Ellyse Perry's scintillating knock of 81 off just 43 balls proved to be in vain as Mumbai Indians edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets in a thrilling Women's Premier League (WPL) clash in Bengaluru on Friday, February 21. Despite Perry’s heroics, MI successfully chased down the target in the final over, with Kamalini sealing the win with a boundary off the fourth ball.
A well-rounded performance from Amanjot Kaur, a crucial fifty from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and a blistering 42 off 21 balls by Nat Sciver-Brunt ensured MI secured their second win of the season. The chase wasn’t without drama, as RCB fought back with quick wickets, but MI's depth saw them through.
After dismissing Hayley Matthews in the seventh over, RCB clawed their way back into the contest, removing Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr in quick succession, reducing Mumbai to 82 for 4 in 9.1 overs. However, Harmanpreet and Amanjot kept the chase steady, ensuring there was no further dip in momentum. Harmanpreet notched up her sixth WPL fifty in just 36 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six. But just when MI seemed to be cruising, Georgia Wareham dismissed her, with Richa Ghosh taking a sharp catch. The very next ball saw Sajana trapped lbw, reigniting RCB’s hopes.
With 22 runs needed off the final two overs, Kanika Ahuja was handed the ball for the 19th over. Amanjot immediately put pressure on the bowler with a towering six down the ground, followed by another six off the final ball of the over, bringing the equation down to six runs off six balls. Kamalini applied the finishing touch, smashing a boundary to seal the victory and propel MI to second place on the points table.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field first. RCB’s captain Smriti Mandhana got off to a flying start, scoring 26 off 13 balls before Shabnim Ismail struck. Perry, however, took control, scoring fluently to keep RCB’s innings alive. But the wicket of Wyatt-Hodge triggered a collapse, with Raghvi Bist and Kanika Ahuja falling in quick succession. Perry and Richa Ghosh steadied the innings with a 50-run stand before Amanjot struck again, dismissing Ghosh and Wareham.
With the pressure mounting, Perry continued her onslaught, smashing two boundaries off Amanjot in the final over. However, her valiant effort came to an end when she holed out to Ismail in the last over.
Despite Perry’s lone battle, RCB couldn’t post a match-winning total, and MI held their nerve in the chase. RCB will now look to bounce back against UP Warriorz on February 24, while MI will also face the Warriors on February 26 in their next encounter.
