Once again, Smriti Mandhana took the spotlight on Monday, leading RCB to a crucial 28-run victory against UP Warriorz in the ongoing WPL 2024.
Throughout the first half of WPL 2024, there have been several positive performances. However, none have been more impressive than Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional play on the leg side. It’s remarkable that a batter of her caliber had previously not fully utilized this aspect of her game. However, in the current WPL season, as captain of RCB, Mandhana seems to have shed any reservations about playing on the leg side.
In Monday’s match, Mandhana once again demonstrated her prowess, guiding RCB to a significant victory against UP Warriorz. This win places them in the top three ahead of the Delhi leg of the tournament.
Setting the tone for RCB’s innings, Mandhana showcased her intent early on. Despite losing their previous two games after an initial winning streak, Mandhana was determined to lead from the front. She emphasized the need to display intent right from the start, a message that she translated into action on the field. Mandhana’s aggressive approach, including two well-timed sixes during the powerplay, highlighted her dominance, particularly on the leg side.
In addition to her improved onside play, Mandhana has also made adjustments to her batting approach against spinners. Recognizing her vulnerability to off-spinners, she chose to stay deep in the crease more often, targeting areas behind square on either side of the field for boundaries. This tactical change paid dividends as she crafted an impressive innings, scoring 80 runs off 50 balls, her highest WPL score to date.
Accompanying Mandhana throughout much of her innings was Ellyse Perry, who also contributed significantly with her first half-century of the season, even smashing a six that shattered the sponsor’s car window.
Despite UPW’s pursuit of RCB’s target of 199, RCB’s bowlers, led by captain Alyssa Healy, managed to keep the opposition at bay. Healy’s dismissal, due to venturing too far down the crease, proved crucial as Richa Ghosh executed a swift stumping, securing RCB’s position at the top of the points table.
