Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz - Commentary

We are sure that this Monday wasn't a monotonous one for any one of you by any means. Because that's the kind of game we have got at our disposal. A nerve-jangling, nerve-wracking, heart-stopping one, or call it whatever you want. It was a stunner and has just elevated the tournament's competitive nature further up. That's a wrap! Thanks for joining us for this exciting Women's T20 league match. We'll be back with more action soon! Mark your calendars for the next match which will be played between Delhi and Gujarat on February 25th, 2025, at 7.30 IST (2 pm GMT). Join us an hour early for pre-match analysis, updates, and more. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Sophie Ecclestone is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her match-winning all-round performance, first with the bat and then bowling a sensational super over, defending 8 runs. She begins by saying it was amazing. Says she never got nervous to bowl and this was probably the first time in five years that she felt the heat. Adds it is amazing to win and appreciates the team effort. Appreciates Chinelle Henry for being amazing up front. On taking the single off the penultimate ball, she says that they can only laugh about it but also mentions about her fuming at that time as well. Says that Kranti does not understand her, but she told her that if she was running, just run. Is excited to go up against Mumbai and is hopeful they can go three in three.

The skipper of UP, Deepti Sharma expresses a sense of relief and accomplishment. She described the contest as a beauty of a game and felt privileged to be part of the first-ever Super Over in the Women's T20 League, made possible by Sophie Ecclestone's heroics. According to Deepti, the decision to entrust Sophie with the Super Over was a straightforward one, given her reputation as the best bowler in the world. Looking ahead, Deepti emphasizes that her team's focus remains fixed on securing wins, regardless of the venue they are not worried about where we're playing and their sole objective is to get that win under our belt.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

The captain of Bengaluru, Smriti Mandhana says it is disappointing to be on the losing side, but says they did a lot of things right. Adds that these things happen and they will take it and come back stronger. Says she has been pretty positive this year, but accepts that she went into a shell while batting. Mentions it is always great to have Ellyse Perry to bowl. Says that having an all-rounder like her is a luxury as she is the greatest in women's cricket. Adds it is really tough for her to be on the losing side after a knock like that. Further adds that Ekta and Sneh Rana bowled well and concludes by saying they will take this in their stride and come back stronger.

Jon Lewis the head coach of UP is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He says that it is nice to pull out a game from the jaws of defeat. He mentions that he knew Sophie could strike a few big ones and is pleased with the way she executed her bowling as well. Says that shows her class as the most valuable player for the team. Further tells that they just want to keep going and hope they pick up a couple more wins from here. Adds they like to back the Indian talent and will continue to back Vrinda Dinesh up top. Ends by saying that the middle order needs to step up a bit and try to effectively score freely and also rotate the strike.

Earlier in the game, Bengaluru got off to a blistering start after being put in to bat first. Their batters dominated the UP bowling attack, with Ellyse Perry standing out as a standout performer and staying not out on 90. Danni Wyatt-Hodge also chipped in with a half-century. However, the rest of the Bengaluru batting unit failed to make a significant impact. For UP, Chinelle Henry, Deepti Sharma, and Tahlia McGrath each claimed a wicket.

Bengaluru's bowling wasn't exceptional, but they took wickets at regular intervals, making life difficult for the UP batting unit. Sneh Rana claimed three wickets, while Kim Garth and Renuka Singh took two each. Ellyse Perry also contributed a wicket, showcasing her all-around skills. Renuka Singh Thakur had 18 to defend in the final over of the regular contest, but Sophie Ecclestone took her down and leveled the score.

UP's pursuit of the home side's challenging total began brightly, with 57 runs scored during the Powerplay, despite losing two wickets. However, the middle order, consisting of Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, and Uma Chetry, struggled to make a significant impact. Chinelle Henry showed some aggression but fell cheaply. Shweta Sehrawat contributed well to the team's cause and so did Saima Thakor. Just when it seemed like the chase was slipping away, Sophie Ecclestone provided a thrilling late surge, helping UP tie the score and force a Super Over.

LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE BY THE QUEENS! This match will be etched in memory for ages to come! The intensity, skill, and drama on display have been simply breathtaking. Two world-class Super Overs from Kim Garth for Bengaluru and Sophie Ecclestone for UP have left us speechless! In the end, UP's nerves of steel and exceptional talent have paid off, securing a thrilling Super Over victory! What. A. Game! The Super Over drama unfolded with UP batting first, managing to post 8 runs. But Sophie Ecclestone was not to be denied! She bowled an ABSOLUTE RIPPER of an over, conceding a mere 4 runs. With ice-cool nerves and pinpoint accuracy, Sophie sealed the deal for UP, handing them a thrilling victory! What a champion performance!

Sophie Ecclestone is absolutely on fire! First, she showcased her batting skills, and now she's dominating with the ball. UP needs a six on the last ball to win this thriller, and Ecclestone's performance has brought them to the brink of victory. What an incredible display of all-round talent!

The home crowd ERUPTS in joy! Smriti Mandhana's hopeful review has paid off, as the Ball Tracker reveals the delivery was pitching outside leg stump! A crucial decision is overturned, and Mandhana gets a reprieve!

Phew, all set for Bengaluru's reply with the bat. Smriti Mandhana walks out with Richa Ghosh for Bengaluru while Sophie Ecclestone will bowl the game decisive over.

... SUPER OVER, INNINGS 2 ...

Kim Garth has delivered an exceptional Super Over, conceding just 7 runs! At first glance, this total appears easily achievable for Bengaluru. However, as we've witnessed throughout this match and countless times before, the game is never truly over until the last ball or run is done. UP will cling to hope, believing they can defend this modest total, while Bengaluru will aim to wrap up the chase quickly and efficiently. The tension remains palpable!

Sophie Ecclestone walks to bat now. Just a basic reminder, if one more wicket falls, it will be done and dusted for UP with the bat.

Chinelle Henry and Grace Harris walk out for UP. Saima Thakor is given the responsibility to bowl the Super Over. Will sending Grace Harris over Kiran Navgire, who looked in form backfire? Only time will tell.

When Chinelle Henry fell, it seemed like the game was all but over for UP, and Bengaluru would comfortably wrap up the win. But Sophie Ecclestone had other plans! She emerged from nowhere, unleashing her batting skills and turning the game on its head. Ecclestone's thrilling late surge propelled UP to a stunning tie, leaving everyone in awe! UP needed 28 off 10 and 18 off the last 6 balls before Sophie Ecclestone unleashed.

UNBELIEVABLE! We're witnessing greatness here! The match has been an absolute thriller, and we're not done yet! A Super Over will decide the fate of this contest. The drama, the tension, the excitement, it's all coming down to one final, nerve-wracking over! Who will hold their nerve and emerge victorious? The crowd is on the edge of their seats, and we can't wait to find out! IT IS GOING TO BE THE FIRST EVER SUPER-OVER IN THE HISTORY OF WOMEN'S T20 LEAGUE!