Luke Williams, the RCB head coach, acknowledges that replicating their previous performance would bring satisfaction, yet he understands that the upcoming rematch against Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2024 Eliminator on Friday (March 15) presents a different challenge.
Prior to their seven-wicket humiliation at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this week, which cost them a direct spot in the tournament decider for a second consecutive year, Mumbai had already qualified for the playoffs because to skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s blistering 95. Mumbai, despite being expertly led by their captain in form, has not seen a particularly dominant run this season, with three convincing losses sandwiched between their five wins.
What to anticipate: MI and RCB
The WPL 2024 center pitches are loaded with runs as they get ready for the elimination round. Anticipate more of the same. Dew hasn’t had a significant impact on the Delhi leg. In fact, the captains have gone against the grain and chosen to score runs first, and this Friday might be no exception. Regarding the weather, no disruption is anticipated.
Mumbai Indians
Yastika Bhatia, who was sick and missed Mumbai’s most recent league match, is rumored to have recovered well and trained with the team the night before the knockout match. Since MI announced the return of their normal opener/wickekeeper, S Sajana will probably go down the batting order to the position of finisher. As a result, Priyanka Bala will be replaced in the sole anticipated change to Mumbai’s starting lineup.
Probable XI: Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, S Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Humaria Kaazi, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Sophie Devine has also struggled with the decrease in batting order, thus RCB may be hesitant to make any significant changes in their first WPL playoff game. S Meghana, who has missed the last two games due to a tough tactical decision for RCB, might start again in lieu of Disha Kasat. Depending on the circumstances and match-ups, RCB can rely on a variety of opening combinations between her and Sophie Molineux. They’ll probably keep supporting Shraddha Pokharkar, a left-arm seamer.
Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana (C), Sophie Molineux, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Richa Ghosh (wk), Georgia Wareham, S Meghana, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Shraddha Pokharkar, Renuka Thakur.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women have won the toss and have opted to bat (MI and RCB)
Pitch Report | Katey Martin:
Here in Delhi, we’ve moved onto Pitch 3. Since we’ve been here, this is the highest scoring wicket we’ve seen. partially to the surface and also to the bounding parameters. 46 and 63 meters square, as well as 64 meters below the surface. People have been known to cross the line with ease. We’ve observed far less bounce in Delhi. There is a variation of 12 cm between Bengaluru and Delhi, which is primarily due to the presence of barren spots. This has resulted in both bowled and LBW dismissals. Bowling and LBWs account for more than 54% of dismissals. The bowlers have challenged the batsman and brought the stumps into action. This wicket will bounce a little bit higher than what we’re used to.
Despite not winning the league, MI was the first team to make it to the playoffs. They took second place in the previous competition, but they emerged victorious in two knockout games to win the first WPL championship. Kaur and company would hope that the same scenario will occur once more. After only two victories in the previous season, RCB has performed far better this time around with four wins and four losses. They produced an incredible display against the defending champions to become the third club to qualify for the playoffs, following a heartbreaking 1-run defeat at the hands of Delhi. Ellyse Perry demonstrated seam bowling just a few days earlier (on Tuesday) at this same location.
RCB Winning Moment (MI and RCB)
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women won by 5 runs
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Ellyse Perry
Royal Challengers Bangalore star Ellyse Perry received a special gift from TATA Motors after she was adjudged as the Player Of The Match for her heroics in the WPL 2024 eliminator against the Mumbai Indians on March 15. Perry produced an all-round performance as RCB edged past MI in the Eliminator by 5 runs.
Royal's into the Final
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