It was another last-over thriller at RCB’s home ground, Mumbai Indians won their second win of the season. Meanwhile, the defending champions saw their five-match winning streak end.

RCB vs MI Highlights: Perry Shines, But Harmanpreet & Co. Clinch Thrilling Win

After choosing to bat first, Smriti Mandhana gave RCB a good start. The skipper came out with an attacking mindset, making the most runs in the powerplay. She smashed four boundaries and a six, but her quickfire knock of 26 off 13 balls ended when she mistimed a shot and got out earlier. Mumbai Indians got the breakthrough they needed and kept RCB quiet for the rest of the powerplay. MI picked up three more wickets, leaving RCB struggling at 74/4.

Packing a Punch 👊

Ellyse Perry celebrates her FIFTY in style 😎

She's currently batting on her highest individual score in #TATAWPL 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/WIQXj6JCt2 #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/LdJvZDcHPC

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 21, 2025

With four wickets down, RCB was in deep trouble. That’s when Ellyse Perry stepped in to steady innings, teaming up with Richa Ghosh to rebuild the innings in the tough times. The duo put together a much-needed 50-run partnership before Amanjot Kaur bowled out Richa just as she was starting to settle in. But Perry wasn’t done yet. She reached her fifty in just 30 balls and then shifted to attacking mode, taking on Mumbai’s bowlers in the final overs. It was yet another brilliant knock from the experienced all-rounder as she backed the RCB into the game with a stunning 81 off 43 balls.

🚨 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁#RCB get the huge wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt, courtesy of Kim Garth ⚡️⚡️

Updates ▶ https://t.co/WIQXj6JCt2 #TATAWPL | #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/vS2uezclsA

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 21, 2025

Mumbai had a decent day with the ball, with Amanjot Kaur being the standout performer, picking up three wickets. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews were a bit expensive as RCB managed 167 in their 20 overs.  Mumbai Indians came out all guns blazing in the chase, racking up 66 runs in the first six overs. Even though Yastika Bhatia fell early, they kept going strong, making it their highest powerplay score in WPL history. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the star of the show, smashing a quickfire 41 off just 18 balls and putting Mumbai in the driver’s seat.

ALSO READ: Listen Sachin Tendulkar's famous "main khelega" story

A superb chase as Mumbai Indians secure their 2️⃣nd win in a row! 🙌 🙌

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led unit bag 2️⃣ points as they beat #RCB by 4 wickets! 👏 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/WIQXj6JCt2 #TATAWPL | #RCBvMI | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/NfA75uQzK3

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 21, 2025

With the pressure building, Mumbai desperately needed a strong partnership. Harmanpreet Kaur stepped up, scoring a crucial half-century. She found great support in Amanjot Kaur, and together they put on a 62-run run for the fifth wicket, bringing Mumbai back in control.

MI was heading for an easy win, Wareham took two wickets in two balls, including Harmanpreet’s, giving RCB a real chance to fight back. But with 22 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Amanjot held her nerve and smashed two big sixes, making the chase much easier. In the end, Kamalini G hit a crisp shot through covers for a boundary to seal the win for Mumbai with four wickets against RCB.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their WPL2025 with historic run chase in the opening match against Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The defending champions chased huge target of 202 runs with nine balls remaining, with a six wicket win. Brilliant knocks from Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh,RCB became the first team to chase 200+ runs in any women’s franchise or domestic T20 game.

RCB Make History with Record-Breaking Chase in WPL 2025 Opener

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and chose to bowl first. Gujarat Giants made a massive total of 201 runs. Their captain, Ashleigh Gardner, was unstoppable, smashing 79 runs off just 37 balls, including a record eight sixes. Beth Mooney (56 off 42 balls) and Deandra Dottin (25 off 23 balls) also helped with their contributions. RCB’s didn't get a good start, Gardner dismissed both Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt for low scores in the second over. But Ellyse Perry kept RCB in the game with a crucial knock of 57 off 34 balls. The real game-changer, Richa Ghosh, who played a excellent knock of 64 runs from just 27 balls. Kanika Ahuja also played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 30 off 13 balls. Their partnership of 93 runs in just 37 balls gives the World Record for RCB Woman's Team.

🚨 RCB CREATED HISTORY 🚨

- RCB become the first team to chased down 200+ runs total in WPL History. 😱 pic.twitter.com/PPW6ZvDYU4

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 14, 2025

A Record-Breaking Chase in the WPL

With this win, RCB not only set the record for the highest run chase in WPL history but also became the first women’s team to chase 200+ runs in any domestic or franchise T20 match. 

