In a crucial Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma won the toss and chose to field first, inviting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to set a target. With both teams eager to gain momentum in the tournament, Sharma’s decision was influenced by pitch conditions and the potential advantage of chasing under lights.
Toss Decision and Team Strategy
Speaking at the toss, Deepti Sharma emphasized her team’s confidence in chasing and the need to exploit any early movement for the pacers. “We have seen that the ball moves in the powerplay, so we wanted to bowl first. The toss doesn’t matter much; it’s about how we execute our plans,” she stated.
The Warriorz, known for their strong all-round unit, were expected to rely on their experienced bowling attack, featuring the likes of Sophie Ecclestone and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, to put early pressure on RCB’s formidable batting lineup.
RCB’s Batting Approach
On the other hand, RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, were looking to put up a strong total on the board. Mandhana acknowledged the challenge of setting a target but expressed confidence in her team’s ability. “Toss isn’t a big factor here at the Chinnaswamy. We would have loved to chase, but at the end of the day, it’s all about starting well with the bat and capitalizing on key moments,” she remarked.
With batting powerhouses like Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Mandhana herself, RCB aimed to post a competitive score. Perry, in particular, has been in fine form and was expected to play a key role in anchoring the innings.
Pitch Report and Match Expectations
The Bengaluru surface has historically been a good batting track, but early assistance for bowlers, especially under cloudy conditions, was anticipated. Experts noted that while spinners could come into play later, the first few overs would be crucial for both sides.
UP Warriorz, with their deep batting lineup featuring Alyssa Healy and Kiran Navgire, hoped to chase down whatever total RCB would set. However, RCB’s bowlers, including Renuka Singh and Sophie Molineux, were prepared to make life difficult for the opposition.
With the stage set for a thrilling contest, all eyes were on how RCB’s batters would respond to UP Warriorz’ bowling attack. The decision to field first was a bold move by Deepti Sharma, and its success would depend on disciplined execution with the ball.
For more news updates, follow 12B Sports India Facebook .