Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB-W) have roared back with two resounding wins against UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants. It was not too long ago that the Bangalore-based franchise were eagerly looking forward to win at least one game after five consecutive defeats.
However, since their first win in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the side has been more confident in their approach. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians (MI-W) were riding high on the back five consecutive wins and seemed unstoppable as they were on the cusp of making a place in the finals of the event.
That said, considering that the side endured two losses thereafter, they are now fighting for the finals berth against Delhi Capitals. However, in order to cement their place, Mumbai will need to obtain a win by a considerable margin against RCB in their final group stage match.
It remains to be seen if Mumbai can make a place in the finals or will RCB dent their chances. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai face Smriti Mandhana’s Bangalore at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday, March 21.
RCB-W vs MI-W Match Details
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, Match 19, Women’s Premier League 2023
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Date & Time: March 21, 3:30 PM IST
Telecast: Sports18
Live Streaming: JioCinema
RCB-W vs MI-W Pitch Report
The wicket in Navi Mumbai is expected to aid the batters although bowlers have also got some impact in the previous matches. However, considering the shorter boundaries, both teams have top-draw batters to get them to a big total. Any score in the region of 160-180 will be competitive.
RCB-W vs MI-W Probable Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB-W):
Sophie Devine, Smriti Mandhana (c), Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Shreyanka Patil, Disha Kasat, Megan Schutt, Asha Shobana, Preeti Bose
Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W):
Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amelia Kerr, Issy Wong, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur, Humaira Kazi, Jintimani Kalita, Saika Ishaque
RCB-W vs MI-W Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter
Hayley Matthews:
Either with the bat or with the ball, Hayley has been a force to be reckoned with for Mumbai Indians. Opening the batting line-up, the batter will look to play her natural aggressive game against the RCB unit. Furthermore, Hayley will look to use the short boundaries to her advantage to get the big runs early on in the contest.
Probable best bowler:
Saika Ishaque:
The Kolkata-born left-arm spinner has been quite impactful since the start of Mumbai’s campaign in the inaugural edition. Considering her sharp line and length coupled with decent flight, rival batters have found it fairly tricky to read her deliveries. Despite being among the list of leading wicket-takers, the spinner has failed to get breakthroughs in the last three outings and will be raring to dent the RCB batting line-up.