RCB eye quick recovery after MI blip

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriors: Key Preview and Match Details

RCB and UP Warriorz have had contrasting starts to their campaign in the Women’s Premier League 2025. While RCB, the defending champions, began their title defense with two wins, UP Warriorz struggled initially with losses in their first two games. However, UP Warriorz broke their losing streak in their previous match and will be hoping to carry that momentum forward.

RCB’s Strong Start, Followed by a Setback

• RCB’s Start: The defending champions had a strong start, winning their first two games. They were in control halfway through their second innings against the Mumbai Indians but lost in a thrilling finish.
• Loss to Mumbai Indians: Despite the loss to MI, RCB will remain hopeful that this was just a minor setback and look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
• Strong Home Advantage: RCB will have the luxury of playing four home games this season, and after losing their first home game, they will be eager to impress their home crowd.

UP Warriorz Break Losing Streak

• Breaking the Trend: UP Warriorz became the first team this season to successfully defend a total, ending the trend of teams batting second and winning every match.
• Areas to Work On: Despite the win, there are areas in the batting department that need improvement. The top four batters have not been firing consistently, and Tahlia McGrath will be under pressure to make her mark after a slow start.
• Chinelle Henry’s Contribution: Chinelle Henry has been impressive in both the games she has played and may be promoted up the order due to her strike rate. She has hit 11 sixes from the 38 balls she has faced in the tournament so far.

Match Details

• Date: February 24, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM (IST)
• Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Weather: Clear skies are expected, offering ideal conditions for the game. The pitch has favored scores around 170 in previous matches, with spinners enjoying success.

Team News and Probable XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB)

• RCB’s Strategy: Despite their loss to the Mumbai Indians, RCB is expected to stick with the same lineup that helped them win their first two matches.
• Probable XI:
  • Smriti Mandhana (c)
  • Danielle Wyatt-Hodge
  • Ellyse Perry
  • Raghvi Bist
  • Richa Ghosh (wk)
  • Kanika Ahuja
  • Georgia Wareham
  • Kim Garth
  • Ekta Bisht
  • Joshitha VJ
  • Renuka Thakur

UP Warriorz

• Possible Changes: Warriorz are unlikely to make significant changes to their lineup but may consider promoting Chinelle Henry up the order due to her impressive strike rate and ability to hit big.
• Probable XI:
  • Kiran Navgire
  • Vrinda Dinesh
  • Deepti Sharma (c)
  • Tahlia McGrath
  • Shweta Sehrawat
  • Chinelle Henry
  • Grace Harris
  • Sophie Ecclestone
  • Uma Chetry (wk)
  • Kranti Goud
  • Saima Thakor

Conclusion: What to Expect

This match between RCB and UP Warriorz promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to make a statement. While RCB will aim to regain their form, UP Warriorz will look to build on their first win. With clear skies and a batting-friendly pitch at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, fans can expect high scores and thrilling cricket.