WPL 2025: RCB captain Mandhana apologizes to Perry after defeat
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women's team skipper Smriti Mandhana publicly apologized to Ellyse Perry after their loss in the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL) match against UP Warriorz (UPW).
The ninth match was held in Bengaluru on February 24.
Despite Perry's phenomenal performance, RCB failed to defend a target of 181 runs and lost in the Super Over.
Match highlights
Perry's stellar performance overshadowed by team's defeat
Perry, the veteran Australian all-rounder, was on fire with a 56-ball 90. However, her innings went in vain as RCB couldn't win.
With only Danni Wyatt-Hodge (57) as batting support, who was dismissed in the 15th over, Perry single-handedly raised the score in the last overs.
However, in the Super Over face-off after the tie, Mandhana and Richa Ghosh were sent to bat instead of Perry.
RCB, subsequently, failed to chase down the nine-run target.
Captain's remorse
Mandhana expresses regret over team's performance
After the match, Mandhana lamented the team's performance.
"As a team, really have to tell [Perry] we are sorry. It was brilliant to watch her batting. How could we not win that game for her," she said (via Yahoo Sports).
Despite the loss, RCB stays at the top of the table but has now lost two in a row, affecting their strong start.
Player statistics
Perry's impressive track record in WPL 2025
Despite the team's recent losses, Perry has had an impressive run in the WPL 2025.
She has scored 234 runs in four matches, averaging 114.50 with a strike rate of 160.96.
In her match against UPW, she surpassed her former national teammate Meg Lanning to become the all-time top scorer in the WPL.