WPL 2023: Kanika Ahuja’s game-changing over that turned tide in RCB’s favor against UPW

The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 has not fared well for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Smriti Mandhana-led side lost their first five matches of the tournament and saw themselves in last place in the points table with zero points in four games.

Their sixth game saw the fortunes turn around in their favor as they took on UP Warriorz for the second time. RCB took on UP Warriorz in the 13th match of the tournament. Batting first, UPW notched up 135 runs on the board thanks to yet another influential performance by Grace Harris.

RCB came in to bat looking to win the game as it was crucial for the side to sustain in WPL 2023. It was 20-year-old Kanika Ahuja who was the star of the game as she propelled the team to their first victory by playing a sensational knock of 46 off 30 deliveries.

It was the 12th over of the match where the tide turned in RCB’s favor as Ahuja hit three fours in that over to mount even more pressure on UPW. The 20-year-old was one of the most important players in the chase as the team registered their first victory.

Women's Premier League (WPL)@wplt20

Three 4️⃣s in an over 🔥 Kanika Ahuja is playing an important role in the chase for #RCB as she has quickly moved to 44* off 26 Follow the match ▶️ bit.ly/3JIB8Ks #TATAWPL | #UPWvRCB

10:33 PM · Mar 15, 2023

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I don't feel pressure: Kanika Ahuja

After her match-winning knock, Ahuja also came forward to talk about the game. Her sensational innings saw her being awarded Player of the Match. The 20-year-old reflected on her knock and opined that she does not feel pressure.

"Mere dimaag main bas yeh chal raha that ki mujhe match jeetna hain. [The only thing on my mind was that I want to win this match. It feels normal to me [playing against the big names], I don't feel pressure," Ahuja was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The Indian youngster has been showing glimpses of her potential at the 2023 WPL. She also played a decent knock in RCB’s loss to Mumbai Indians earlier. The team’s chances of making it to the play-offs still look very slim despite grabbing their first win. They will next take on Gujarat Giants on Saturday, March 18, and will look to win their second game.