In the final, we’ll stick to the philosophy of not overthinking: RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face the Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2024 Final after beating reigning champions Mumbai Indians by 5 runs in the Eliminator played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on March 15. 

JioCinema and Sports18 WPL experts Saba Karim and Reema Malhotra discussed the performances of Asha Sobhana (1/13) and Ellyse Perry (66 runs & 1/29). Sobhana and RCB captain Smriti Mandhana also spoke exclusively on ‘Match Centre Live’.

Smriti Mandhana about the importance of following set processes: “Before the tournament, we had discussed that this RCB team won’t talk about the goal, we’ll try and stick to our process. A good process, a good work ethic, and do what is in our hands. A lot of what happens is out of your control. Practice and hard work are the two things within our control and we focused on that. I don’t think anything should change now. In the final, we’ll stick to the same philosophy of not overthinking, sticking to our process, and doing the right thing.”

Also read: WPL 2024 Eliminator Highlights: Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Women

Asha Sobhana spoke about defending 135: “Everybody was confident. Even though it was a very low score, we were confident that we could defend the target because it is not easy to hit on this wicket, especially against the spinners. Personally, I knew it wouldn’t be easy for any batter. We thought of taking the game as deep as possible and put some pressure. The basics of defending really worked.”

Saba Karim on the final over of the match: “Picking a leg-spinner for the 20th over was remarkable. It was heartening to see Asha Sobhana also grow in confidence. The last over could have gone Mumbai’s way because they had Amelia Kerr and Pooja Vastrakar, both very good batters against spinners. But Asha maintained a calm presence. She kept the ball tantalizingly close to the batters to lure them into coming forward and playing big shots. For her to pick up that wicket was incredible.”

Also read: WPL 2024: Delhi Metro turns into RCB fan zone with chants of Ellyse Perry and RCB after WPL Eliminator triumph, video goes viral

Reema Malhotra on Ellyse Perry’s all-round show: “She stood like a lone warrior on the pitch with her innings. Even though she couldn't build a partnership with anyone, we saw a big score from this legend’s bat. We call her a big-match player because she knows how to absorb pressure. She always performs well in knockouts. This season, she has come in with good form. She’s scored runs in every game but when her team needed her the most in the last match, she picked up six wickets.”