On Wednesday, March 15, UP Warriorz (UPW) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face off in the 13th match of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 at the DY Patil Sports Academy.
RCB have had a heartbreaking beginning to their mission, losing every one of the five of their games up until this point. Even though it looks like they won’t make it to the Eliminator, they still have a mathematical chance of making it.
Starting with their match against UPW, Bangalore must win all of their remaining games. RCB will also want Mumbai Indians (MI) to continue winning, but not against themselves. They will also need Delhi Capitals (DC) to lose only to Mumbai, and Gujarat Giants (GG) to support them when they play UP Warriorz.
On the other hand, UP Warriorz will try to maintain their third-place position. In WPL 2023, they have blown hot and cold, winning twice and losing the same number. As the competition for the top three positions intensifies from this point on, Alyssa Healy and co. will be hoping to improve their results.
Alyssa Healy vs Megan Schutt
Alyssa Healy and Megan Schutt, two legendary superstars from Australia, have been playing together for almost a decade. This battle is interesting because they are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
With the bat, Healy has had excellent performances, scoring 185 runs in four games at an average of over 60. She will once again need to play a significant knock to put UPW in contention, as she ranks third on the list of highest run-scoring players in WPL 2023.
In contrast, Schutt showed signs of form in the previous game. The senior Australian pacer is slowly getting back into her rhythm, and if she can get Healy out early, RCB will have a good chance of winning the competition for the first time.
The two Australian cricketers’ duel might decide the match’s outcome.
Ellyse Perry vs Sophie Ecclestone
Ellyse Perry, a sporting legend, has been RCB’s best batter thus far in the tournament. With 195 runs across five games, including two half-centuries, she ranks second in the competition.
Perry, who is known to be a middle-over enforcer, will face Sophie Ecclestone, the number one bowler in the world.
The left-arm spinner is a partnership break and is known to dictate terms from one end. Ecclestone, who has already taken eight wickets, will be eager to take more.
The contest between Perry and Ecclestone in the middle overs will be interesting to watch and could influence the game’s outcome.
Richa Ghosh vs Shabnim Ismail
In the most recent match against Delhi, RCB wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh showed some signs of form by scoring a quick 37 runs off 16 balls.
Given that they have lacked a player who can score runs quickly, the Bangalore franchise will be delighted if this can be a positive sign.
Richa, on the other hand, will face Shabnim Ismail, who is famous for her success in death matches. Despite her subpar WPL 2023 campaign thus far, the South African is known to step up in crucial matches.