RCB defeated UP Warriorz by 2 runs in a rolacoster of a match in Bengaluru as Asha Shobana claimed her maiden five-wicket haul of WPL. Asha's 22/5 was the first-ever five-wicket haul by an Indian in the Women's Premier League history. UP Warriorz batters had things under control after RCB had posted 157 in the first inning. However, at the end they could not hold on their nerves as they eventually fell short by 2 runs.

UP Warriorz captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and decided to bowl first thinking of the dew in the second inning. Her decision was accepted by UP Warriorz bowlers as Grace Harris first trapped Sophie Devine on 1. Then, they got the big fish Smriti Mandhana out on 13 from 11 after the southpaw batter was dropped on 12 by Rajeshwari Gaikwad. Tahila McGrath was the bowler on that occasion.

Though Sabbhineni Meghana kept on fighting the boundaries in between, RCB kept on losing wickets from the other end. Ellyse Perry (8 from 7) was the next batter to go as she tried to go over the cover against Sophie Ecclestone. But, after that, it was all about the fourth wicket partnership between Meghana and Richa Ghosh that gave hope to the RCB fans.

Richa took her time in the initial period to settle in but then changed her gear as the inning progressed. Meantime, Meghana completed her fifty in 40 balls, her first in the competition's history. Meantime, Richa hit four boundaries in a single over against Saima Thakor to get going in her inning.

RCB lost Meghana (53 from 44 balls) in the 17th over as she tried to come out and go for a big shot against Rajeshwari Gayakwad. However, Richa kept on smashing the ball all around the park and kept on finding the boundaries despite losing partners from the other end. Richa completed her maiden fifty in just 31 balls and finished her inning on 62 from 37 balls including 12 boundaries in that inning.

Also Read: WPL 2024: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Match Highlights | A last ball six from debutant Sajeevan Sajana helps MI beat DC in the first match of the season

Shreyanka Patil's last ball six took RCB's score close to 160 as they finished their inning on 157/6. Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the star of the bowlers for UP Warriorz with her 24/2 in 4 overs.

In the second inning, UP Warriorz did not have the start they were looking for as they lost their captain early. Alyssa Healy lost her stumps to a beauty of a delivery from Sophie Molineux. However, post her dismissal, it was Vrinda Dinesh and Tahila McGrath who steadied the ship for them.

But, sadly after a quick start, Vrinda Dinesh started facing difficulties in rotating strikes and finding the boundaries. Soon, she lost her wicket looking to go after Asha Shobana. Tahila McGrath went back to the pavilion two balls later and the target looked too far away for the UP team.

Then, it was all about Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat and their 77-run partnership that gave hope to UP fans. With 32 needed from 24 balls, UP were cruising home with Grace Harris and Shweta looking great. But, Asha Shobana again did the trick for RCB by taking three wickets in the 17th over.

THREE wickets in an over 🤯

Triple treat from Asha Shobana and this match is heading down to the wire 💥

Match Centre 💻📱 https://t.co/kIBDr0FhM4#TATAWPL | #RCBvUPW pic.twitter.com/IQ469MGFPC

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 24, 2024

Asha first got rid of Shweta asking her to go for a shot. Then, two balls later, Grace Haris went back to the pavilion while going for a big shot. Kiran Navgire was the last to go in that over. However, 14 runs including 3 boundaries in the next over against Shreyanka Patil meant, UP would again make a comeback in the game.

With 11 needed from the last 6 balls, Deepti Sharma could not find any boundary against Sophie Molineux as RCB won by 2 runs at the end. Asha Shobana was the player of the match for her 22/5. She is the first Indian to get a five-wicket haul in WPL history.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been one of the most popular franchises in IPL history with millions of followers around the globe. However, despite having many great players of the game playing for them, RCB have failed to win the IPL title till now.

In the 18 seasons of the tournament, they have reached the IPL final four times so far. They first reached the final in 2009 and then qualified for the IPL finals once 2011 and another time in 2016, before reaching the final this season. Unfortunately, they have faced defeat on all three previous occasions. 

2009 IPL final: Lost vs Deccan Chargers by 6 runs

After beating Chennai Super Kings in the semi-finals of the second season in 2009, RCB qualified for the final. In the final at Johannesburg, RCB bowled first, winning the toss. Their captain, Anil Kumble, was on fire with a spell of 16/4 in 4 overs and restricted Deccan Chargers to 143/6 only. Herschelle Gibbs was the best batter of Deccan with an unbeaten 53 from 48 balls. 

