UP Warriorz Set a Record-Breaking Total
UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that proved inspired as her team unleashed a batting masterclass. Openers Grace Harris and Georgia Voll set the tone early, with Harris smashing 60 off just 28 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Her aggressive approach gave UPW the perfect launchpad, but it was Voll who stole the spotlight. The Australian batter played a near-perfect innings, finishing agonizingly short of a century with 99 off 56 deliveries. Her knock featured 11 fours and 2 sixes, blending precision with power. Supported by Kiran Navgire’s quickfire 24, UPW posted a mammoth 225/5—the highest total ever recorded in the WPL. RCB’s bowlers struggled to find answers, with Charlotte Dean (1/47) and Kim Garth (0/40) unable to stem the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface.
RCB’s Explosive Start in the Chase
Chasing 226 was a daunting task, but Royal Challengers Bangalore came out swinging. Sabbhineni Meghana ignited the innings with a blistering 25 off 9 balls, smashing 4 fours and 2 sixes in a 22-run over off Grace Harris. Captain Smriti Mandhana, however, couldn’t capitalize, falling for a modest 4 to Chinelle Henry. Ellyse Perry then took charge, striking 28 off 15 balls with a flurry of boundaries, giving RCB hope. At 77/3 after 7 overs, the chase was on, but UPW’s bowlers tightened their grip. Sophie Ecclestone (1/11 in 2 overs) and Anjali Sarvani (1/7) dismissed key batters, pushing the required rate above 11 runs per over. Despite losing wickets, RCB refused to back down, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Sneh Rana’s Late Heroics Nearly Turn the Tide
With 149 runs needed off the last 78 balls, RCB’s hopes seemed slim. Enter Sneh Rana, who produced one of the most explosive cameos of WPL 2025. In the final over, needing 28 runs, Rana smashed three towering sixes and a four off Georgia Voll, turning the game into a nail-biter. A no-ball added to the chaos, and her 26 off just 6 balls brought RCB tantalizingly close. However, Deepti Sharma held her nerve, dismissing Rana on the final ball as she failed to clear the boundary. RCB finished at 213/10, falling 12 runs short in a valiant effort. The collapse of their middle order earlier, including Raghvi Bist (12) and Richa Ghosh (1), proved costly despite Rana’s late fireworks.
Key Moments That Defined UPW vs RCB
- Georgia Voll’s Near-Century: Voll’s 99 was the backbone of UPW’s record total, earning her the Player of the Match award and cementing her status as a rising star.
- Grace Harris’ Power Start: Her 60 off 28 balls set an aggressive tone, putting RCB’s bowlers under pressure from the outset.
- Sneh Rana’s Final Over Blitz: Rana’s 26 runs off 6 balls in the last over nearly snatched victory from UPW’s grasp.
- UPW’s Bowling Discipline: Ecclestone and Sarvani’s tight spells in the middle overs swung momentum back to UP Warriorz.
What This Means for Both Teams
For UP Warriorz, this victory was bittersweet. Already eliminated from playoff contention after Gujarat Giants’ win earlier, they ended their campaign on a high note with a third win in eight games. Deepti Sharma’s leadership and the team’s batting firepower shone through, offering hope for a stronger 2026 season. Meanwhile, RCB’s loss sealed their fate, ending their title defense with just three wins. Despite standout performances from Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana throughout the tournament, their inconsistent middle order and bowling woes proved their undoing. With one league match left, RCB will aim to bow out with pride.
Why UPW vs RCB Was a WPL Classic
As WPL 2025 nears its climax, the focus shifts to the playoffs. Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and Mumbai Indians have secured their spots, leaving UPW and RCB to reflect on what might have been. Stay tuned for more action as the tournament races toward its grand finale!
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