Georgia Voll was in smashing form as UP Warriorz defeated Royal Challangers Bengaluru in a WPL match in Lucknow on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA

Warriorz’s record total sends RCB packing

by · The Hindu

It was just over a week ago that Georgia Voll joined UP Warriorz as a replacement for Chamari Athapaththu. The short window hasn’t stopped Voll from leaving her imprint on the third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). On Saturday, in just her third game, the 21-year-old Australian walloped an unbeaten 99 off 56 deliveries against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The whirlwind knock in the final game of the Lucknow leg helped UP Warriorz rack up 225 for five – the highest-ever total in WPL -- and end its disappointing campaign with a consolation 12-run win.

The game contained umpteen twists and turns as Richa Ghosh’s 33-ball 69 and Sneh Rana’s 6-ball 26 kept RCB in the contest right till the close. Even after Ghosh’s dismissal in the 17th over, Rana seemed to have her say when she helped RCB take 28 runs off the penultimate over by Deepti Sharma. But the host just about held its nerve.

Warriorz’s display, though too late in the season as it was already out of contention to make the Eliminator, dealt a decisive blow to RCB. The defending champion will also be heading for the exit door after its final league game in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Voll and Grace Harris took turns to go after the new ball, helping their side waltz to 67 for no loss in six overs. Ultimately, it needed a run-out for RCB to separate the two Aussies and end an opening stand of 77. Emboldened by the blistering beginning, Kiran Navgire relished the freedom and belted a 16-ball 46, including 22 runs off the 12th over by Renuka Singh.

Against an attack guilty of offering freebies on both sides of the wicket, Voll showed her wide-ranging repertoire, unfurling everything from cuts and drives to sweeps of the conventional and reverse variety.

The scores: UP Warriorz 225/5 in 20 overs (Voll 99 n.o., Kiran Navgire 46, Grace Harris 39, Georgia Wareham 2/43) bt Royal Challengers Bengaluru 213 in 19.3 overs (Richa Ghosh 69, Ecclestone 3/25, Deepti Sharma 3/50, Chinelle Henry 2/39). Toss: RCB.

Monday’s match: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants, 7.30 p.m.

Published - March 08, 2025 11:17 pm IST