.
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