Star Australia pacer all-rounder Ellyse Perry had a night to remember at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Tuesday. She first registered the best bowling figures in the history of the Women’s Premier League, snapping 6/15 and then hit an unbeaten 40 as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Mumbai Indians by seven wickets to reach the playoffs.
Finishing third in the standings with eight points, RCB will now play in Friday's Eliminator. Their opponents will be finalised after Wednesday's game between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants. Perry got the ball to nip back consistently to clean up four batters and trap two lbw to drain the life out of defending champions MI, leaving them tottering at 82/7 in 13 overs.
Sent in to bat, Hayley Matthews (26) and Sajeevan Sajana (30), who was promoted up the order, provided a steady start to MI. Matthews was the aggressor at the start, using her strokes to blast two fours and as many sixes. While Renuka Singh was on the line for Matthews in the third over, Sajana picked Sophie Molineux in the fifth over for special treatment.
However, Sophie Devine ended the Powerplay by dismissing Matthews, who holed out to Perry as MI were 43/1 in six overs. Sajana then took over the reins and smashed Devine for a four and a six before Perry brought RCB back into the game.
In reply, RCB were at a spot of bother at 39/3. But Perry stood up with the bat too and with support from keeper-batter Richa Ghosh (36 not out), took RCB home with five overs to spare.
Brief scores: MI Women 113 in 19 ovs (E. Perry 6/15). RCB Women 115/3 in 15 ovs (E. Perry 40 n.o.). RCB Women won by 7 wickets.