WPL 2023: Smriti Mandhana's Nemesis Revealed Before RCB vs GG Clash

image-lezefff6Smriti Mandhana [Source: Twitter]

On Wednesday, Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Gujarat Giants in their third group-stage fixture of the ongoing Women's Premier League. RCB, having lost both their previous encounters, would like to secure a win and open their account in the WPL points table. 

RCB's star batter Smriti Mandhana has blown hot and cold in the competition so far, failing to convert the brisk starts into big scores. The stylish opener, who managed 35 and 23 runs against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, respectively, would therefore want to get a match-winning under her belt against the Giants. 

However, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra thinks it will be challenging for the southpaw to thrive against Gujarat's Ashleigh Gardner, given her recent struggles against off-spinners. 

Chopra justified his point by highlighting how Mandhana has been dismissed by off-spinners - Hayley Matthews and Alice Capsey- in the tournament. 

"Smriti Mandhana versus Ashleigh Gardner - this story is going to get loaded once again because Smriti Mandhana in front of an off-spinner, it has been a bit of a problem - Hayley Matthews, Alice Capsey and Ashleigh Gardner in the World Cup. Once again we will find a match-up coming to the fore."

Furthermore, the ex-opener expected skipper Mandhana to utilise Ellyse Perry properly in the game, urging Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh Thakur and Megan Schutt to step up in this crucial face-off. 

"What do I expect from RCB? Use Ellyse Perry slightly better - you are not using her properly, slightly better captaincy, more runs from Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana's bats, and wickets from Renuka Singh Thakur and Megan Schutt."

Wednesday's game is a must-win for both teams, as they languish at the bottom in the WPL standings, incurring two successive defeats. In the last game, RCB were crushed by the rampant Mumbai Indians by nine wickets.