WPL: Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk exploits take RCB to final; UP Warriorz out

Grace Harris was utterly unstoppable on Thursday night, unleashing absolute carnage against the UP Warriorz with a breathtaking 75 off just 37 balls, studded with 13 powerful fours and two sixes. Chasing 144, her explosive innings singlehandedly tore apart the bowling attack, powering Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a commanding eight-wicket victory at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!RCB’s win also knocked the Warriorz out of the tournament while clinching them a spot in the final of the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, unbeaten on 54 from 27 balls, played the perfect supporting role for once, anchoring the chase with composure while giving Harris complete freedom to unleash audacious strokeplay. The duo put on 108 off just 55 balls.Before stepping out to bat, Harris had made an impact with the ball as well, claiming 2-22.With the ball earlier, RCB’s attack once again showcased impressive depth. Medium pacer Nadine de Klerk rose to the occasion with a four-wicket haul to derail the UPW’s quest for a big total.In a strategic shift for the UPW, who were made to bat first, Deepti Sharma (55 off 43) opened the batting for the very first time, partnering with her captain Meg Lanning (41 off 30). Initially, the India allrounder exercised caution, taking a couple of overs to get accustomed and carefully negotiate the first few overs.The Lanning-Deepti stand of 74 from 49 balls was smartly managed and it quickly became UPW’s best opening partnership this season, providing a solid foundation with 50 for no loss in the Powerplay.Scores: RCB 147/2 in 13.1 overs (G Harris 75, S Mandhana 54*) beat UPW 143/8 (D Sharma 55, M Lanning 41; N de Klerk 4/22, G Harris 2/22) by eight wickets.