Lucknow, March 8 – The journey of defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) came to a crashing halt in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, as they suffered a 12-run defeat against UP Warriorz. Under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, the Bengaluru-based team has officially bowed out of the tournament, missing out on the playoff race.
Georgia Voll Shines as UP Warriorz Post Mammoth Total
The high-voltage clash at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, saw UP Warriorz setting a formidable total of 225 runs after electing to bat first. The standout performer of the innings was 21-year-old Georgia Voll, who remained unbeaten at 99 runs, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. Her 56-ball carnage included 11 boundaries and 5 towering sixes, anchoring UP Warriorz to a commanding score.
Adding firepower to the innings, Kiran Navgire smashed a blistering 46 off just 16 balls, setting the tone early on. Contributions from Grace Harris (39 runs) and Deepti Sharma (18 runs) further bolstered the Warriorz’s total, putting immense pressure on the RCB bowling unit.
RCB’s Chase Falls Short Despite Late Blitz
Chasing a daunting 226-run target, RCB needed an explosive start, but their hopes took an early hit as skipper Smriti Mandhana’s rough patch continued, departing cheaply for just 4 runs.
Veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry (28 runs) and Shabbhineni Meghana (27 runs) attempted to steady the ship but failed to capitalize. It was Richa Ghosh who kept RCB in the hunt, hammering a sensational 69 off 33 balls, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. However, just when RCB appeared to be back in contention, Deepti Sharma struck, dismissing Ghosh, delivering a crucial blow to the Bengaluru side’s chances.
Sneh Rana’s Heroics in Vain
As RCB’s defeat seemed inevitable, Sneh Rana provided a last-minute glimmer of hope, unleashing an explosive 26-run cameo off just 6 balls. In a breathtaking 19th over, Rana launched 3 sixes and 2 boundaries off Deepti Sharma, making it the most expensive over in WPL history.
Despite Rana’s fireworks, the chase fell 12 runs short, as RCB could only manage 213 runs, marking their fifth consecutive defeat and confirming their elimination from the tournament.
WPL 2025 Playoff Picture Finalized
With this result, the three teams advancing to the playoffs have been confirmed. Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants have secured their berths, while Delhi Capitals had already confirmed their spot in the next stage.
For UP Warriorz, this victory served as a pride-restoring finish, as they were already eliminated from the competition. However, they ended their campaign on a high note, delivering a decisive blow to the defending champions RCB.
With the playoffs approaching, the Women’s Premier League 2025 is set for a thrilling climax, as the top three teams battle for the coveted championship title.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
