RCB went into this clash at the DY Patil Stadium off the back of five straight defeats at the start of their inaugural Women's Premier League campaign, but showed little of the ring-rustiness which has plagued previous performances
Mumbai: UP Warriorz 135, Royal Challengers Bangalore 136-5 - Royal Challengers Bangalore won by five wickets
Royal Challengers Bangalore are finally off the mark in the WPL, after a disciplined bowling display set the platform for a comfortable victory over UP Warriorz.
RCB went into this clash at the DY Patil Stadium off the back of five straight defeats at the start of their inaugural Women's Premier League campaign, but showed little of the ring-rustiness which has plagued previous performances.
Ellyse Perry led the way with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 16, as the Warriorz top order collapsed.
Having elected to field after winning toss, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana was rewarded with an excellent powerplay performance from her bowlers.
Royal Challengers Bangalore secured victory at the sixth attempt in WPL 2023 [screengrab/BCCI]
Sophie Devine claimed two wickets in the first over of the game, including the dangerous Alyssa Healy for 2, and UP Warriorz could only cobble together 26 for 3 in the first six overs.
That was soon 31 for 5, and only a combative innings from Grace Harris - who smacked two sixes in her 32-ball 46 before being dismissed by Perry, propelled Warriorz to a score of some substance.
Still, it proved to be woefully short. RCB did briefly wobble - they were 14 for 2 when Mandhana went for a duck at the hands of Deepti Sharma - but soon recovered.
Youngsters Kanika Ahuja and Richa Ghosh to the rescue for @RCBTweets 🫡#RCB record their first WIN in #TATAWPL 🥳
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 15, 2023
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/uW2g78eMJa #UPWvRCB pic.twitter.com/sp3CdYUJCZ
Kanika Ahuja was the anchor in the chase, making 46 in 30 balls, while support was provided by Heather Knight (24 in 21 deliveries) and Richa Ghosh (31 from 32).
RCB reached their target with two full overs to spare, but their chances of reaching the post-season knockout rounds remain remote, as they sit six points off third with four games left to play.
Warriorz will be cursing this defeat, as it leaves them four points off third. They still have half their league season to go, however.
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