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UP Warriorz Stun Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a High-Scoring Thriller at WPL 2025

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Lucknow, March 08, 2025 – The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow witnessed a historic night of cricket as UP Warriorz pulled off a sensational 12-run victory over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 18 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. In a game that featured the highest team total in WPL history, UP Warriorz showcased their batting prowess and resilience to knock RCB out of playoff contention on International Women’s Day.

A Record-Breaking Batting Display

UP Warriorz, led by stand-in captain Deepti Sharma, came into the match with little to lose, having already been eliminated from playoff contention with just two wins in seven games. However, they seized the opportunity to end their campaign on a high note, posting a mammoth 209/5 in 20 overs—the highest total ever recorded in the WPL.
 
The innings was powered by an extraordinary performance from Georgia Voll, who fell agonizingly short of a century, finishing unbeaten on 99 off 56 balls. Voll’s knock included a flurry of boundaries and showcased her ability to dominate the RCB bowling attack. She found able support from Grace Harris (34 off 21) and Deepti Sharma (22 off 19), who set the tone early, while Sophie Ecclestone chipped in with a quickfire 18 not out off 8 balls to provide the late flourish.
 
RCB’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham proving expensive. Charlotte Dean, making her WPL debut, picked up a wicket but couldn’t stem the flow of runs as the Warriorz batters capitalized on a batting-friendly surface and the dew that aided stroke-making in the evening.

RCB’s Brave Chase Falls Short

Chasing a daunting 210, RCB needed a miraculous effort to keep their playoff hopes alive after a string of four consecutive losses. Captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to restrict UP Warriorz and chase under lights. However, the plan backfired as they found themselves up against a monumental target.
 
The chase began on a shaky note with early wickets, but Ellyse Perry (42 off 30) and Richa Ghosh (64 off 39) kept RCB in the hunt with a spirited partnership. Ghosh, in particular, played a blinder, smashing boundaries and sixes to ignite hopes of an improbable victory. With 40 runs needed off the last two overs, Sneh Rana stepped up with a sensational 19th over, smashing three sixes and a four off Kranti Goud to bring the equation down to 21 off the final over.
 
However, Sophie Ecclestone, the hero of UP Warriorz’s earlier Super Over win against RCB this season, held her nerve. Despite conceding a no-ball and facing intense pressure, she dismissed Rana (caught in the deep) and restricted RCB to 197/7, falling 12 runs short. Ecclestone’s composure under pressure sealed the deal, finishing with figures of 2/34.

Key Moments and Turning Points

  • Voll’s Near-Century: Georgia Voll’s 99* was the backbone of UP Warriorz’s record total, narrowly missing out on becoming the first centurion of WPL 2025.
  • Ghosh and Rana’s Fightback: Richa Ghosh’s aggressive 64 and Sneh Rana’s explosive 25 off 8 balls brought RCB tantalizingly close, only for Ecclestone to thwart their efforts.
  • Ecclestone’s Final Over: The English all-rounder’s ability to defend 21 runs in the last over, despite a no-ball, proved decisive in UP Warriorz’s triumph.

Implications for the Tournament

For RCB, the loss marked the end of their title defense. After a promising start with two wins, their campaign unraveled with five losses in their last six games, leaving them in fourth place with no chance of making the playoffs. The defeat highlighted their struggles with consistency, particularly in the bowling department, which leaked runs throughout the tournament.
 
UP Warriorz, despite their early elimination, finished their season on a high, climbing off the bottom of the table with this morale-boosting win. The victory showcased their potential and served as a reminder of what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders.
 
Player of the Match
Georgia Voll was named Player of the Match for her scintillating 99*, a knock that not only set up the game but also etched her name in WPL history as part of the highest team total.

What They Said

  • Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz Captain): “We wanted to finish the season strongly, and the girls showed great character. Georgia was outstanding, and Sophie’s calmness in the end was crucial.”
  • Smriti Mandhana (RCB Captain): “We fought till the last ball, but it wasn’t enough. Credit to UP Warriorz for playing brilliantly. We’ll regroup and come back stronger next season.”
As the WPL 2025 league stage nears its conclusion, attention now shifts to the remaining matches in Mumbai, where the playoff lineup will be finalized. UP Warriorz may be out, but their performance tonight will linger as one of the standout moments of the tournament. For RCB, it’s back to the drawing board after a season that promised much but delivered heartbreak.
 
This thrilling encounter at Ekana Stadium will be remembered as a celebration of women’s cricket, fittingly played on International Women’s Day, with UP Warriorz donning pink jerseys to mark the occasion.
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

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