ALSO READ: Australia Masters Squad Announced: Shane Watson set to Lead in IML 2025

In the crucial second WODI of the three-match series, Australia Women set a new WODI record for the highest total against India Women with the help of four 50+ scores, including two centuries.

Leading the WODI series by 1-0, Aussie captain Tahila McGrath chose to bat first at Brisbane. They got a strong start and scored 371/8 in 50 overs. It was the highest WODI total for any team against India Women. The previous record was 338/7 by Australia Women in 2024 Wankhede WODI. It was also the joint 13th-highest total in WODI history. 

Australia Women started with a century partnership

Aussie openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll had a 130-run first-wicket partnership. While Litchfield scored 60 off 63 balls (eight fours and one six), Voll continued her batting with Ellyse Perry. 

Watch: Unstoppable Rishabh Pant playing stunning shots under pressure

Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry scored centuries

In her second WODI, the 21-year-old Voll hit a memorable century. While she completed her 50 in 43 balls, the right-handed batter completed her first WODI hundred in 84 balls. By scoring the century at the age of 21 years and 125 days, Voll became the third youngest Australia Women batter to record the first WODI hundred. She had a 92-run partnership for the second wicket before Saima Thakor took her second wicket of the match by dismissing Voll for 101 in 87 balls (12 fours). 

Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney had another 98-run partnership for the third wicket. Perry, who completed 50 runs, completed her third WODI hundred in 72 balls. After scoring two WODI centuries in 2019, Perry scored her first WODI century in five years. 

While Perry scored 105 off 75 balls (seven fours and six sixes), Mooney scored 56 off 44 balls with the help of eight fours. 

Four batters scored 50+ runs

The Indian bowlers controlled the slog overs by taking wickets, but the Aussie skipper Tahila McGrath had a cameo of 20 not out in 12 balls. While all the top four batters scored 50+ runs, it was the sixth time in the WODI history that a team's first four batters scored 50+ runs in a WODI innings.  

WODI debutant took two wickets

Among the Indian bowlers, Shaima Thakor (3/62) picked up three wickets, while the WODI debutant Minnu Mani (2/71) got two wickets. 

At just 15 years old, Caoimhe Bray has made an unforgettable debut in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for the Sydney Sixers, claiming a wicket and hitting the winning runs to secure victory. Bray, now the youngest player in WBBL history, has drawn praise from her longtime idol and mentor on the field, Ellyse Perry, who called her "a really special kid" after her impressive performance. For Bray, this debut was a dream realized, as she followed in the footsteps of Perry, whom she has admired since childhood.

A star debut

Emerging young cricketer Caoimhe Bray made her debut unforgettable, not only because of her impressive all-round skills but also due to the high praise from her childhood idol, Ellyse Perry. Bray, who played her first WBBL game for the Sydney Sixers, found herself taking on veteran batter Deandra Dottin in her opening over. Though Dottin hit her for a six on the first ball, Bray held her nerve and delivered a perfect yorker to claim the wicket by the end of the over. Later, with 32 runs needed, Bray strode in to hit a boundary off her second ball and ultimately drove the winning runs. Reflecting on the debut, Perry, who handed Bray her cap at the Adelaide Oval, said, “For a 15-year-old to hit a ball over extra cover to win the game is amazing… She’s a really special kid.”

For Bray, the moment held extra significance, as Perry has long been her inspiration. “I don’t think it’s scary or overwhelming being compared to her,” she shared. “I just try to do my best, and it’s super cool that people are even saying it.”

15 YEARS OLD!

Caoimhe Bray's debut wicket in the WBBL is Deandra Dottin 😱 #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/pl8a3ez4hi

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024

Imagine being 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray and Ellyse Perry has just called you a legend!#WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/CJWpb6n5Yz

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024

Balancing two sports, Bray eyes cricket and soccer future

Despite her early cricket success, Bray remains equally passionate about soccer, where she has represented the Junior Matildas. The young allrounder hopes to continue both sports for as long as she can, even as her three-year contract with the Sixers unfolds. Bray is committed to balancing her training and schoolwork, living in Coogee for the duration of the competition, with family visiting regularly. The New South Wales prodigy’s journey began in her local junior club at eight, and she continues to rise, recently making headlines with a standout performance in the Australia Under-19 squad.

Reflecting on her rapid ascent, Bray commented, “It’s come around really quickly… I haven’t been home much either, but I love doing sports.” For now, her focus remains on learning from each opportunity, and with Perry’s encouragement, Bray’s trajectory looks nothing short of inspiring.

