The Royal Challengers Cricket vs UP Warriorz Match Scorecard match in the Women’s Premier League 2024 was a gripping encounter that showcased the skills, tactics, and endurance of both teams. Played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the match was marked by intense competition, with RCB setting a target that UP Warriorz almost chased down, falling short by just a few runs.
In this article, we’ll analyze the match in detail, exploring key moments, player performances, and strategic moves. This timeline provides a minute-by-minute account of critical events that defined the outcome.
Royal Challengers Cricket vs UP Warriorz Match Scorecard & Match Timeline
Time (in minutes) | Event Details |
---|---|
0 | Toss – UP Warriors won the toss and opted to field. |
15 | RCB innings began with Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry opening the batting. |
25 | Early boundaries from Mandhana and Perry, building momentum. |
45 | First wicket falls – Smriti Mandhana dismissed for 29 runs. |
65 | Ellyse Perry continues to score steadily, hitting her 35-run mark. |
80 | Middle-order contributions lift RCB to a solid total. |
100 | RCB finishes their innings at 157/6. |
120 | UP Warriorz begin their chase with Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat. |
145 | Key wickets for RCB, slowing down UP Warriorz’s scoring rate. |
160 | Grace Harris scores quick runs, leading the charge for UPW. |
190 | Final overs – Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone attempt a comeback for UPW. |
200 | Last over – UP Warriorz fall short by two runs, finishing at 155/7. |
Detailed Analysis of Each Phase of the Match
RCB’s Innings: Setting a Competitive Total
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s innings began with high hopes, as they aimed to set a challenging target. Opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry built a strong foundation, balancing aggressive shots with calculated singles to keep the run rate healthy.
Key Performances
- Smriti Mandhana: Contributed 29 runs off 20 balls with three fours and one six. Her quick runs established momentum early on.
- Ellyse Perry: Scored 35 runs off 27 balls, anchoring the innings through a mix of aggression and composure.
As the innings progressed, RCB’s middle order provided valuable support. Players like Sophie Devine and Richa Ghosh kept the scoreboard ticking, helping RCB reach a competitive total. UP Warriorz’s bowlers, however, managed to contain the run flow in the middle overs, particularly through Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma, who bowled economically and took crucial wickets.
Bowling Standouts for UP Warriors
- Sophie Ecclestone: Bowled with control, taking 1 wicket and conceding just 36 runs in her four overs.
- Deepti Sharma: Effectively restricted RCB’s middle order and kept the target within reach.
Scorecard Summary for Royal Challengers Bangalore
Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smriti Mandhana | 29 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 145.00 |
Ellyse Perry | 35 | 27 | 4 | 1 | 129.63 |
Sophie Devine | 25 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 138.89 |
Richa Ghosh | 21 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 140.00 |
Total (20 overs) | 157/6 |
UP Warriorz’s Chase: A Narrow Miss
Chasing 158, UP Warriorz started cautiously, recognizing the pressure of a competitive target. Openers Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat worked together to build a platform, with Grace adopting a more aggressive stance. However, RCB’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, preventing any major partnerships from forming.
Key Performances for UP Warriorz
- Grace Harris: Played a quickfire innings, scoring 38 off 23 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Her aggressive approach kept the chase alive.
- Shweta Sehrawat: Contributed a valuable 31 off 25 balls, stabilizing UP Warriorz’s innings.
The game’s defining moments arrived in the final few overs when UP Warriorz required a manageable but challenging run rate. RCB’s bowlers, led by Asha Shobana, stepped up, taking crucial wickets and maintaining composure under pressure. Asha’s spell was particularly impactful, as she took five wickets, derailing UP Warriorz’s chase.
Last-Over Drama
In a nail-biting last over, UP Warriorz needed five runs off the final ball to clinch victory. However, they managed only two runs, falling short by just two runs. The intense finale had spectators on the edge of their seats, underscoring the high level of competition in the WPL.
Complete Scorecard for UP Warriorz
Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grace Harris | 38 | 23 | 4 | 2 | 165.21 |
Shweta Sehrawat | 31 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 124.00 |
Deepti Sharma | 13* | 9 | 2 | 0 | 144.44 |
Total (20 overs) | 155/7 |
Key Bowling Performances by RCB
Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asha Shobana | 4 | 22 | 5 | 5.50 |
Georgia Wareham | 4 | 36 | 1 | 9.00 |
Sophie Molineux | 4 | 33 | 0 | 8.25 |
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Asha Shobana’s Breakthrough Performance: Asha’s five-wicket haul was pivotal in RCB’s narrow victory. Her disciplined bowling and clever use of variations kept UP Warriorz from building partnerships.
- Grace Harris’s Aggression: Grace’s quickfire 38-run innings gave UP Warriorz a fighting chance. Her aggressive strokes kept the chase alive until the very end.
- Effective Death Bowling by RCB: The pressure of the final overs and tight bowling from RCB’s bowlers restricted UP Warriorz, showcasing RCB’s strategic depth in defending totals.
Tactical Insights
- RCB’s Powerplay Strategy: By scoring aggressively in the powerplay, RCB set a fast pace. Their plan to target boundaries early on helped them gain momentum, even though UP Warriorz pulled it back with middle-over wickets.
- UP Warriorz’s Chase Strategy: UP Warriorz banked on quick runs from their middle-order power hitters. However, regular wickets, particularly from Asha Shobana, prevented them from building momentum.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Cricket vs UP Warriorz Match Scorecard clash was a testament to the growing intensity and excitement in the Women’s Premier League. RCB’s well-rounded performance, driven by Asha Shobana’s standout bowling, secured a memorable win. UP Warriorz, despite falling just short, demonstrated resilience and skill, adding to the anticipation for future matchups. This thrilling game has undoubtedly set the stage for more exhilarating contests in the league, showcasing the talent and determination of women’s cricket.
Also, Read. India Women vs New Zealand Women: A Complete Rivalry Analysis.