The Women’s Premier League 2025 victory of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against the Mumbai Indians (MI) was praised by former Indian captain Mithali Raj. In addition to improving their own spirits, RCB’s triumph gave the Delhi Capitals (DC) a straight ticket to the championship game.
In particular, Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Georgia Wareham were commended by Raj for their contributions to the team’s impressive 199-run total. She also praised the disciplined bowling of RCB, which held MI to 188/9.
Raj discussed her impressions of the Smriti Mandhana-led team’s performance against the Mumbai Indians in their most recent game.
“RCB probably knew they had nothing to lose going into this match. Although they were coming off a defeat, their last game saw them almost chase down 225, demonstrating how effectively their batting had clicked.
They recorded a solid total of 199 today. Along with outstanding efforts by Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham, it was wonderful to see Smriti Mandhana return to the running. They finished their innings on a strong note with over 70 runs in the last five overs, which proved essential.
That last flourish changed everything. 199 is a competitive total on this wicket. Tight lines and disciplined bowling may make it hard for the opposition, even if it is chaseable. “RCB did a good job executing their plans today, and the result showed that,” Mithali Raj said on JioHotstar.
Raj anticipated an exciting battle in the next eliminator between MI and the Gujarat Giants, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 13 at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.
She pointed out that the game is an exciting strategic contest since both sides have shown strength in pursuing and protecting totals.
“This contest is going to be very fascinating. According to the Mumbai Indians, they won the toss both times—once when they successfully defended a total, and again when they were unable to pursue. Therefore, if they win the toss this time, it will be intriguing to watch what they decide.
However, Ashleigh Gardner has consistently chosen to pursue after winning the toss. But the Gujarat Giants have also won while playing defense. With a high-pressure eliminator on the line, it will be interesting to see how both captains handle their tactics on this field,” the 42-year-old said.
MI won the toss and decided to field in the game against RCB. MI’s hitting lineup struggled to meet the necessary run rate after a good start, eventually losing by 11 runs. Sneh Rana was named ‘Player of the Match’ for her outstanding bowling performance.
During her 41-run opening partnership with captain Smriti Mandhana (53 in 37 balls, with six fours and three sixes), Sabbhineni Megha (26 in 13 balls, with four boundaries and a six) played a quickfire hand. Mandhana had a 59-run partnership with Perry (49* in 38 balls, with five fours and a six). Georgia Wareham (31* in 10 balls, with five fours and a six) went on a rampage towards the finish, pushing RCB to 199/3 in their 20 overs. MI’s highest wicket-taker was Hayley Matthews (2/37). Richa Ghosh (36 in 22 balls, with five fours and a six) shared another half-century with Perry.
Nat Sciver Brunt (69 in 35 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) put up a fight during the run-chase, registering two fifty-run stands with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20 in 18 balls, with two fours) and Amanjot Kaur (17). However, MI lost by 11 runs, managing only 188/9 in their 20 overs.
The standout bowler for the RCB was Sneh Rana (3/26), with Kim Garth and Perry both taking two wickets. ‘Player of the Match’ went to Rana.
With both teams fighting for a position in the final, the scene is now set for an entertaining eliminator encounter between the Gujarat Giants and MI.
