Cricket was at its absolute best during the thrilling WPL 2025 encounter between UP Warriorz and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) where the outcome of the match was decided in a Super Over drama.
UP Warriorz downs RCB in Super Over drama
UP Warriroz rode on Sophie Eccleston's all-round heroics to eked out a thrilling four-run win over RCB as Ellyse Perry's batting wizardy went in vain. Batting first RCB posted a challenging total of 180/6 after Perry's blistering 56-ball 90. In reply, Eccelston's lightning 19-ball 33 helped UP tie the score. Then came the Super Over drama, where UP Warriorz handed a modest target of 9 runs. Ecclestone, who was handed the crucial responsibility to defend the total, lived up the expectations and conceded just four runs.
Sophie Ecclestone's all-round heroics in UP's win
Sophie Ecclestone's late surge injected new life into the Warriorz's chase, setting up a tense finish that went down to the wire. With just one wicket remaining and a single run needed off the final ball, Ecclestone was unable to complete the decisive run. Richa Ghosh swiftly reacted, hitting the stumps just in time to secure victory.
The Warriorz began their innings with Chinelle Henry and Grace Harris at the crease. Henry attempted to attack the first delivery, but her shot was cut off by a spectacular dive from Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana, preventing valuable runs. Henry struggled to find her rhythm, eventually falling after scoring just four runs, edging a delivery straight to the wicketkeeper. Ecclestone then joined Harris at the crease.
Harris adopted a cautious approach against Garth, leaving wide deliveries outside the off-side to gain extra runs. However, the Warriorz failed to capitalize on this, managing only eight runs in the over while losing one wicket.
The Bengaluru crowd experienced a moment of stunned silence when Sophie Ecclestone's delivery struck the pad, and the umpire raised their finger. However, the tension quickly shifted as the DRS review revealed the ball had pitched outside the leg stump, prompting a wave of cheers from the home supporters.
Despite this reprieve, neither Smriti Mandhana nor Richa Ghosh could capitalize on the remaining deliveries. The Bengaluru crowd remained visibly shaken as the Warriorz ultimately sealed the win victory, leaving the home team and their fans in disbelief.
Earlier in the match, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W) set a challenging total of 180/6 in their 20 overs. Ellyse Perry delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 90 runs off 56 balls, which included nine fours and three sixes. Danni Wyatt-Hodge also contributed significantly, adding 57 runs from 41 deliveries, featuring four fours and three sixes.
Heading into the chase, the Bengaluru franchise was heavily favored to secure a victory. However, a late surge from UP Warriorz, spearheaded by Sophie Ecclestone's 33 runs off 19 balls and Saima Thakor's 14 runs off 8 balls, brought their score to 180 all out, tying the game. With one run needed off the final delivery, Ecclestone was run out by Richa Ghosh's sharp reflexes, resulting in a Super Over.