RCB vs UPW: Richa Ghosh recreates famous MS Dhoni run out as WPL sees its first-ever Super Over

It was history-making time in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women and the UP Warriorz (UPW) blew the roof at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as the first-ever Super Over was played in the WPL. Unlike the Indian Premier League (IPL), wherein the second edition of the league we have the first 6-ball decider, WPL took an extra season.

Sophie Ecclestone gives WPL its first Super Over

It all happened because of Sophie Ecclestone and Saima Thakor. Needing 181 runs to win, UPW was 134/8 in 16.2 overs. The match looked over. But Ecclestone and Thakor had other ideas. Then in the 18th over, the English spinner smacked purple-cap holder Georgia Wareham for two maximums.

Thakor hit Ekta Bisht for a six as well but departed on the very next ball. The equation then came to 18 runs needed off 6 balls and just one wicket in hand. Renuka Singh Thakur started the final over with a dot, and victory for RCB was nearly sealed. Ecclestone didn’t agree. She smacked 16 runs in the next three deliveries. 6, 6, 4.

Now 2 of 2 were needed. Renuka got the dangerous women off the strike, and then Richa Ghosh recreated the famous MS Dhoni run out against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup, and into the Super Over we went.

Sophie Ecclestone wins Super Over for UP Warriorz

In form, Ecclestone was sent in to play the fourth ball of the Super Over after Kim Garth dismissed Chinelle Henry. She scored just 1 run from 2 balls but was handed the ball by UPW captain Deepti Sharma. The left-arm orthodox spinner bowled so well that she defended the 9-run target by 4 runs.

Just four singles were taken of Ecclestone in the Super Over. One mustn’t forget that she was UPW’s most economical over of the match. Giving just 29 runs from her 4 overs. But to keep Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh quiet in a Super Over, that is some performance. As well deserves a ‘Player of the Match’ award if there was any.