In a stellar display of cricketing prowess, Ellyse Perry shone brightly for Royal Challengers Bangalore and guided them straight into the playoffs of the Women’s Premier League 2024. Tuesday’s match witnessed Perry taking an outstanding six wickets against a formidable Mumbai Indians side, followed by a knock of an unbeaten 40 runs, to seal a seven-wicket victory for RCB in their final league game. This crucial win shattered the playoff hopes of UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants and concluded the three-way race for the final playoff spot in dramatic fashion.
During the course of WPL 2024, Perry has been nothing short of exceptional with her performances. Notching up 246 runs across seven innings, she boasts an impressive average of 61.5 and maintains a strike rate of 130.15. Her half-century against UP Warriorz emphasized her consistent run of form. The RCB squad, with Perry at the helm, has registered four wins in eight league games, with contributions from Smriti Mandhana and the prodigious talent, Richa Ghosh, adding to the team’s successful run.
Twenty-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh has had a standout tournament, accumulating 226 runs at a strike rate of 152.7. Despite making 44 T20I appearances for the Indian national team, Ghosh is yet to make her mark in international cricket. However, her current form suggests that such a breakthrough is imminent.
Perry did not hold back in her praise for Richa Ghosh following their team’s securement of a playoff berth. In a media interaction held on Wednesday, Perry lauded Ghosh’s contributions both behind the stumps and with the bat. She referred to Ghosh’s wicketkeeping skills as ‘phenomenal’ and influenced numerous crucial moments in the game through her sharp stumping and catching abilities. Addressing the young talent, Perry said, “She (Richa) is amazing, I absolutely love her, she is always smiling, laughing. She contributes so much to the team. She is so supportive of her team and plays phenomenal behind the stumps.” Perry foresees a bright future for Ghosh, not only within the WPL but also at the international level with the Indian team, adding that it’s “scary to think that she is so young” given her substantial potential.
The camaraderie and positive atmosphere within the RCB camp have been key factors to their success this season. Perry highlighted the importance of enjoying the game and the special nature of this tournament. She pointed out the amazing support from the crowd at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, stating how significant and ‘super special’ it has been for RCB in their matches. The RCB team has relished the chance to unite and revel in the solidarity that the tournament and the support have provided.
Following this enthralling finish to the league stage, RCB’s sights are set squarely on the playoffs. With Perry’s experience and the youthful exuberance of players like Ghosh, Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to continue their campaign with the same momentum and spirit that has defined their season thus far.
In related news, the New Zealand Cricket Awards 2024 saw Rachin Ravindra and Amelia Kerr receive major honours, further exemplifying the global accolades in cricket. Meanwhile, in the domestic Indian cricket scene, Vidarbha held Mumbai to take the Ranji Trophy finale into the last day, showcasing sheer determination through players like Nair and Wadkar. Lastly, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant expressed both excitement and nervousness as he anticipates his comeback, likening it to the thrill of a debut.
As the Women’s Premier League continues to make history, players like Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh are not only cementing their place in the annals of women’s cricket but also inspiring the next generation of female cricketers to dream big and achieve even bigger.
