So far in the tournament, it has been a battle between the two sides to get over the line. After opting to bat first, the Gujarat Giants posted a massive total of 201 on the board, on the back of impressive performances from their top order, Sophia Dunkley (65 off 28) and Harleen Deol (67 off 45). RCB’s struggles in the bowling department continued, as their pacers leaked runs yet again without finding much control. RCB, in their reply, started off with a flyer, scoring at almost 10 an over in the powerplay (59/1), losing just one wicket chasing 202, as has been their template so far in the tournament.
Despite the fact that Sophie Devine was looking for the golden touch and keeping up with the required rate, the Giants managed to soak up all the pressure and picked up a crucial wicket in Ellyse Perry. Breaking a dangerous-looking partnership between the two proved to be the turning point in the game, as the Challengers from Bangalore fell just a few hits short of the target. However, the Giants were made to work hard to get their first points on the board this season.
RCB Women Batting Performance Analysis
After a great start to the chase in the powerplay, RCB kept losing wickets at regular intervals, with 14.66 balls per dismissal, which is quite low when you are chasing a target of 200+ in a T20 format. Even though S. Devine continued with her aggressive approach on one end, Perry was struggling to keep up with the asking rate. Just when Perry was looking all set to launch, Mansi Joshi managed to get the better of her with a decisive, slower-length ball outside off, which was safely pouched by Hemalatha at the backward point region. The Heather Knight onslaught (30 off 11) towards the end just wasn’t enough for RCB to get over the line.
RCB Women Bowling Performance Analysis
The bowling department has been a real cause for concern for the RCB. They have conceded a 200-plus total twice in three games so far this season. The first one is coming up against the Delhi Capitals, and another one was last night against the Gujarat Giants. Their economy rate has been a touch close to 11 and over (10.73) throughout the season so far, with a dot-ball percentage of just 28.83. Matters get even worse when it comes to bowling in the death overs for the RCB. Their economy rate of 11.80 at the deadline is the 2nd highest on the list among all the five teams in the season.
Conclusion
RCB will have to pull up their socks and get their combinations right if they are to make a quick turnaround this season and stay in the race for the knockouts. They just cannot afford to have any further slip-ups in the tournament. To start things off, Skipper Smriti Mandhana has to lead from the front with the bat and take the innings deeper for the RCB. From the bowler’s point of view, the bowlers need to improve their consistency by bowling tighter lines and keeping pressure on the batsman.
