RCB Stun MI, Deny Direct Entry to WPL 2025 Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a stunning victory against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Brabourne Stadium, securing a thrilling 11-run win. This defeat meant MI missed a direct spot in the final for the third consecutive year, finishing behind Delhi Capitals in the points table. MI struggled in their chase of 200, despite a brilliant knock by Nat Sciver-Brunt, as RCB’s all-round performance secured a crucial victory.
RCB’s Explosive Batting Sets the Stage
RCB came out aggressively, taking on MI’s bowlers from the very first over. S Meghana set the tone with back-to-back boundaries off Sciver-Brunt. Smriti Mandhana and Meghana continued the attack, targeting MI’s top bowlers, including Shabnim Ismail and Hayley Matthews. Meghana smashed 26 off 13 balls before falling to a short-pitched delivery from Matthews.
Mandhana dominated the powerplay, reaching her half-century off just 35 balls. She played exquisite shots, including three sixes and six fours. Meanwhile, Ellyse Perry anchored the innings while exploiting MI’s sloppy fielding. She was given multiple lifelines as MI dropped easy catches, allowing her to make a crucial 49*.
Richa Ghosh’s aggressive approach further boosted RCB’s total. She tore apart Ismail’s over, smashing a six, a reverse scoop for four, and a powerful straight hit. Georgia Wareham added a late flourish with a sensational 31 off 10 balls, helping RCB post an imposing 199/3.
MI’s Wobbly Chase and RCB’s Tight Bowling
MI’s chase started shakily, with Amelia Kerr again failing with the bat. Matthews showed promise with a few spectacular hits but was soon dismissed, holing out at deep square leg. Kerr followed in the next over, mistiming a shot to cover. MI struggled at 45/2 in the powerplay, needing a strong partnership to stay in the game.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur found some rhythm with two confident boundaries, but her innings was cut short by Kim Garth’s clever leg-cutter. MI was under pressure at 66/3.
Sciver-Brunt’s Heroics Keep MI Alive
Despite the early setbacks, Sciver-Brunt played a remarkable innings, taking the attack to RCB’s bowlers. She frequently shuffled across the crease, targeting the shorter boundary and scoring at an impressive strike rate. She smashed a 29-ball fifty, dispatching Wareham and Graham for boundaries before taking on Rana in a 12-run over.
Just when MI seemed to be making a comeback, Perry delivered the breakthrough. After hitting a four and six off Perry, Sciver-Brunt mistimed an off-cutter and was caught. Her dismissal in the 15th over left MI with 71 runs to get off 31 balls and no significant batting firepower left.
Sajana’s Late Surge Falls Short
MI’s lower order did not give up without a fight. S Sajana, known for her power hitting, led the late charge after wickets kept tumbling. With 44 needed off 12 balls, she smashed two sixes off Garth’s slower deliveries, keeping MI’s hopes alive. When 24 were needed from five balls, Sajana took on Perry, hammering two more sixes in the ‘V’ down the ground.
However, the pressure got to her as she missed the next delivery and then miscued a shot, getting dismissed for a valiant 23 off 12 balls. MI ultimately fell short by 11 runs, handing RCB a well-deserved victory.
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RCB’s Win Shakes Up the WPL 2025 Playoff Picture
This victory marked RCB’s third consecutive win while batting first, showcasing a shift in momentum in the WPL 2025. It also pushed them off the bottom of the table, ending their campaign on a high note. Meanwhile, MI’s loss means they will have to go through an additional playoff game instead of sealing a direct entry into the final.
For MI, the fielding errors and lack of middle-order support cost them dearly. Despite Sciver-Brunt’s heroics, they could not capitalize on key moments. MI must regroup quickly and bring their A-game in the upcoming playoff clash to keep their championship hopes alive.
RCB’s spirited performance was a testament to their fighting spirit, and while their campaign might have ended, they left a lasting impact on the tournament. Cricket fans can now watch an intense playoff battle as MI seeks redemption and a shot at the WPL 2025 title.
