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MI Edge Out RCB in a Last-Over Thriller at WPL 2025 Opener
The 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) got off to an electrifying start at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where Mumbai Indians (MI) pulled off a nail-biting last-over win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Led by a stellar half-century from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and crucial contributions from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot Kaur, MI successfully chased down RCB’s competitive total despite an outstanding performance from Ellyse Perry.
RCB’s Strong Start Powered by Perry’s Brilliance
Early Aggression from Mandhana and Perry
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana made up for losing the toss with a quick-fire start, striking early boundaries in the PowerPlay. She took on Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt, launching a six and a flurry of fours. However, her aggressive approach led to her downfall when she edged one to wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia.
Ellyse Perry then took charge of the innings, delivering a counterattacking masterclass. Even as wickets tumbled at the other end, Perry continued to dominate, unleashing crisp boundaries all around the park.
Perry and Ghosh Stabilize the Innings
RCB lost wickets in clusters, with Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Raghvi Bist, and Kanika Ahuja departing quickly. However, Perry found an able partner in Richa Ghosh, and together, they rebuilt the innings with a crucial 50-run stand off 38 balls.
Late Flourish Takes RCB to 167/7
Despite losing Ghosh and Georgia Wareham in quick succession, Perry continued her assault, finishing with 81 off just 47 balls. She smashed 11 fours and two sixes, taking RCB to a competitive total of 167/7. Notably, she now has 273 runs against MI in WPL history at an impressive average of 68.25.
MI’s Chase: Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Lead the Charge
A Fiery Start by Sciver-Brunt
MI suffered an early blow when Kim Garth trapped Yastika Bhatia LBW in the second over. But Sciver-Brunt took charge, counterattacking the RCB bowlers with a breathtaking 21-ball 42, including a flurry of boundaries. She was ably supported by Hayley Matthews, who played her part before falling to Ekta Bisht.
Despite losing wickets, MI registered their highest-ever PowerPlay score in WPL history with 66/2.
Harmanpreet and Amanjot Anchor the Chase
Garth struck again with a well-disguised off-cutter, dismissing Sciver-Brunt and shifting the momentum back to RCB. Amelia Kerr’s dismissal further added to MI’s troubles, but Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur built a steady partnership to keep MI in the hunt.
With 24 needed off 18 balls, Harmanpreet matched Perry’s earlier impact, bringing MI within touching distance of victory. However, Georgia Wareham dismissed her and Sajeevan Sajana off consecutive balls, setting up a tense finish.
Amanjot and Kamalini Hold Their Nerve
Mandhana was forced to turn to Kanika Ahuja for the penultimate over, and Amanjot capitalized by smashing two massive sixes over long-on. With six runs required from the final over, Bisht brought the equation down to two off two balls. But 16-year-old G Kamalini calmly found the gap to hit a four through covers, sealing a thrilling MI victory.
Match Summary and Key Performers
Brief Scores:
RCB – 167/7 in 20 overs (Ellyse Perry 81, Richa Ghosh 28; Amanjot Kaur 3-22)
MI – 170/6 in 19.5 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 50, Nat Sciver-Brunt 42, Amanjot Kaur 34*; Georgia Wareham 3-21)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 4 wickets.
Key Takeaways from the Match
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Ellyse Perry’s dominance: Perry’s 81-run knock was the backbone of RCB’s innings, showing her class yet again in the WPL.
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Sciver-Brunt’s explosive knock: The English all-rounder set the tone for MI’s chase with a quick-fire 42.
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Harmanpreet’s leadership: MI’s captain played a crucial knock, guiding her team in a tense chase.
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Amanjot’s finishing skills: Her vital contributions at the death ensured MI crossed the finish line.
Looking Ahead
RCB will look to bounce back in their next encounter, while MI will be keen to build on their winning momentum. Fans can follow the official WPL website for further updates and match details.
For more updates on WPL 2025, player performances, and match previews, check out our latest cricket updates.
