The UP Warriorz Women’s campaign in the ongoing WPL 2025 came to an end with a consolation victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in their last league stage encounter. The Warriorz, who had already been eliminated from the playoffs, ruined Bengaluru’s celebration by losing in a game that was decided by a single vote.
UP got off to a scorching start in the game. Without losing a wicket, their openers scored 67 runs during the powerplay. However, a terrible mix-up led to Grace Harris being run out for 39 off 22. Because Kiran Navgire’s (46 off 16) entrance at the crease meant that the flow of runs was coming at an even better rate, RCB was unable to take advantage of the pressure created by the breakthrough.
Chinelle Henry and Sophie Ecclestone added finishing touches while Georgia Voll continued to attack from one end, finally raising the scoreboard to 225-5 after 20 overs. Additionally, this was the biggest total in WPL history. Due to their poor start, Smriti Mandhana and company lost the game, and their hopes of making the playoffs were also dashed despite heroic attempts by Sneh Rana and Richa Ghosh.
Talking Points
1. Georgia is still stuck on 99*
Voll batted all the way to the end, but it wasn’t enough to earn her a century since the striker was run out before the second run could be made. Voll came back with an undefeated 99 off 56 balls. She hit a stunning maximum and 17 fours in her knock. She now shares the record for the highest score in WPL history with Sophie Devine of RCB, who accomplished the same feat in the first edition.
WPL 2025 Orange Cap | WPL 2025 Most Runs
2. The fight between Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma is one to watch.
With two wickets remaining, Bengaluru needed 43 runs from 12 balls, and everyone save Sneh Rana had given up. With 27 runs between the second and fifth balls of the penultimate over, the bowling all-rounder completely destroyed Deepti Sharma. With three sixes, including a no-ball, and a couple of boundaries, RCB now needed just 15 off the final seven balls. Deepti had the final laugh, though, and Rana was caught at deep mid-wicket.
3. Locked and loaded playoffs
Mumbai Indians Women were the third side to qualify for the playoffs after Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women verified their eligibility. RCB fell by a score of 12 runs in a crucial match tonight. With victories in their next two games, MI, who are now ranked third in the table, might unseat DC as the top team.
Who Said What?
Smriti Mandhana, RCB and Losing captain said
They batted positively from the first ball. Last game of the season they come out in a different mood. We pulled off quite well in the last three-four overs. But credit to Voll. The way we started, we thought it is going to be a good season. Last five games, we couldn’t live up to expectations we had from ourselves. Played good cricket in patches. Lost a lot of moments in games that cost us. Bit loss to lose out top three wicket-takers from last season. Replacements were good, the way we started, thought we could take the momentum. You think something, happens differently in franchise cricket. The way Richa batted today, really happy for Rana – had a tough few years, but did well as a replacement.
Deepti Sharma, UP and Winning captain said
We just wanted to be on our toes because you never know with T20s. Total team effort today. I was backing myself with my stock balls and variations. Sometimes it clicks, sometimes it doesn’t. We have been getting good starts but middle order hasn’t clicked. Today everyone showed their character. When you win, you see everything in a positive light. Obviously disappointed that we haven’t qualified.
Georgia Voll, Player of the Match said
It’s been really cool experience to play the WPL. Getting here a week ago, been great to know all the girls. Great experience to help our team put up good totals. Probably think back where you could’ve found the extra run (missing out on a hundred). Overall pretty happy. It was a really good wicket, so we had to get above that 200 and defend it. Have been sitting in those positions in the last couple of games, nothing came my way.
India
