The vociferous support of the Royal Challengers Bangalore fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a highlight in the second edition of the Women’s Premier League. Monday was no different and they were treated to a spectacle with Smriti Mandhana (80; 50b, 10×4, 3×6) and Ellyse Perry (58; 37b, 4×4, 4×6) putting on a show to help RCB register a 23-run win over UP Warriorz to end the Bengaluru leg of the competition on a winning note.

Put in to bat, RCB, who lost their previous two matches, posted a commanding 198-3 in 20 overs. Warriorz, despite skipper Alyssa Healy’s fine effort (55; 38b, 7×4, 3×6), could only manage 175-8. RCB openers S Meghana (28) and Smriti got down to business without much ado. The duo smashed five fours and two maximums and laid a solid foundation in the Powerplay. But the innings was all about Smriti’s electric 68-minute stay at the crease.

The six over extra cover off Rajeshwari Gayakwad in the 12th over reflected the touch she was in. After Smriti was dismissed by Deepti Sharma, Perry changed gears. The Australian hit Rajeshwari for two sixes in the 18th over.

Perry, who completed her 50 in 33 balls, followed it up with a six and four in the 19th over of Deepti. The Warriorz’s started the chase with promise with Healy and Kiran Navgire going great guns. They were 46 for no loss in four overs, but after the latter fell, the Australian did not find much support from the other end.

The task looked uphill after Healy’s dismissal. Although Deepti (33) and Poonam Khemnar (31) gave their best at the end, they fell short by a distance. For the home side, Sophie Devine, Asha Sobhana, Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molineux collected two wickets each.

Brief Scores: RCB 198/3 (S Meghana 28, Smriti Mandhana 80, Ellyse Perry 58) bt UP Warriorz 175/8 (Alyssa Healy 55, Deepti Sharma 33; Sophie Devine 2-37, Asha Sobhana 2-29, Georgia Wareham 2-38, Sophie Molineux 2-29) by 23 runs