The Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by a thrilling four wickets in the seventh game of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In addition to featuring outstanding individual performances, this match kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the penultimate ball.
RCB’s Innings: Perry’s Masterclass Anchors the Score
MI’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, put RCB into bat after they lost the toss. Early setbacks for the Bengaluru team included the dismissal of captain Smriti Mandhana following a quick 26 off 13 balls. MI’s disciplined bowling assault made it difficult for the top order to maintain continuity.
Ellyse Perry comes in. The seasoned Australian all-rounder scored an incredible 81 runs off of just 43 deliveries in a batting masterpiece. Her aggressive yet delicate innings included well-timed boundaries that restored RCB’s hopes. Richa Ghosh, who scored a crucial 28 runs off 25 balls, provided Perry with assistance. In the 20 overs they were given, they led RCB to a respectable score of 167/7.
MI’s star bowler, Amanjot Kaur, claimed remarkable figures of 3/22 during her three-over performance. Her ability to sever important alliances was key in limiting RCB’s progress.
MI’s Chase: Captain’s Knock and a Nerve-Wracking Finish
MI’s innings, which involved chasing 168, was similar to RCB’s in that they were forced on the defensive by early wickets. But the ship was calmed by the seasoned team of Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur. Sciver-Brunt demonstrated her skill with forceful strokes across the ground as she played a blazing knock, scoring 42 runs off 21 balls.
The innings was led by Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a cool fifty off just thirty-eight deliveries. As she managed the chase and made sure MI stayed in the game despite the increasing pressure, her leadership on the pitch was clear.
The arrival of Amanjot Kaur marked a sea change. She demonstrated her all-around skills by contributing an undefeated 34 runs off 27 balls following her outstanding effort with the ball. Her ability to remain composed under duress was crucial, particularly in the closing overs. With just one ball remaining, MI reached the goal and scored 170/6 in 19.5 overs, creating an exciting climax to the contest.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Ellyse Perry’s Resilience: Her 81-run knock was a testament to her experience and skill, providing RCB with a fighting total.
- Amanjot Kaur’s All-Round Brilliance: With figures of 3/22 and a crucial unbeaten 34, she was deservedly named Player of the Match.
- Harmanpreet Kaur’s Leadership: Her half-century anchored the chase, exemplifying strategic acumen under pressure.
- Georgia Wareham’s Bowling Prowess: The RCB spinner’s 3/21 showcased her knack for delivering breakthroughs at critical junctures.
Implications for the Tournament
With this win, the Mumbai Indians go up to four points, matching the RCB total but outscoring them on Net Run Rate (NRR). In addition to improving MI’s spirits, the victory heightens the battle as clubs fight for the top slots in the WPL 2025 standings.
Looking Ahead
Both sides will think back on this hotly contested game. While MI will try to capitalize on their momentum, particularly showcasing the rise of match-winners like Amanjot Kaur, RCB will try to overcome their early batting flaws.
For supporters and admirers, this game was a reminder of the energy and unpredictable nature of the Women’s Premier League. Fans can look forward to more captivating matches that highlight the talent and spirit of women’s cricket as the competition goes on.
For a visual recap of this thrilling match, watch the highlights below:
