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In a riveting encounter in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, Sobhana Asha‘s emerged as the star performer, securing a spectacular five-wicket haul against UP Warriorz. Asha’s brilliant bowling display played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) narrow two-run victory in M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Saturday (February 24), setting the tone for an exhilarating season. Asha eventually won the Player of the Match award.
Sobhana Asha’s bowling masterclass
Asha’s sensational spell of 5 for 22 in four overs showcased her ability to dismantle the opposition’s batting lineup. She struck early, dismissing key players like Vrinda Dinesh and Tahlia McGrath, and delivered a decisive blow in her last over, claiming the wickets of Shweta Sehrawat, Grace Harris and Kiran Navgire. Asha’s heroics restricted UP Warriorz to 155/7, falling just short of the target set by RCB.
Also READ: WPL 2024: Best playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore
Sabbhineni Meghana and Richa Ghosh lead RCB’s fightback with bat
Earlier in the match, RCB faced an early challenge after losing openers Sophie Devine and Smriti Mandhana quickly. However, Sabbhineni Meghana and Richa Ghosh orchestrated a remarkable recovery with a fantastic partnership. Meghana’s composed half-century, scoring 53 off 44 balls, and Ghosh’s explosive innings of 62 off 37 balls, marked by seven fours and a six, propelled RCB to a competitive total of 157/6 in 20 overs.
Despite a few setbacks during the innings, RCB’s fightback in the latter part, led by Ghosh and Meghana, showcased their resilience and determination. The thrilling contest unfolded with Shobana’s exceptional bowling sealing the victory for RCB in their WPL 2024 opener, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Chinnaswamy stadium ❤️ #legspinners 💪 #WPL2024 #RCBvUPW 🚀
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 24, 2024
I saw Sobhana Asha last year in the #TataWPL and I thought she was one of the stories of the tournament. I only saw her bowl a bit today but if there is a better leggie than her in India, I want to watch
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 24, 2024
Oh boy the people have gone absolutely crazy after those Asha Sobhana wickets .. most of them don’t know her name, but they don’t care. She has given RCB a real chance here
— Gaurav Nandan Tripathi 🜃 (@Cric_Beyond_Ent) February 24, 2024
A right arm leg break and Chinnaswamy in RCB jersey always a match winner Asha Sobhana Turning it around for RCB
First Indian to take fifer in WPL #RCBvsUPW— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) February 24, 2024
Five wickets for Sobhana Asha. What a bowling in a crucial situation for RCB. Match winning Spell. #WPL2024
— Faiz Fazel (@theFaizFazel) February 24, 2024
Haven't seen Deepti finish off a chase ever, unreal consistency!!
Rcb Hold on to their nerves, love the vibe Chinnaswamy offers!#WPL2024 starts off with 2 absolutely cracker games!— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) February 24, 2024
The support for #RCB at the Chinnaswamy is unreal. The vibe is different. The noise is deafening…
Another good game in the making
‘Wow Premier League’ is entertainment max 🫶🏽 #TataWPL @JioCinema— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 24, 2024
Well played wallahi what a player man…. Richa Ghosh that much crowd sound she came and banged the bowlers for fun…. Love her so much.
— Sai (@akakrcb6) February 24, 2024
Richa Ghosh, The saviour of RCB.
Good Inning 👏 pic.twitter.com/yu8S6J78DD
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) February 24, 2024
Insane atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy. Even better than last night. They're really getting behind RCB like they do. Richa Ghosh has been outstanding. Can see a massive difference between last year and this already. Hope she can sustain this form.
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) February 24, 2024
Not gonna lie, t̶h̶e̶y̶ we had them in the first half and the second 😬
First home game 🤝 First W for the season! #PlayBold #SheIsBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WPL2024 #RCBvUPW pic.twitter.com/kTB1GmMrd1
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 24, 2024
Also READ: WPL 2024: Best playing XI of UP Warriorz
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.