Though the T20 format has seen a recent spike in the batter's performances, it has not always been one-sided. As they say, there are two sides to a coin; the bowlers are one of the prominent faces of the game, which enhances the thrill and intensity amongst cricket fanatics.

And this can be vividly seen in both the worlds of cricket, men & women. With the upcoming 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, here is the list of the top five wicket-takers of the tournament. 

1.Shabnim Ismail (South Africa): 43 Wickets

Shabnim Ismail tops the list for being the highest wicket-taker across all Women's T20 World Cup editions. Ismail is prominent for her quick and hostile pace, which gave nightmares to several women's cricket circle batters.

Before she announced her retirement in 2023, she was the pillar of South Africa's bowling department. In her tournament stint, she has taken 43 wickets in 32 matches at a commendable economy of 5.38, with her best bowling figure of 3/5. 

2. Anya Shrubsole (England): 41 Wickets

Anya Shrubsole is prominent for her pace and inswingers, which helped her scalp some wickets for her hat for the team. Her bowling at speeds of 70mph plus, combined with the ability to swing the ball both ways, proved supremely effective.

Unsurprisingly, she sealed the second spot for the most wickets a bowler took in the Women's T20 World Cup. In just 27 matches, she has scalped 41 wickets at a noteworthy 5.32 economy, with 3/6 being her best bowling figures.

3. Megan Schutt (Australia): 40 Wickets

Megan Schutt is well-known for her numerous strikeouts with inswinging pitches. She also made history in 2019 by becoming the first female bowler to record two international hat-tricks in both the Women's T20I and ODI formats.

Her records demonstrate the value she contributes to the ball, and Schutt will be seeking to make the most of her performance for the Australian team. In her 24-match tournament tenure, she has taken 40 wickets at an economy of six, with 4/18 being her best figures.

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Top-5 players with the most runs in Women's T20 World Cup

4. Ellyse Perry (Australia): 40 Wickets

Ellyse Perry exemplifies consistency and quality in women's cricket. Perry is a senior all-rounder whose ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her one of Australia's most dependable players. Her expertise in high-pressure circumstances is vital, and her presence brings serenity to the Australian team.

She has had an impact with the ball, including the willow, and is now the third equal best wicket-taker in the Women's T20 World Cup, behind Megan Schutt. In 42 matches, she has 40 wickets at an economy rate of 5.79, with 3/12 being her best figures. 

5. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies): 33 Wickets

Stefanie Taylor is among the finest all-rounders in the women's cricketing business. She can be a proper jack of all trades, from being a game-changer with the bat to deceiving the opponent batters with the ball. Also, she happens to be the only spinner who makes it to the list of top wicket-takers amongst all pacers.

For instance, she has been simultaneously ranked first in both batting and bowling lists. In her ongoing tournament stint of 33 matches, she has scalped 31 wickets at an economy of 5.95, with best figures of 4/12. 

Australia has always been a formidable challenger in cricket, regardless of gender. This year, the white-ball superpower continues to dominate the ICC Women's World Cup 2024, demonstrating remarkable talent and collaboration. The Australian women's cricket teams have been the most successful.

Australia are the defending champions and have won the highest number of titles (six times), and they are hungry to make it seven in the forthcoming event in the United Arab Emirates. With that stated, here is the official entire roster, probable XI, and top three players to watch from the Australian side. 

Announced Women's Australia 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad: 

Alyssa Healy (Captain & Wicketkeepeer), Tahlia McGrath (Vice-Captain), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck

Australia's Probable XI:

1. Alyssa Healy (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
2. Beth Mooney
3. Ellyse Perry
4. Tahlia McGrath (Vice-Captain)
5. Phobe Litchfield
6. Ashleigh Gardner
7. Annabel Sutherland
8. Georgia Wareham
9. Sophie Molineux
10. Megan Schutt
11. Tayla Vlaeminck

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: India Women's Team squad, Probable XI & Top 3 players to check out

Top 3 players to check out from Australia in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Ellyse Perry

Ellyse Perry is known for being the reliable all-rounder for the Aussies side and the youngest player to debut for the down-under Arsenal. Ellyse Perry is an all-rounding superstar, and her records in all three forms reflect her outstanding career. Ellyse is a global cricket hero who inspires young players worldwide.

Her all-around talent has propelled Australia to unprecedented success across forms. Ellyse Perry, an Australian cricketer, has won several Cricket Australia and International Cricket Council accolades, demonstrating her exceptional playing abilities. In 154 T20I matches, she scored 1878 runs and took 126 wickets.   

Sophie Molineux

Sophie Molineux has been known for her pivotal role as a spinner and a handy batter during crucial times for the team. Molineux's recent prominence would come from her recent WPL performance for her triumphant team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where she scalped major wickets and made a handful of pivotal runs.

