New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore, riding on a fine all-round display from Australian Ellyse Perry, defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by five runs in the Eliminator here on Friday to set up a Women's Premier League title clash with Delhi Capitals.
Chasing a paltry total of 135/6, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai faltered in the chase, thanks to some incisive bowling by Perry (1/29) and Shreyanka Patil (2/16), and could manage just 130 runs for the loss of six wickets. Keralite leg-spinner Asha Shobhana gave away just six runs in the final over while picking up a wicket.
Perry's 66 off 50 balls was the cornerstone of RCB's total after their top order was blown away by a disciplined MI attack, reducing them to 24 for 3 inside the four overs of Powerplay. In reply, Mumbai could not get the required momentum, which was lost completely after Harmanpreet was dismissed for 33 in the 18th over.
Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 135/6 in 20 overs (Ellyse Perry 66; Hayley Matthews 2/18, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/18, Saika Ishaque 2/27) bt Mumbai Indians 130/6 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 23, Harmanpreet Kaur 33, Amelia Kerr 27 not out).
