Lucknow, March 7: Staring at elimination, UP Warriorz will hope for a stronger middle-order performance as they aim to derail Royal Challengers Bangalore’s campaign and conclude their Women’s Premier League season on a high when they face off here on Saturday.
It has been a tale of missed opportunities for UP Warriorz. Apart from a few individual flashes of brilliance, they have failed to fire collectively.
With just four points from seven matches, UPW are languishing at the bottom of the table and are only mathematically in contention.
Defending champions RCB have also endured a tough season, with four points from six games and are coming on the back of four defeats on the trot.
However, they have a game in hand over UP Warriorz, keeping their playoff hopes alive as Smriti Mandhana and Co will need to put their best foot forward.
UP Warriorz batting order has been far from settled with frequent changes, especially at the top in the last three games. They have experimented with at least one overseas batter as an opener, but the strategy has yielded little success.
While India’s Kiran Navgire has been a constant in the top-three with mixed results, Grace Harris had an impactful innings, and Georgia Voll produced a sensational knock against Mumbai Indians in their last match. However, in their pursuit of a strong start, UP Warriorz’s middle order has misfired as the team has struggled to post competitive totals or chase effectively.
RCB, on the other hand, began the season with back-to-back wins in Vadodara but have since lost their way.
They had a dismal run at the home stretch where they failed to win a single game.
Placed fourth in the table, RCB’s batting frailties were exposed in their last two matches, with Mandhana’s form being a major concern. While she scored 81 against Delhi Capitals, Mandhana has struggled against spin.
It’s not just Mandhana – most of the other batters, except Ellyse Perry, have been inconsistent.
RCB’s bowling unit has been equally inconsistent.
Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur tops the wicket-taking list for RCB with 10 scalps, while spinner Georgia Wareham has taken nine.
However, both have lacked consistency in line and length. (PTI)
Match starts 7:30 pm
