WPL Live: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

2 months ago 48

We are all set for play to begin. Smriti Mandhana walks out with Sabbhineni Meghana right at the top for Bengaluru.

UP captain Deepti Sharma acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the day, feeling a sense of pride on International Women's Day, but also disappointment at her team's failure to qualify for the next round. Deepti expressed her team's determination to work hard and come back stronger next year. She also revealed that UP have made two changes to its lineup, with Poonam Khemnar and Anjali Sarvani replacing Vrinda Dinesh and Gouher Sultana. When asked about the team's strategy, Deepti explained that they have experimented with various combinations based on conditions, but have ultimately focused on identifying their best XI and improving as a team. Deepti also fondly recalled the historic Super Over match, which was the first of its kind, and acknowledged that it would always be a memorable moment for the team.

Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana expressed optimism about her team's chances in their upcoming match, citing the benefits of a recent break from action. The time away from the field has allowed the team to introspect and regroup, and Smriti hopes this reflection will translate into an improved performance tonight. Despite a string of losses, Smriti acknowledged that Bengaluru has played some good cricket, but has simply failed to capitalize on key moments. Drawing on the team's experiences from last season, when they faced similar challenges, Smriti remains focused on the positives and is confident that her team can turn their fortunes around.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Smriti Mandhana (C), Sabbhineni Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh (WK), Raghvi Bist, Kanika Ahuja, Charlie Dean, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur.

UP (Playing XI) - Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma (C), Poonam Khemnar, Shweta Sehrawat, Chinelle Henry, Uma Chetry (WK), Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Kranti Goud.

UP Warriorz Women XI

Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma(c), Chinelle Henry, Shweta Sehrawat, Poonam Khemnar, Uma Chetry(w), Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Goud, Anjali Sarvani

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women XI

Smriti Mandhana(c), Charlotte Dean, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh(w), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sabbhineni Meghana

Toss news - Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have won the toss and have opted to field

We are using pitch number 3 tonight. Let's get those dimensions - 51 and 59 meters square, straight hit is 66 meters. That is something for the fielding side to contend with. It is a surface that has been used before and it did seem to slightly help the spinners on that occasion. It looks nice and hard, it has been nicely rolled. It is a red-soil surface and that's the reason we saw the spinners have a field day. Even tonight we can expect the same thing to continue. The spinners have done well at this venue because they have bowled at the right speeds. The batters will aim for the shorter boundaries but that is where the opportunities are for the spinners. Kerr picked up a 5-fer in the previous game. We saw dew play a part and side's batting first will face a tricky situation about what would be a good total.