"Big loss to lose our top three wicket-takers from last season... You think something, happens differently in franchise cricket." – Smriti Mandhana
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana pointed to the absence of their top bowlers from their victorious 2024 campaign and their inability to capitalise on key moments as the reasons behind their early exit from WPL 2025.
A 12-run defeat to UP Warriorz in Lucknow on Saturday marked RCB’s fifth consecutive loss, ending their playoff hopes with a game to spare. Last season’s leading wicket-takers – Shreyanka Patil (13), Asha Sobhana (12), and Sophie Molineux (12) – were all missing, leaving RCB’s bowling attack vulnerable. UP Warriorz took full advantage, smashing a record WPL total of 225/5.
Georgia Voll led the charge with an unbeaten 99 off 56 balls, while Kiran Navgire (46 off 16) and Grace Harris (39 off 22) provided explosive support. Despite a valiant chase led by Richa Ghosh (69 off 33) and Sneh Rana (26 off 6), RCB fell short at 213/6, unable to score 15 off the final over.
Mandhana lamented her team’s downturn after a strong start to the season.
The way we started, we thought it was going to be a good season. Last five games, we couldn't live up to the expectations we had of ourselves. Played good cricket in patches but lost crucial moments.
UP Warriorz, already out of playoff contention, played with freedom. Skipper Deepti Sharma praised her team’s all-round effort, crediting Voll’s innings and key spells from Sophie Ecclestone (3-25) and herself (3-50).
T20 is always close. We had to be on our toes. Today, everyone clicked
With RCB out, the playoff spots now belong to Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Giants.