That said, it is no surprise that the upcoming tournament would pave the way for her consistent performance. In her T20I stint, she has made 588 runs and scalped 47 wickets. 

Darcie Browne

Darcie Brown's name has been cited by many cricket fanatics, mainly because of her quality bowling as a pacer across all the formats of the game.

Primarily known for her speed and bouncing deliveries, Brown can become a batter's deadly nightmare, with her news of recovering from an injury and eagerness to unleash her X-factor. In her T20I stint, she has scalped 28 wickets in 30 matches at a mere economy of over six.

In the Women’s Premier League 2024, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry emerged as the top run-scorer, earning her the prestigious Orange Cap. Perry’s composed innings of 35 not out in the final match against Delhi Capitals propelled her total tally to 347 runs from 9 matches. Throughout the tournament, she showcased her versatility, making vital contributions with both bat and ball for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team.

Perry faced stiff competition from Delhi Capitals’ captain Meg Lanning, who amassed 331 runs in the tournament. However, Perry’s consistent performances and crucial contributions in the final stages of the competition secured her the coveted Orange Cap. In the finals against Delhi Capitals, Ellyse Perry exhibited a composed innings, steering her team towards the target of 114 runs.

Perry played a risk-free knock, scoring an unbeaten 35 runs off 37 balls, punctuated with four boundaries. Partnering with her was Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 31 runs off 39 balls, providing valuable support in the chase. Additionally, Sophie Devine played a crucial role, scoring 32 runs off 27 balls while opening the batting alongside Mandhana. Their collective efforts propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory in the final match of the tournament.

See Also: IPL 2024: SWOT Analysis of Lucknow Super Giants

Ellyse Perry’s Inspiring Journey to Capture the Orange Cap

Ellyse Perry emerged as the true match-winner for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, showcasing her all-round prowess throughout the tournament. She consistently delivered crucial performances with both bat and ball, often proving to be the difference-maker in pressure situations.

In their third game against Mumbai Indians, Perry played a vital role, contributing 44 runs to RCB’s total score of 131 runs. Her contribution accounted for 34.92% of the team’s total, highlighting her significance in the match. Similarly, in the following game against UP Warriorz, Perry’s explosive innings of 58 runs off 37 balls played a pivotal role in RCB’s total score of 198 runs. Her contribution in this match amounted to 30.69% of the team’s total, further underlining her importance to the team’s success.

During the pivotal stages of the tournament, Ellyse Perry showcased her exceptional form, delivering match-winning performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In their last league match against Mumbai Indians, RCB successfully chased down 115 runs, with Perry contributing 40 runs, which accounted for 40% of the team’s total.

In the crucial semi-final clash against Mumbai Indians, RCB set a target of 135 runs while batting first. Perry played a stellar innings, scoring 66 runs, which constituted an impressive 50% of the team’s total score. In the final showdown against Delhi Capitals, Perry once again played a vital role, guiding RCB to victory in the chase of 115 runs. Her composed innings of 35 runs contributed 30.43% of the team’s total score, underscoring her importance as a dependable anchor in pressure situations.

Ellyse Perry’s outstanding performances throughout the Women’s Premier League 2024 showcased her exceptional skills as an all-rounder for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. With both bat and ball, Perry consistently delivered match-winning contributions, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure.

Her pivotal knocks in crucial encounters, including the semi-final and final, played a significant role in RCB’s success in the tournament. Perry’s calm demeanor and ability to anchor the innings were instrumental in guiding her team to victory in high-pressure situations. Overall, Perry’s invaluable contributions solidified her position as a key player and a match-winner for RCB in their quest for glory.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women etched their names in the annals of cricket history by securing their maiden title in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), emerging victorious over Delhi Capitals Women in a thrilling final encounter by eight wickets. This momentous victory marked a significant milestone for RCB Women, while it brought disappointment to the Delhi Capitals Women’s camp for the second consecutive season.

Final Match Summary: RCB vs. DC

In the much-anticipated final clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore Women and Delhi Capitals Women, RCB Women exhibited exceptional skills in batting and bowling. After restricting Delhi Capitals Women to a modest total of 113 runs, RCB Women quickly chased down the target, reaching 115/2 in just 19.3 overs.

See Also: Netizens troll Kohli after RCB women win WPL

Top Performers of the Season

Several players showcased outstanding performances throughout the WPL 2024 season, vying for the prestigious Orange and Purple Caps, awarded to the highest run-scorer and highest wicket-taker, respectively.

