In a game filled with twists and turns, Sophie Ecclestone proved to be the ultimate match-winner for UP Warriorz, leading them to a dramatic victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a nerve-wracking Super Over. Her all-round brilliance earned her the well-deserved Player-of-the-Match award, as she played a crucial role with both the bat and the ball to guide her team to victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025.
The high-intensity contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Batting first, UP Warriorz found themselves in a tricky situation before Ecclestone came to the rescue. Walking in during the latter stages of the innings, she played a valuable knock of 33 runs, ensuring her team reached a competitive total. Her innings provided the much-needed momentum, allowing UP Warriorz to set a fighting target for RCB.
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, responded with a determined batting effort. Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry played a fantastic innings, anchoring the chase and bringing RCB close to victory. However, the UP Warriorz bowlers fought back, picking up key wickets at crucial moments to keep the game in the balance. With the match going down to the final delivery, RCB managed to tie the scores, forcing a Super Over to decide the winner.
The tension in the stadium was at its peak as UP Warriorz batted first in the Super Over. Their batters managed to post a modest total, giving RCB a target of nine runs to win. With big hitters in their lineup, RCB looked like favorites to chase it down, but Sophie Ecclestone had other plans.
Entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the all-important over, Ecclestone showcased her class and composure under pressure. She bowled a near-perfect Super Over, conceding just four runs, leaving RCB well short of their target. Mixing up her pace and executing her deliveries with precision, she completely outfoxed the batters, sealing an incredible win for UP Warriorz.
Speaking after the match, Ecclestone expressed her joy at delivering in such a high-pressure situation. “I knew I had to stay calm and stick to my strengths. Bowling in a Super Over is always a challenge, but I backed myself to execute my plans. I’m happy to contribute to the team’s success,” she said.
With this victory, UP Warriorz strengthened their position in the tournament, proving they have the depth and resilience to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, RCB will take positives from the game but will be disappointed to have let the match slip away in the final moments.
As the WPL 2025 season progresses, performances like these continue to elevate the competition’s intensity. Sophie Ecclestone’s match-winning heroics will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament, further solidifying her reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the game.