In a twist that even Stranger Things would envy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a jaw-dropping 11-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final WPL 2025 league clash. Despite already being eliminated from playoff contention, RCB decided, “If we’re sinking, we’re taking MI’s lifeboat with us!” The result? Delhi Capitals waltzed into the final, while MI now face Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator. Let’s unpack this spicy drama!
RCB’s Batting Bonanza: Mandhana, Perry, and Wareham’s “Chaos, Confetti, Repeat”
RCB’s innings was like a Netflix binge—started strong, dipped a bit, then ended with a mind-blowing finale. Smriti Mandhana, fresh off a four-game slump, turned into a “Smashriti” (see what we did there?), hammering 53 off 35. Sabbhineni Meghana played like she had a flight to catch, racing to 26 off 12 before Hayley Matthews finally said, “Enough, mate!”
But the real plot twist? Ellyse Perry, who spent half her innings impersonating a statue (strike rate < 100), suddenly remembered she’s Ellyse Perry. She anchored with 49*, while Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham turned the death overs into a TikTok dance challenge. Wareham’s 31* off 10 balls—featuring reverse sweeps, scoops, and MI’s shattered morale—propelled RCB to 199. MI’s fielding? Let’s just say they dropped more catches than a butter-fingered juggler.
MI needed 200 to skip straight to the final. Instead, their top order decided to audition for Mission Impossible: PowerPlay Edition. Hayley Matthews whacked a few boundaries, but Sneh Rana (3/26) said, “Not today, Satan!” and dismissed both openers. Enter Harmanpreet Kaur, who edged Kim Garth’s leg-cutter like it was a spicy samosa she didn’t want.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, meanwhile, played like a one-woman army. Her 69 off 35—including a six that probably landed in next week—kept MI’s hopes alive. But when she top-edged a shot in the 15th over, MI’s chase turned into a Home Alone sequel: chaotic, desperate, and full of “How did that happen?!” moments. Tailenders tried their best, but needing 28 off the final over? Even Sajeevan Sajana’s two sixes off Perry couldn’t save MI from an 11-run defeat.
FAQs: Because You’re Definitely Wondering…
A victory would’ve topped the table and sent them straight to the final. Instead, they’re stuck in the Eliminator. Thanks, RCB!
Georgia Wareham. Her 31* off 10 was like chugging five Red Bulls and swinging for Jupiter.
Only about three Perry lives and a dollop of butterfingers. Standard MI things.
A therapy session with Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator. Bring tissues.
Conclusion: RCB’s “Goodbye Gift” and MI’s Le Sigh Moment
RCB’s farewell performance was the definition of “petty brilliance.” They weren’t making the playoffs, but hey, why not ruin MI’s day? From Mandhana’s comeback fifty to Wareham’s pyrotechnics, this was cricket’s version of a mic drop.
As for MI? They’ll be replaying those dropped catches in their nightmares. But hey, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 400+ WPL runs deserve a standing ovation—even if her teammates forgot to show up.
So, grab your popcorn, folks. The Eliminator’s about to get spicy! 🍿🔥
