With the excitement of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Season 2 just around the corner, it’s time to look back at the inaugural season’s highs and lows for each team. For Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the 2023 season presented a rollercoaster ride, showcasing both their explosive batting potential and occasional vulnerabilities.
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While they ultimately finished sixth in the points table, RCB fans witnessed some nail-biting encounters and record-breaking individual performances. However, amidst the thrill, there were also instances where the batting faltered, resulting in some of their lowest scores of the season.
Here’s a closer look at RCB’s five lowest scores from the WPL 2023:
1. 125/9 (20.0) vs. Mumbai Indians (Match 19, March 18th): RCB’s lowest score of the season came against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. Put in to bat, RCB’s batting order crumbled under pressure, with only Captain Smriti Madhana (24),Ellyse Perry (29) and Richa Ghosh (29) adding runs to the board. Despite a valiant effort from the bowlers, they couldn’t defend the meager total as Mumbai chased it down within 17 overs.
2. 136/9 (19.3) vs. UP Warriorz (Match 8, March 8th): Another low score saw RCB fall prey to a disciplined bowling attack from UP Warriorz. Great run score from Kanika (49) helped RCB won this match loosing 5 wickets during the innings. However, RCB emerged victorious in this low-scoring thriller, defending the score with disciplined bowling.
3. 138/8 (19.3) vs. UP Warriorz (Match 13, March 13th): This encounter against UP Warriorz saw RCB put up a slightly better fight, but ultimately fell short once again. Sophie Devine (36) and Ellyse Perry (52) kept the scoreboard ticking, but the lower order couldn’t capitalize, leaving RCB with a modest total. Even the bowlers performance were disappointing as they were unable to take a single wicket.
4. 150/4 (20.0) vs. Delhi Capitals (Match 11, March 10th): While 150 might seem like a respectable score on paper, it proved insufficient against a dominant Delhi Capitals batting line-up. Ellyse Perry (67) and Richa Ghosh (37) laid a good sore, but the bowlers couldn’t capitalize, leaving RCB with a score that Delhi chased down comfortably with six wickets to spare.
5. 155/8 (18.4) vs. Mumbai Indians (Match 4, March 5th): Another encounter against Mumbai Indians saw RCB’s batting struggle against a potent bowling attack. While some players provided sparks, the team couldn’t build partnerships, resulting in a below-par total. As with their first meeting, Mumbai chased down the target comfortably, winning by nine wickets. The bowling was far beyond the expectations as the bowlers were able to take 1 wicket only
While these low scores were setbacks for RCB, they also showcased their fighting spirit and the potential for improvement. With the upcoming season on the horizon, RCB will be looking to address their batting inconsistencies and build a squad capable of challenging for the WPL title. The data from their lowest scores in the previous season provides valuable insights and areas for focus as they gear up for another exciting chapter in the league’s history.
