Cricholic
The 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicked off with an electrifying contest at a buzzing Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Mumbai Indians (MI) edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a last-over thriller. Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Amanjot Kaur orchestrated a stunning chase, denying RCB a winning start despite an exceptional knock from Ellyse Perry.
Perry’s Masterclass Propels RCB to 167/7
Smriti Mandhana started aggressively, capitalizing on the PowerPlay with exquisite boundaries, including a six off Nat Sciver-Brunt. However, Shabnim Ismail’s persistence paid off, dismissing Mandhana as RCB lost early momentum. Perry, unfazed by wickets tumbling around her, anchored the innings with an authoritative 81 off 47 balls, laced with 11 fours and two sixes.
Despite losing Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Raghvi Bist, and Kanika Ahuja early, Richa Ghosh provided stability, forging a crucial 50-run stand with Perry. However, MI struck back as Ghosh and Georgia Wareham fell in quick succession. Perry’s late flourish ensured RCB posted a competitive 167/7, with 45 runs coming in the final four overs. Amanjot Kaur was the pick of the MI bowlers, bagging 3/22.
Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Shine in MI’s Chase
Chasing 168, MI had an early setback when Kim Garth trapped Yastika Bhatia lbw in the second over. Sciver-Brunt counterattacked, launching an onslaught on Garth, while Hayley Matthews joined the charge with boundaries off Georgia Wareham. MI posted their highest-ever PowerPlay total in WPL history, reaching 66/2 despite Matthews’ dismissal.
Sciver-Brunt’s explosive 42 off 21 balls was cut short by a cunning off-cutter from Garth. Amelia Kerr’s departure further dented MI’s momentum, bringing Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur together. The duo kept the chase on track, with the MI captain matching Perry’s earlier brilliance, guiding her side towards victory.
Amanjot Kaur’s Heroics Seal the Win
With 24 needed off 18 balls, Wareham struck back, removing Harmanpreet and Sajeevan Sajana off consecutive deliveries. Mandhana turned to Kanika Ahuja for the penultimate over, but Amanjot Kaur took charge, smashing two sixes over long-on to shift the momentum.
Ekta Bisht added late drama, dragging the equation down to 2 off 2, but 16-year-old G Kamalini held her nerve, driving a four through covers to seal MI’s thrilling four-wicket victory with one ball to spare.
Match Summary:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 167/7 (20 overs)
- Ellyse Perry: 81 (47)
- Richa Ghosh: 28 (22)
- Smriti Mandhana: 14 (10)
- Danielle Wyatt-Hodge: 8 (6)
- Raghvi Bist: 5 (7)
- Kanika Ahuja: 7 (9)
- Georgia Wareham: 4 (3)
- Shreyanka Patil: 1* (1)
- Amanjot Kaur: 3/22 (4)
- Hayley Matthews: 1/21 (3)
- Sanskriti Gupta: 1/28 (4)
Mumbai Indians – 170/6 (19.5 overs)
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 50 (37)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: 42 (21)
- Amanjot Kaur: 34* (21)
- Yastika Bhatia: 2 (4)
- Hayley Matthews: 15 (11)
- Amelia Kerr: 9 (10)
- Sajeevan Sajana: 0 (1)
- G Kamalini: 4* (2)
- Georgia Wareham: 3/21 (4)
- Kim Garth: 2/33 (4)
- Ekta Bisht: 1/28 (3.5)
