WPL 2023: UP-W vs RCB-W 13th Match - Predicted UP Warriorz Playing XI vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Women

After a defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians in their previous match, UP Warriorz will look forward to making a thumping return when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 15 at DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Notably, Bangalore are yet to win a game in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League and thus, they will be desperate to register a win under their belt but UP won’t make it easy for the franchise.

The last time when these two teams faced each other, the Alyssa Healy-led side absolutely decimated Bangalore, winning the match by 10 wickets. Thus, they will hope for a similar return this time around as well, but things may get difficult as a few players are yet to make a mark in the league. Will they get dropped or will UP Warriorz make any strategic changes in this match? Let’s dissect -

Here’s UP Warriorz’ predicted XI for the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Openers - Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Devika Vaidya

After Shweta Sehrawat failed to prove herself as a dependable opener, Devika Vaidya was promoted up in the order and she has done a good job ever since. Since Alyssa Healy is playing an aggressive brand of cricket, UP needed someone who can rotate strike at the top of the order and Devika has done her job perfectly.

Healy on the other hand has scored 185 runs in four matches and courtesy of which, she currently is the third-leading run-scorer of the tournament. Notably, the 32-year-old wreaked havoc in the last match against RCB, scoring 96* off just 47 deliveries and thus, if she can repeat her heroics, UP can very well hand the Smriti Mandhana-led side their sixth defeat of the season and put curtains on their qualifier hopes.

Middle Order - Kiran Navgire, Simran Sheikh, Shweta Sehrawat

Batting at number three, Kiran Navgire impressed everyone in the opening game against Gujarat Giants but ever since she hasn’t been able to prove herself in the middle. The 28-year-old has scored only 72 runs in four matches and thus, she needs to improve. Kiran is an important part of the squad and the team requires her to step up as the tournament is heading towards its business end.

Simran Sheikh earned a promotion in the batting order but she hasn’t got a lot of time to spend in the middle. In three innings so far the 21-year-old has scored 15 runs while remaining unbeaten on two occasions. Thus, UP needs to make sure that she gets enough opportunities as the team can be exposed if the top order fails to perform.

Coming to Shweta Sehrawat, her form is a matter of concern at the moment. After not being able to prove herself as a dependable opener, she was demoted in the batting order and in the last match, the 19-year-old played at number eight, behind Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma. Thus, things are not looking good for the cricketer and if she once again fails to perform, the U19 World Cup winner may soon get dropped from the playing XI.

All-rounders - Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma

Australia international Tahlia McGrath is in phenomenal form in the ongoing WPL. With a strike rate of 159.09, the 27-year-old has scored 140 runs in four matches so far and with that, she currently is the eighth leading run-scorer of the tournament. However, with the ball, she hasn’t been at her best but nevertheless, has the calibre to bounce back and pick wickets in the middle overs.

25-year-old Deepti Sharma on the other hand has done well in patches but she has the ability to perform better. In four matches so far, the all-rounder has picked up five wickets and has scored only 30 runs. Thus, there’s a lot of room for improvement and it’s high time the vice-captain steps up as the team desperately needs someone who can take some responsibility in the middle order along with McGrath.

Bowlers - Sophie Ecclestone, Shabnim Ismail, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Spin wizard Sophie Ecclestone has been brilliant so far in the tournament. She has picked up eight wickets from four matches and also proved to be economical in most of the games. In the upcoming match, she will be crucial against RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana, who has faced difficulties to tackle spinners in the ongoing season.

Ace pacer Shabnim Ismail is yet to make a mark but has high chances of getting a game rather than being rested. UP can show their faith in the South Africa international as too many chops and changes may affect the team balance. Notably, she has picked up only one wicket in two matches.

Coming to the Indian duo of Anjali Sarvani and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, there’s room for improvement for these two cricketers. Gayakwad has picked up three wickets and has been decent with her line and length but she is far away from her absolute best. When it comes to Anjali, the 25-year-old has picked up only one wicket in four matches and that is underwhelming, to say the least.

UP Warriorz playing XI: Alyssa Healy (wk/c), Devika Vaidya, Kiran Navgire, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, Simran Shaikh, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Shabnim Ismail, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

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