In a stellar display of all-round prowess, Ellyse Perry spearheaded Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), propelling them into the playoffs of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. With this triumph, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants saw their playoff hopes dashed.

Prior to the match, only defending champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals had secured their playoff berths. RCB needed a win to secure their spot, while UPW and GG pinned their hopes on a significant defeat for Smriti Mandhana’s side.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to DC in their previous outing, Bangalore left no stone unturned this time around. Opting to bowl first, Mandhana’s decision paid off as Perry’s remarkable six-wicket haul restricted MI to a modest 113. Perry then showcased her batting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 40 and forging a crucial 76-run partnership with Richa Ghosh (36*), guiding RCB to victory with seven wickets in hand and 15 overs to spare.

Ellyse Perry Shines as RCB Storms into WPL Playoffs with Dominant Victory

Although MI’s openers Hayley Matthews and S Sajana provided a solid start, Perry’s exceptional seam bowling dismantled their lineup, taking six wickets in her final three overs, as MI collapsed to a mere 48 runs in their last nine wickets.

Perry, who had gone wicketless in her previous four WPL appearances, showcased her mastery with the ball, consistently troubling the batsmen. Her scalps included clean-bowled dismissals of Sajana, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, and Pooja Vastrakar, while Amelia Kerr and Natalie Sciver-Brunt fell leg before wicket.

Despite losing early wickets, RCB’s Perry and Ghosh displayed resilience, steadily accelerating the scoring rate amidst Mumbai’s mounting pressure. Their partnership, punctuated with nine boundaries and three sixes, ensured RCB’s berth in the Eliminator.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals, already secured in the playoffs, are set to face Gujarat Giants in their final league stage clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with eyes set on a direct route to the WPL 2024 final. With five victories, two losses, and a tally of 10 points, DC leads the standings heading into the final showdown.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Elysse Perry makes history as first player to achieve six-wicket haul in WPL

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