• Richa Ghosh’s astonishing run out to dismiss Sophie Ecclestone forced Women Premier League's maiden Super Over.

  • Sophie Ecclestone's all-round heroics propelled UP Warriorz to a historic win over RCB by 4 runs.

WATCH: Richa Ghosh’s brilliant run-out dismissing Sophie Ecclestone leads to WPL’s inaugural super over
Richa Ghosh’s brilliant run-out dismissing Sophie Ecclestone leads to WPL’s inaugural super over

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Cricket fans were treated to an unforgettable spectacle on Monday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and UP Warriorz (UPW) etched their names into Women’s Premier League (WPL) history. In a high-octane showdown at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the two teams battled to a nail-biting tie, both scoring 180 runs in their 20 overs, forcing the league’s maiden Super Over. The drama peaked as UPW held their nerve to clinch a thrilling victory, defending a modest 8 runs in the eliminator. From Ellyse Perry’s masterclass to Sophie Ecclestone’s heroics, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions, proving why the WPL continues to captivate audiences globally.

Ellyse Perry’s powerhouse performance sets the stage

RCB’s innings was anchored by a blistering knock from Perry, who showcased her world-class pedigree with an unbeaten 90 off 56 balls. The Australian all-rounder dominated UPW’s bowlers, striking 10 boundaries and a towering six. Partnered with England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge (57 off 41), the duo stitched a 112-run stand, propelling RCB to 180/3. Despite UPW skipper Deepti Sharma’s tactical bowling changes, Perry’s calculated aggression ensured RCB posted a formidable total.

Deepti Sharma’s calculated risk backfires

Opting to field first, UPW’s decision initially seemed questionable as Perry and Wyatt-Hodge ran riot. However, Deepti’s bowlers clawed back in the death overs, with Tahlia McGrath, Chinelle Henry, and Deepti herself claiming key wickets. Yet, the target of 181 appeared daunting. The Warriorz needed a collective effort, but early hiccups left them reeling at 60/3. Little did fans know, the chase would soon spiral into a heart-stopping climax.

Ecclestone’s heroics: From bowling star to batting savior

Enter Sophie Ecclestone, known for her left-arm spin, the English star turned unlikely batting hero for UPW. With her team needing 43 off 18 balls, Ecclestone unleashed a savage 33* off just 12 deliveries, including three sixes and two boundaries. Her fearless hitting, combined with Shweta Sherawat’s composed 31, brought UPW roaring back. A six off the penultimate ball by Ecclestone tied the game, sending the crowd into pandemonium and the match into uncharted territory: the WPL’s first Super Over.

Richa Ghosh gets Ecclestone short of her crease

Richa Ghosh’s evening was a tale of two extremes. Facing a daunting target of 18 runs in the final over, Ecclestone epitomized nerves of steel. Launching into Renuka Singh Thakur’s bowling, she bludgeoned back-to-back sixes, followed by a scorching boundary, slashing the requirement to a mere 2 runs off 2 balls. Ecclestone nudged a single off the fifth delivery, thrusting Kranti Goud into the spotlight to seal the chase. But Ghosh, conjured a moment of magic. Her razor-sharp awareness and lightning-quick throw shattered the stumps, catching Ecclestone short mid-pitch. While Ghosh’s brilliance couldn’t secure an outright RCB victory, it etched history by triggering the WPL’s inaugural Super Over. The young keeper-batter’s emotional rollercoaster symbolized the fine margins of T20 cricket.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sophie Ecclestone shines as UP Warriorz outlast RCB in a historic super over thriller in WPL history

The Super Over spectacle kicks in

The Super Over was a microcosm of the match’s tension. UPW batted first, with Grace Harris and Ecclestone scrambling 8 runs after Kim Garth dismissed Henry (4). The spotlight then shifted to RCB’s pair, Smriti Mandhana and Ghosh. Ecclestone, entrusted with the ball, delivered a magical over: her pinpoint accuracy restricted RCB to just 4 runs. Richa, who had earlier orchestrated Ecclestone’s run-out in the 20th over, faced heartbreak as she managed only 2 runs off three balls. The Warriorz erupted, sealing a historic 4-run victory.

Also WATCH: Deepti Sharma gets the better of Smriti Mandhana with a stunning delivery

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.