When Mumbai Indians edged out Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets in a heart‑stopping finish at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on , the crowd’s roar turned to stunned silence before exploding into cheers.
The drama unfolded in Match 7 of the TATA Women's Premier League 2025, the first game of the Bengaluru leg after the tournament wrapped up in Vadodara on February 19. Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of Mumbai, won the toss and elected to let Smriti Mandhana’s side bat first.
Background to the Bengaluru Leg
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had been riding high after a crisp 167/7 in their opening game, thanks to a blistering 81‑run cameo from Australian all‑rounder Ellyse Perry. The home team’s early momentum was palpable – Mandhana smashed five boundaries, including a massive six, within the first three overs, sending the Bengaluru crowd into a frenzy.
But the early fireworks soon fizzled. A top‑edge catch behind off Shabnim Ismail saw Mandhana dismissed for 26 off just 13 balls. The loss set off a mini‑collapse, yet Perry’s steady hand and wicket‑keeper Richa Ghosh (28 off 25) kept the total respectable.
Match Summary: Batting and Bowling Highlights
RCB’s innings was a tale of two halves. After four quick wickets, Perry’s 81 off 43 balls (SR 188) steadied the ship. The partnership with Ghosh added another 45 runs, propelling the side to 167/7 at the end of the powerplay. When the innings wrapped, Mumbai needed 171 to win.
On the chase, Mumbai’s openers – Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews – fell early, leaving the scoreboard at 28/2. The pressure cooker opened for Harmanpreet Kaur, who responded with a composed 51 (48 balls), her maiden half‑century of the season. She was ably supported by Nat Sciver‑Brunt, whose quick‑fire 42 (31 balls) kept the required run‑rate in check.
The real game‑changer, however, was the all‑round brilliance of Amanjot Kaur. She claimed three crucial wickets for 22 runs and then steadied the chase with an unbeaten 34 off 27 balls. Her effort earned her the Player‑of‑the‑Match award.
Key Performances and Turning Points
"We knew the pitch would finish low, so we kept the line tight," Amanjot explained in the post‑match interview. "Getting those early breakthroughs gave us the cushion we needed for the final overs."
The final over was a nerve‑wracking 12‑run scramble. With two runs needed off the last two balls, 16‑year‑old G Kamalini stepped up and clanged a boundary into the stands, sealing a 170/6 finish in 19.5 overs.
Ellyse Perry, though on the losing side, reflected on her innings: "I’m happy with the 81, but Mumbai chased it down with such composure. Credit to their bowlers for defending early and to our fielders for staying sharp."
Impact on the WPL Table and Future Outlook
The win catapulted Mumbai Indians into second place, equalising points with Delhi Capitals and trailing RCB by a hair‑thin net run rate (NRR). Both Mumbai and RCB now sit on four points after two games each, turning the next round into a potential showdown for the top spot.
Strategically, Mumbai’s balanced attack – a blend of experienced internationals and rising Indian talent – suggests they could be the dark horse for the title. RCB, meanwhile, will need to tighten the final‑over delivery after conceding three such finishes in just seven matches of the season.
Historical Context and Rivalry
This victory marks Mumbai’s fourth win in six WPL encounters against RCB, a record that deepens a rivalry dating back to the league’s inaugural season in 2023. The two sides have exchanged blows in memorable finishes, most notably the 2024 semi‑final in Hyderabad where Mumbai snatched a two‑run win off the last ball.
Analyst Rhea Sharma of CricInsights notes, "The trend of close finishes underscores the competitive parity the WPL has achieved. It’s no longer about a single dominant side; tactical nuances and pressure handling become the differentiators."
Looking Ahead
The next fixture sees Mumbai taking on Chennai Superstars in Hyderabad on February 24, while RCB will host Kolkata Knights in Bengaluru. Both matches offer a chance to either cement the current hierarchy or reshuffle it entirely.
Fans can expect more fireworks, as the tournament’s format encourages aggressive play. With three final‑over finishes already recorded, the odds of another nail‑biter in the coming weeks are high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Mumbai Indians' chances of reaching the final?
The win lifts Mumbai to second place with four points, narrowing the gap to the leaders. With a superior net‑run rate, they can now challenge for the top spot in the next two matches, making a finals berth realistic if they maintain this momentum.
What were the key factors behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru's loss?
Despite Perry’s 81, RCB fell short in the death overs, conceding three wickets in the final ten balls. Their inability to defend a modest target of 171 under pressure, coupled with a few misfields, proved decisive.
Who emerged as the standout player of the match?
Amanjot Kaur earned the Player‑of‑the‑Match award, delivering a three‑for‑22 spell and an unbeaten 34, effectively turning the game in Mumbai’s favor.
Will the three final‑over finishes so far signal a trend for the tournament?
Experts say the WPL’s aggressive batting policies and tighter fielding standards are creating more nail‑biting finishes. Teams are now focusing on finishing power, making close games more likely as the season progresses.
What does the victory mean for young talent like G Kamalini?
Kamalini’s winning shot at 16 showcases the depth of emerging talent in Indian women’s cricket. Her composure under pressure could accelerate her rise to national selection, highlighting the WPL’s role as a talent incubator.
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