The turnaround: Kanika stepped as much as the plate when RCB was in a spot of trouble.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
Virat Kohli gave a pep discuss to the beleaguered girls of Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday. That appeared to have labored.
RCB, after shedding 5 matches in a row, lastly gained a recreation within the Women’s Premier League. Its five-wicket victory in opposition to UP Warriorz got here in a determined scenario: one other loss would have meant the top of the highway.
RCB reached the modest goal with two overs to spare, however not with out going by some anxious moments. It had misplaced its vastly skilled high 4 batters with 60 on the board. Among them was skipper Smriti Mandhana, whose horrendous time continued; she was out for a duck.
But, the uncapped teen Kanika Anuja, who performed most likely the innings of her life (46, 30b, 8×4, 1×6) and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (31 n.o., 32b, 3×4, 1×6) did the job. They added 60 for the fifth wicket, and after Kanika was yorked by Sophie Ecclestone, Richa’s six and 4 off successive balls ensured the win for RCB.
RCB would nonetheless want numerous assist from different groups to entertain hopes of creating the playoffs. The race is open to find out which two sides will be part of Mumbai Indians in that stage.
Earlier, on a wicket that inspired each the seamers and spinners, RCB bowled beautifully. Ellyse Perry was essentially the most profitable bowler with three for 16 off her 4 overs.
Inspired choice
It all began with an impressed choice to offer the first over to Sophie Devine that put the Warriorz innings below strain immediately. She despatched again each the openers, Devika Vaidya and Alyssa Healy, in that over.
When Megan Schutt had fellow-Australian Tahila McGrath caught behind, Warriorz slid to 5 for 3. Then Asha’s leg spin got here into play. She bought the ball to show and bounce. She eliminated Kiran Navgire, who was dwelling dangerously, and Simran Shaikh in successive overs.
A sixth-wicket stand of 69 between Grace Harris (46, 32b, 5×4, 2×6) and Deepti Sharma 22 (19b, 4×4) ensured Warriorz would have one thing to bowl. Richa missed an opportunity to stump Harris early on, however she later made up for it with batting.
