WPL 2024: Ellyse Perry Delivers All-Round Show To Help RCB Seal Final Berth

Young off-spinner Shreyanka Patil and uncapped veteran leg-spinner Asha Sobhana showed nerves of steel to take Royal Challengers Bangalore into WPL final with a five-run victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians in the 'Eliminator' on Friday. Chasing an easy target of 136 and needing 20 off last three overs, MI's innings ended at 130 for 6. RCB, who entered their maiden final in the second edition, will meet last year's runner-up Delhi Capitals in the summit clash on Sunday. It was 21-year-old Shreyanka (2/16 in 4 overs), whose vital 18th over raised visions of victory as she removed the MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (33).

RCB keeper Richa Ghosh paid the price for her slow movements failing to stump Harmanpreet off Shreyanka but the young off-spinner didn't lose heart as she flighted the ball once more and the Indian skipper was caught at long-on fence.

At a time when spinners are afraid of giving the ball air even in ODIs, Shreyanka's approach was a welcome departure and it did pay dividends.

Needing 16 off 12 balls, the experienced Aussie Sophie Molineux (1/16 in 4 overs) bowled a brilliant penultimate over in which she gave only four runs keeping 12 runs off final over for leg-spinner Sobhana to defend.

The 32-year-old spinner, who hasn't played for India, gave away only six runs as RCB team's joy knew no bounds with Indian vice-captain Mandhana outwitting her national team boss Harmanpreet tactically in the death overs.

Shreyanka also showed courage in Powerplay as she challenged the seasoned Hayley Matthews (15 off 14 balls) to clear the longest boundary towards deep mid-wicket fence only to be caught a feet inside the ropes.

Yastika Bhatia (19 off 27 balls) didn't really get going and Perry, who is having a