The action returned on Saturday in the Women’s T20 league 2023 with a doubleheader. In the day’s first game, UP delivered an all-around clinical performance to hand Mumbai their first defeat of the season. Following the major upset, Bangalore took on Gujarat in the day’s second game at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai. The two teams are struggling at the bottom of the table, with their chances of qualification to the playoffs hanging by a thread.
Gujarat won the toss and decided to bat first against Bangalore in a do-or-die game for both sides. They dropped a masterful batting performance led by Laura Wolvaardt’s 68 off 42. Ashleigh Gardener added a handy quick-fire 41 off 26 as Gujarat closed off at 188/4 at the end of their 20 overs. Shreyanka Patil returned with two wickets for Bangalore, while Preeti Bose and Sophie Devine grabbed one apiece.
Sophie Devine led the charge for Bangalore
In reply, Bangalore looked like a changed team, chasing the challenging total in under 16 overs with eight wickets in hand. Skipper Smriti Mandhana and opener Sophie Devine combined for an opening partnership of 125 runs as the latter missed out on her century by one run. Ellyse Perry and Heather Knight completed the remainder of the job giving Bangalore their second win in a row. Kim Garth and skipper Sneh Rana took a wicket each as Gujarat were comprehensively outplayed.
The next action in the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League will take place on Monday after a brief respite to the players on Sunday on account of the ongoing men’s ODI series between India and Australia. The second ODI will be played on Sunday as the visitors try to recover from their poor showing in the first game.
The first game on Monday in the league will see Gujarat and UP go against each other. While in the second game, Mumbai will look to bounce back after their loss at the hands of UP when they face their closest competitors on the points table, Delhi.
Here’s how fans reacted to Bangalore's second consecutive win:
Der aye, durust aye
— Cricket Fan 07 (@Manas_pr_sharma) March 18, 2023
Let’s all laugh at haarcb fans who thinks smrithi aunty chokuna is a best batter
— unknown user (@tamilan_jr) March 18, 2023
Lagta hai Kohli ka speech thoda jyada asar ho Gaya #RCBW team ke upar.#WPL #WPL2023 #WPLT20 #ViratKohli
— Kudrat ki nizaam (@kudrat_ki_nizam) March 18, 2023
Small Role but Huge Impact 🔥🐐 pic.twitter.com/vDu2tu22a8
— Cricket Crazy (@CrazyinCricket) March 18, 2023
Sophie Devine wins Player Of The Match award for her BREATHTAKING innings
— ً (@SarcasticCowboy) March 18, 2023
Meanwhile RCB fans when they found br£ath taken away pic.twitter.com/eOmCFYo8xb
same vibes uncle pic.twitter.com/r1M2SEITlE
— Devendra (@devonlyfans) March 18, 2023
RCB fans right now pic.twitter.com/iDHzYRqjOK
— ▄︻̷̿┻̿═━一 (@NO_VIS0R) March 18, 2023
— Cricket With Laresh (@Lareshhere) March 18, 2023
Some team depend on others to qualify and then there is goat franchise Mumbai Indians. pic.twitter.com/YD6cT7rd39
— the_maritzburg_mamba (@mr_xyz_93) March 18, 2023
Kuch nahi bro RCB ke playoff me jane ke chances calculate kar raha hu pic.twitter.com/HkAzyvQDBh
— ً (@SarcasticCowboy) March 18, 2023