Orange Cap Winner: Ellyse Perry

The coveted Orange Cap was claimed by the versatile all-rounder of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ellyse Perry. Perry exhibited exemplary batting prowess, accumulating 347 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 69.40. Her consistent performances were pivotal in RCB Women’s journey to the title.

Purple Cap Winner: Shreyanka Patil

Shreyanka Patil emerged as the standout performer in the bowling department, clinching the Purple Cap for her exceptional bowling exploits throughout the WPL 2024 season. Patil’s remarkable four-wicket haul in the final match against Delhi Capitals Women was crucial in restricting the opposition to a modest total of 113 runs. She finished the season with an impressive tally of 13 wickets in eight matches, showcasing her bowling prowess and contributing significantly to RCB Women’s success.

Australian cricket sensation Ellyse Perry showcased her all-round prowess once again as she steered Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a crucial 5-run win over the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) eliminator.

Perry’s Contribution with both bat and ball

Perry’s stellar performance with both bat and ball proved instrumental in RCB’s triumph, solidifying her status as one of the premier all-rounders in the women’s cricketing arena.

See Also: Reports: BCCI might shift IPL 2024 to another country

In a high-stakes encounter, Perry played a pivotal role with the bat, anchoring the innings with a sublime 66-run knock. Despite a shaky start for RCB in the powerplay, Perry’s resilience and attacking stroke play propelled the team forward, enabling them to post a competitive total of 135/6.

With the ball in hand, Perry continued to exert her influence, claiming the crucial wicket of Yastika Bhatia and conceding just 29 runs in her quota of four overs. Her economical bowling spell played a significant role in restricting the Mumbai Indians and tilting the balance in RCB’s favor.

Recognition and praise

Perry’s outstanding performance garnered widespread acclaim from cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike, with social media platforms abuzz with praise for her match-winning efforts. A viral video capturing fans chanting Perry’s name in the Delhi metro underscored her popularity and influence in the cricketing fraternity.

Perry’s Post-Match Reflection

Following the exhilarating encounter, Perry expressed her elation at RCB’s qualification for the WPL final and lauded the team’s composure in defending a modest total. Her personal success in the recent matches and the team’s collective effort were hailed as exceptional.

RCB captain Mandhana showered praise on Perry for her fighting spirit and leadership on the field, emphasizing her invaluable contribution in steering the team through challenging moments.

“What do I say of her now! She is a legend, the way she kept her nerves with 3 wickets down. Even when she came back in, she told us we are in it, keep our nerves,” Madhana said after RCB’s triumph.

Previous Performances

Perry’s remarkable performance in the eliminator adds to her illustrious record in the league, where she previously etched her name in the record books with a sensational six-wicket haul against the Mumbai Indians in the league stage clash.

Royal Challengers Bangalore star player Ellyse Perry received a special gift from TATA Motors after she was awarded as the Player Of The Match for her stunning show in the WPL 2024 eliminator against the Mumbai Indians on March 15 as well.

However, Perry performed with both bat and the ball as RCB beat MI in the Eliminator by 5 runs. The veteran Aussie all-rounder got a special gift from the car manufacturers as they gifted her the broken window of the car she had broken the glass during a league match as well.

Ellyse Perry once again played a key role for RCB

Notably, Ellyse Perry hit a massive six during the match against UP Warriorz in Bengaluru and the ball directly hit the window of the car which was parked near the boundary as well. And, Perry’s reaction was priceless at that moment, and she even joked about that she didn’t have the insurance to cover for the damage she caused while batting.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

However, TATA would make the wonderful gesture as they presented the gift on Friday, as revealed by the latest social media post from RCB as well. And, Perry once again rescued RCB during the match in Delhi on March 15. RCB found themselves struggling at 30 for 3 and looked set for a low score in the all-important match. But, she tried her best with the bat and scored a 50-ball 66 and ensured that RCB ended with 135 on the board in 20 overs as well.

“We are ecstatic to get an opportunity to be in the final” – Ellyse Perry

With the ball, Perry got the wicket of the in-form Yastika Bhatia and gave away 29 runs in her four overs as RCB reach the final clash with Delhi Capitals on March 17. However, Perry was happy with the performance by RCB in the match as well.

“We are ecstatic to get an opportunity to be in the final. To defend a low total like that is awesome. The girls kept calm and pretty awesome performance from the spinners at the end. You gotta take the opportunity when it comes. Nice for me the last couple of games, it has fallen my way. The way we stayed calm against such a good side is exceptional,” said Perry.

However, Ellyse Perry is currently the highest run-getter in WPL 2024 with 312 runs, four ahead of Meg Lanning as well.