Ellyse Perry To Miss Out Again? RCB Women’s Predicted XI Vs MI Women

Ellyse Perry for RCB (X.com)Ellyse Perry for RCB (X.com)

An upbeat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face the high-flying Mumbai Indians in the 9th match of the 2024 Women’s Premier League in Bengaluru on Saturday. Both teams have won two out of three matches played in the tournament so far. This encounter marks their first meeting in WPL 2024.

RCB Women suffered their first defeat of the season against Delhi Capitals Women, losing by 25 runs. However, a victory in this upcoming match would propel them to the top of the table. Given their potential, it wouldn't be surprising to see them achieve this feat.

Mumbai Indians Women faced a tough challenge against UP Warriorz Women in their previous game, resulting in their first loss of the season. Despite this setback, Mumbai Indians have all the tools in the kit to challenge RCB on their home turf. But having said that, RCB will be prepared.

With the match taking place on their home turf, all eyes will be on Smriti Mandhana’s RCB, especially following their defeat to Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals in their previous game. RCB's bowlers struggled in that match, conceding numerous runs, with the extras proving to be crucial in the outcome.

During the toss on Thursday evening, there was a surprise when captain Smriti Mandhana included Nadine de Klerk in the team sheet, as Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry was sidelined due to illness. With only 48 hours between matches, Perry's return for this clash is unlikely.

One of the greatest all-rounders in the game, Perry's absence will be felt, but de Klerk has proven herself as a capable replacement, particularly with the ball in hand.

Despite some of RCB's players struggling in the last match, particularly Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana, the team is unlikely to make any changes to their lineup. The top three batters are expected to retain their positions means there will no change in the top-order with Richa Ghosh being the floater and providing firepower in the middle order.

Predicted Playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Smriti Mandhana (c), Sophie Devine, Sabbhineni Meghana, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh (wk), Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, Simran Bahadur, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Singh