The ninth match of the Women’s Premier League between Royal Challengers Bangalore and UP Warriorz at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be remembered for its nail-biting finish. The match ended in WPL’s first super-over, with UP emerging victorious. However, the thrilling conclusion has left RCB fans disheartened and wondering what could have been.
RCB had posted a total of 180, in response to which UP Warriorz crumbled under pressure, requiring 18 runs off the last over with only a wicket in hand. However, Sophie Ecclestone’s explosive batting had taken the match to a super over.
One of the major talking points from the match is the decision not to send Ellyse Perry to bat in the super over. Perry, who had scored a phenomenal 90 off 56 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes earlier in the match, was surprisingly not chosen to bat in the super over. Instead, Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh were sent out to bat, with Perry having to come in one down.
This decision has sparked a heated debate among the fans. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, questioning why Perry was not sent for the super-over chase.
Some have argued that it was a no-brainer decision, given Perry’s outstanding form and experience. Others have pointed out that she had scored 80 and 90 on the same ground in previous matches, making her the ideal choice to bat in the super over. Fans highlighted the disparity in Perry’s impressive 90 compared to Smriti’s 6 off 9, yet Mandhana was sent to bat ahead of Perry.
However, not everyone agrees that Perry should have been sent to bat. Some fans have argued that it’s not just about one or two players, and that other team members need to take responsibility and step up in critical situations.
Others defended the decision citing that Smriti’s presence was necessary to counter left-arm bowling, while Richa Ghosh’s ability to hit big shots made her a suitable choice. Some also noted that Sophie Ecclestone’s exceptional bowling would have challenged even Ellyse Perry.
Netizens have also expressed concerns over why Perry was not given the opportunity to bowl the 20th over instead of Renuka Singh. Perry’s absence from the super-over has left RCB fans lamenting the missed opportunity.
However, with their next match just around the corner on Thursday, the team will be looking forward to learning from this tough loss and bounce back stronger, determined to put their recent setbacks behind them.
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