WPL 2023: This Is How RCB Can Win Against Mumbai Indians

image-lewk2h7kRCB had a poor start to their WPL campaign [Source: Twitter]

On Sunday, Royal Challengers Bangalore got off to a poor start to their WPL 2023 campaign, crushed by Delhi Capitals by 60 runs. So, they will look to open their account when they feature in their second fixture tonight. 

However, the task for Smriti Mandhana and co won't be easy, as they will take on Mumbai Indians, who are high on confidence after securing a whopping 143-run win over Gujarat Giants in the tournament opener. 

So, considering MI's form, we can only say that RCB must bring their A-game into the table to upset Harmanpreet Kaur and co in this face-off. 

Therefore, before the high-octane clash begins, let's analyse and find out the areas to work on for RCB to overcome the Mumbai challenge. 

Powerplay bowling

Despite having two brilliant new-ball operators, Renuka Singh Thakur and Megan Schutt, RCB had a horrible day with the ball in the powerplay, thanks to the mayhem created by the deadly pair of Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma. 

Statistically, the Women in Red conceded 57 runs and couldn't pick up a single wicket in the first six overs, allowing the DC batters to set the tone for a massive first innings score. 

As they have two brilliant new-ball bowlers on their side, a better bowling performance is desired in the powerplay. So, if they want to restrict MI to a sub-par total, they must ensure they strike early, without feeding too many freebies in the first six overs. 


Middle overs batting

Chasing a mammoth 224, RCB got off to a flier, courtesy of some nonchalant stroke play from Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry. However, as soon as the powerplay concluded, they lost the plot and started falling like a pack of cards. 

After racing to 56 runs in the powerplay, RCB could add only 62 more runs to their total in the middle-overs phase. More importantly, they lost five crucial wickets in this phase, significantly diminishing their chances. 

So, as they gear up to face MI's lethal spin duo of Amelia Kerr and Saika Ishaque in this encounter, the Women in Red must ensure they don't lose too many wickets while scoring briskly in the middle overs tonight. 


Some strategic fine-tuning

In the era where data and match-ups play a massive role in deciding game outcomes, a T20 side can't afford to commit basic strategic errors on the field. 

When the DC openers stepped into the middle, everyone expected the RCB seamers to attack Shafali Verma with a barrage of short deliveries directed at her body. 

However, contrary to expectations, the RCB new-ball duo of Renuka Thakur and Megan Schutt didn't even attempt bouncers, allowing the teen-age sensation to whack them to all parts of the ground. 

Furthermore, Smriti Mandhana seemed a bit inactive as the captain, waiting for things to happen. She also made some questionable on-field calls, which she must not replicate in today's clash. 

All in all, the RCB management must do a deep research and come up with a better planning if they want to open their account on the WPL points table on Monday night.