But during the chase, RCB struggled from the beginning and even with a good-looking 32 from Roelof van der Merwe, RCB fell 6 runs short of the total. Pragyan Ojha, with 28/3 in 4 overs, was the pick of the bowlers for Deccan in that final. 

2011 IPL final: Heavy 58-run defeat against CSK

Two seasons later, RCB again reached the IPL final, this time under Daniel Vettori. RCB had finished at the top of the points table after the league stage, and despite losing the qualifier 1 against CSK, they qualified for the final after beating Mumbai Indians in the second eliminator.  

In the final, RCB were asked to bowl first. CSK managed a huge total of 205 in the first inning, with the help of a 95 from Murali Vijay. Chris Gayle was the star with the ball for RCB with 34/2 in four overs. 

During the chase, RCB crumbled, and except for Saurabh Tiwary's fighting unbeaten 42 from 34 balls, no one could get going. Virat Kohli also played a slow 32-ball 35 innings. In the end, RCB lost by 58 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up three wickets, giving away just 16 runs in four overs, for CSK.

Read Also | IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

2016 IPL final: Lost by 8 runs against SRH

Among the three defeats in the final, this one is the most heartbreaking for RCB fans. After finishing second in the league stage, they defeated Gujarat Lions in the qualifier 1 to enter the final. 

In the final, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. David Warner scored a stunning 69 from 38 balls, and Ben Cutting, with an unbeaten 39 from 15 balls, took SRH to 208 in the first innings. 

Unlike the two previous finals, RCB got off to a flyer during the chase. Chris Gayle smashed 76 from 38 balls while Kohli scored 54 from 35 balls, to finish with a record-breaking 973 run season. 

With 67 needed from 8 overs and 8 wickets in hand, RCB struggled under pressure and eventually lost the game by 8 runs. 

IPL 2025: Reached the final

RCB qualify for the IPL finals for the fourth time!

Will it be their lucky time this time in Ahmedabad?

📸IPL#RCB #PBKSvRCB #ipl2025playoffs #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/jrO4LnCSo4

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) May 29, 2025

RCB finished second in the group stage to set up a date with Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final. Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, and Yash Dayal did exceedingly well to restrict PBKS to 101 in the first inning. 

Phil Salt played an incredible inning of unbeaten 56 from 27 balls to take RCB over the final in just 10 overs. 

Scoring a century in any form of cricket is a moment of glory, but in the fast-paced format of T20s, it gets more exciting to watch. Numerous cricketers have consistently proved themselves in this format by delivering spectacular tons.

The list goes deep as we have such power-hitters from around the globe!

Join us as we explore the list of players with most centuries in WT20Is and celebrate their glorious innings.

1. Esha Oza (4 centuries) | UAE

The current captain of UAE, Esha Oza, holds the record for most centuries in WT20Is with 4 centuries in her T20 career so far. This Indian-born cricketer made her debut in T20Is in 2018 and reached this milestone extremely fast.

She is also the fastest player from UAE to reach 1000 runs in T20Is. Her fourth century in T20Is came against Qatar in the Asia Cup qualifier, where she led her team to a brilliant victory.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Esha Oza stats in WT20Is

2. Chamari Athapaththu (3 centuries) | Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu, the current captain of Sri Lanka national team, holds the 2nd position in this list with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is one of the finest cricketers from Sri Lanka and led them to win the 2024 Asia Cup.

Chamari scored her first hundred in T20Is in 2019 against Australia. She scored the other following centuries in 2024 against Scotland and Malaysia.

Read Also: England or Australia? Which team has won more Women's Ashes?

Chamari Athapaththu stats in WT20Is

3. Fatuma Kibasu (3 centuries) | Tanzania 

The former captain of Tanzania, Fatuma Kibasu, holds the 3rd position with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is the only Tanzanian woman to score a century at international level so far, and holds the highest individual score for her country in WT20Is.

Fatuma made her T20 debut in 2019 and played magnificently ever since!

Fatuma Kibasu stats in WT20Is

Read Also: Most WT20I runs in a calendar year

Other players with 2 centuries in WT20Is 

Here's a list of players who scored 2 centuries in WT20Is and comes in the list following the TOP 3.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the Indian Women's Cricket team squad for the upcoming England tour starting June 28th, 2025.

