Sophie Devine smashes record-breaking 99 to lead RCB to victory in Women’s Premier League

New Zealand’s Sophie Devine played a remarkable innings, scoring a tournament-record 99 runs off just 36 balls to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to an eight-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League.

Devine and Smriti Mandhana provided a perfect start to the chase, putting on a massive 125-run opening stand off just 56 balls. This helped RCB chase down the target of 189 and stay alive in the tournament.

Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt and Ashleigh Gardner played crucial innings of 68 off 42 and 41 off 26 balls respectively, to help the Giants post a formidable total of 188-4.

In another match, Mumbai Indians, the league’s top team, suffered their first defeat, losing to UP Warriorz by five wickets.

With her stunning performance, Devine smashed eight sixes, but missed out on a well-deserved century as she was caught on the boundary off Kim Garth’s bowling.

Following the victory, RCB climbed to fourth position in the standings, keeping them in contention for the playoffs. They have the same number of points as Gujarat Giants in fifth place, but a better net run rate.

Delhi Capitals have already qualified for the playoffs, occupying the second spot. However, the battle for the final playoff spot is still wide open, with Warriorz, Giants, and RCB all in contention.

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