Ellyse Perry, Kim Garth, and Sneh Rana delivered an impressive bowling display after skipper Smriti Mandhana and Perry shone with the bat, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a morale-boosting 11-run victory over Mumbai Indians in their final match of the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) at Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday.

With no chance of making the playoffs, the Royal Challengers played freely, showcasing a performance that fans wished to see throughout the season. This victory not only prevented Mumbai Indians from finishing at the top of the points table but also sent them to the Eliminator match for the third time in WPL history. They will face the Gujarat Giants on Thursday (March 13), where the winner will meet Delhi Capitals in the final.

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RCB’s triumph on Tuesday ensured that Delhi Capitals finished at the top of the table on net run rate, leveling with Mumbai Indians at 10 points. Gujarat Giants secured third place with eight points, while both RCB and UP Warriorz finished with six points.

RCB concluded their WPL campaign on a high note, mirroring their opening match victory. Exploiting favorable conditions, the bowlers effectively capitalized on scoreboard pressure to limit Mumbai Indians to 188/9 in their 20 overs after RCB posted a formidable total of 199/3, bolstered by Smriti Mandhana’s half-century and Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 49.

Despite being behind initially, Mumbai battled back with a brilliant 35-ball 69 from Nat Sciver-Brunt and some late-innings fireworks from Sajeevan Sajana, whose consecutive sixes brought the equation down to 12 runs from three balls. However, Ellyse Perry bowled a critical dot ball and then took Sajana’s wicket, who ended his impressive stint with a quick-fire 23 runs, leaving Mumbai 11 runs adrift.

The losses of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who struck nine fours and two sixes, and Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 18) in quick succession stunted Mumbai’s momentum, and they couldn’t recover thereafter. Sneh Rana’s stellar bowling (3-26) along with Perry’s all-round performance (2-53) and Kim Garth (2-33) allowed RCB to overcome MI at Brabourne for the first time in six attempts.

Earlier in the match, Mandhana scored 53, complemented by significant contributions from Ellyse Perry (49 not out), Richa Ghosh (36), and Georgia Wareham (31 not out), guiding RCB to a challenging total.

After opting to bat first, RCB started strong, reaching 53/1 in the powerplay. Mandhana had struggled to find her rhythm earlier in the season but took charge from the onset. She and Sabbhineni Meghana, who fired 26 off 13, partnered for a 41-run opening wicket stand.

Mandhana enjoyed a good fortune with a couple of dropped catches before reaching her fifty off 35 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. She opened her account with a four off Shabnim Ismail and then took the same bowler for another boundary and a six in the third over, also sending Amelia Kerr over deep mid-wicket for six.

After building a solid platform, she added 59 runs for the second wicket with Perry before departing for 53. Following her dismissal, Perry took the reins, maintaining a healthy run rate with support from Richa Ghosh, who contributed significantly with her 36 off 22 balls.

Perry and Wareham combined for a powerful finish, amassing 46 runs from just 16 balls, with Perry remaining unbeaten on 49 from 38 deliveries and Wareham breezing through for an explosive 31 off 10. Their efforts ensured RCB set a challenging total, which ultimately secured their victory.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 199/3 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 53, Ellyse Perry 49 not out, Richa Ghosh 36; Hayley Matthews 2-37) defeated Mumbai Indians 188/9 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 69, Sajeevan Sajana 23; Sneh Rana 3-26, Ellyse Perry 2-53, Kim Garth 2-33) by 11 runs.