The Women’s Premier League 2024 has been nothing short of thrilling, and one team that has caught the eye with their impressive journey to the final is the Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCBW). Led by the dynamic duo of Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana, RCBW has showcased exceptional cricketing prowess and resilience throughout the tournament.
RCBW kicked off their campaign on February 24th, with a nail-biting encounter against UP Warriorz at the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In a match that went down to the wire, RCBW emerged victorious by a mere 2 runs, setting the tone for their campaign.
As the tournament progressed, RCBW continued to stamp their authority, securing crucial victories against Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians Women. Their comprehensive win against Gujarat Giants, where they clinched victory by 8 wickets, displayed their dominance with both bat and ball.
However, the journey to the final wasn’t without its challenges. RCBW faced setbacks against Delhi Capitals Women in two closely contested encounters. Despite the defeats, RCBW remained undeterred, bouncing back with resounding victories against UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians Women.
Throughout the tournament, the performances of key players have been instrumental in RCBW’s success.
Ellyse Perry, the current Orange Cap holder, has been a standout performer with both bat and ball. Perry’s explosive batting, coupled with her ability to pick crucial wickets, has been pivotal in shaping RCBW’s fortunes.
Her back-to-back fifties against Mumbai Indians Women and a remarkable bowling performance in the last league match, where she scalped 6 wickets while conceding just 15 runs, underscore her match-winning capabilities.
Joining Perry at the forefront of RCBW’s batting prowess is the elegant Smriti Mandhana. With 269 runs to her name at a staggering strike rate of over 145, Mandhana has been a consistent run-scorer for her team. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required has been crucial in RCBW’s success.
Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh has also played a significant role with the bat, contributing valuable runs at a strike rate of 143. Her ability to perform under pressure has been instrumental in bolstering RCBW’s middle order.
In the bowling department, Asha Shobana has led the charge with 10 wickets to her name. Her ability to pick wickets at crucial junctures has provided RCBW with the much-needed breakthroughs.
Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patel have complemented Shobana’s efforts with 9 wickets each, forming a formidable bowling unit.
As RCBW gears up for the final showdown against Delhi Capitals Women, they will look to draw upon their collective strengths and capitalize on the momentum gained throughout the tournament. With a perfect blend of experience and youth, coupled with match-winners in every department, RCBW stands poised to lift the coveted trophy and etch their name in WPL history.