The Women in Blue will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the England Women's Cricket team.

Harmanpreet Kaur was named the captain of the both squads. Meantime, Smriti Mandhana was named the vice captain of the team. 

Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare are a few of the new names in the squad who were not part of the Tri-Nation series-winning squad for India. Shafali Verma returned to the T20I squad after missing out for a few months due to being off form.

Read Also | Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana

Indian Women's Cricket team squad for the England tour

India’s T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare

India's ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare

India's tour to England full schedule 

Aryan Club (Women's) delivered a commanding performance to secure the C.A.B. Women's Club Cricket League (One-Day) Tournament 2024-2025 title, defeating Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) by 47 runs in a thrilling final at the 22-Yards SP School Ground. 

Powered by a blazing knock from captain Tanusree Sarkar and a disciplined bowling effort, Aryan Club showcased their dominance in a match that had fans buzzing with excitement.

Read Also | Exclusive: Bowls like Malinga, once doubted by her family, Nadia's Sonali Das is set for Bengal Pro T20 League dreams after 8-wicket haul in School Cricket

Aryan Club’s Explosive Batting

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Aryan Club got off to a steady start with opener Dyuti Paul (23 off 23) and Sujata Dey taking the score to 28 for the first wicket.

However, it was captain Tanusree Sarkar who stole the show with a scintillating 76 off 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six at a strike rate of 152. Her aggressive strokeplay set the tone for Aryan’s innings. 

Priyanka Bala’s unbeaten 45 provided the perfect foil, anchoring the latter half with composure, while Jhumia Khatun chipped in with a quickfire 18. Despite Diya Nandi’s 2/38 for Mohun Bagan, Aryan Club posted a formidable 171/4 in their 25 overs, setting a challenging target.

Read Also | Exclusive | Taunts to Claps: Priyanka Bala's journey from rural village of Nadia to WPL

Mohun Bagan’s Valiant Chase Falls Short

Chasing 172, Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) got off to a rocky start, losing Sneha Gupta (3) in the second over to Susmita Ganguly. 

Captain Ankita Chakraborty led the fightback with a resolute 46, partnering with Diya Nandi (32) for a crucial 71-run stand. However, Aryan’s bowlers struck back with precision.

Read Also | Women's Cricket Exclusive: Age 14, 5 feet 8 inches tall, bowls left-arm wrist spin; Debjani Das is all set to be Bengal's next cricketing superstar

Sinjini Sarkar (2/28) removed both set batters in quick succession, triggering a collapse. Tanusree Sarkar (1/22) and Sritama Nandi (4/29) ran through the middle order, with Nandi’s sensational spell dismantling Mohun Bagan’s hopes. 

Dipa Das (29) and Puja Rajak (13) showed fight, but Jhumia Khatun’s late wickets, including a stumping, sealed Mohun Bagan’s fate at 128 all out in 25 overs.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the resumption of the IPL 2025, bringing cheer to cricket fans across the nation. Following detailed discussions with government and security agencies, the BCCI has confirmed that the season will proceed with a revised schedule, ensuring both safety and excitement.

IPL 2025 was suspended for one week due to the rising tension between India and Pakistan. It will be interesting to see with most of the foreign players already going back home, they will return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 or not. 

Read Also | PSL Players' Terror in Pakistan: Daryl Mitchell Vows Never to Return, Curran Breaks Down after reaching Dubai

The remaining 17 matches will be played across six venues, kicking off on May 17, 2025, and concluding with the final on June 3, 2025. The schedule includes two double-header Sundays, adding to the thrill of the tournament. The playoff stage is set as follows:

• Qualifier 1: May 29

• Eliminator: May 30

• Qualifier 2: June 1

• Final: June 3

The BCCI expressed gratitude to India’s armed forces for their bravery and resilience, which have made the safe return of the IPL possible. The Board emphasised its commitment to the national interest while ensuring the successful completion of the league.

🚨 IPL 2025 to restart from 17th May, final to played on June 3rd!

Lucknow, Jaipur, Delhi and Ahmedabad get two matches each. #IPL2025 #ipl2025update pic.twitter.com/roLXGwEzK0

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) May 12, 2025

IPL 2025 Revised schedule