Harmanpreet Kaur Reacts to Deafening Cheers at Chinnaswamy

Published on: February 22, 2025

Harmanpreet Kaur Reacts to Deafening Cheers at Chinnaswamy

RCB vs MI WPL 2025 Clash

A Historic Night for Women’s Cricket in Bengaluru

Bengaluru witnessed an electrifying atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 21, 2025, as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) unfolded. The night was nothing short of historic, with a record-breaking crowd gathering to cheer for their favorite teams. Never before in the history of WPL had such an overwhelming number of spectators flooded the stands, turning the venue into a cauldron of energy, passion, and unwavering support for women’s cricket.

The enthusiasm of the fans was palpable from the very first delivery, and their voices only grew louder with every boundary, wicket, and strategic play. The match was not just another game in the tournament; it was a defining moment for women’s cricket, proving its growing influence and popularity across the country.

Harmanpreet Kaur Overwhelmed by the Roaring Chinnaswamy Crowd

The intensity of the atmosphere was so overwhelming that Mumbai Indians’ skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, was caught on camera covering her ears to shield herself from the deafening cheers of the RCB supporters. The stadium erupted at every significant moment, with each wicket and boundary met with an explosion of sound. The support from the home crowd was unlike anything seen before in the WPL, reflecting the massive strides women’s cricket has taken in recent years.

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While loud cheers and an energized audience are common in high-profile cricket matches, the decibel levels at Chinnaswamy that night were something extraordinary. It was a testament to how the sport has evolved, drawing in massive crowds and generating an atmosphere that once seemed exclusive to men’s cricket.

RCB’s Fiery Start: Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry Take Charge

After winning the toss, RCB’s skipper Smriti Mandhana opted to bat first, a decision met with thunderous applause from the home fans. Mandhana began the innings with flair, playing exquisite shots and setting the tone for the innings. Her aggressive approach saw her scoring a quickfire 26 off just 13 balls, ensuring RCB had a strong foundation. However, her departure brought in the star of the night—Ellyse Perry.

Ellyse Perry’s Batting Brilliance

The experienced all-rounder took center stage, anchoring the innings with a breathtaking knock of 81 runs off just 43 balls. Her innings was a blend of classical and aggressive stroke play, featuring 11 elegant fours and two monstrous sixes. Perry’s ability to maneuver the field and find gaps at will made it difficult for MI’s bowlers to contain her. She played with immense confidence, ensuring that RCB reached a competitive total of 167/7 in 20 overs.

Apart from Perry, valuable contributions came from other middle-order batters, keeping the scoreboard ticking and adding pressure on the MI bowling attack. However, MI’s disciplined bowling in the death overs prevented RCB from crossing the 175-run mark, which could have made a significant difference in the outcome of the match.

The Chase: MI’s Steely Nerves Under Pressure

Chasing 168 on a pitch that had something for both batters and bowlers was never going to be an easy task, especially with the intimidating crowd behind RCB. However, Mumbai Indians batters showcased remarkable composure, navigating through the challenge with a calculated approach.

Early Blows and a Resilient Comeback

RCB’s bowlers, fueled by the energy from the stands, started brilliantly, picking up early wickets and making inroads into MI’s top order. Every dot ball and every breakthrough was met with loud cheers, making the conditions even more challenging for the visiting team. MI found themselves in a spot of bother as RCB continued to apply pressure with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

Despite the mounting pressure, MI’s middle order held firm. A crucial partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr steadied the innings, slowly shifting the momentum away from RCB.
Sciver-Brunt’s experience came to the fore as she played risk-free cricket, finding boundaries when needed and rotating the strike efficiently. Kerr, on the other hand, provided solid support, playing a composed knock to keep MI in the hunt.

A Thrilling Finish: MI Seals the Victory

As the game approached its final overs, MI required a surge of runs to chase down the target. With six wickets down and a significant number of runs still needed, Pooja Vastrakar stepped up, delivering a clutch performance. Her calculated hitting in the last few overs turned the tide in MI’s favor. A couple of well-placed boundaries and an authoritative six in the 19th over tilted the balance, eventually guiding MI to victory.

Mumbai Indians successfully chased down the target with six wickets down and a few balls to spare showcasing their resilience under pressure.

Beyond the Match: A Testament to Women’s Cricket’s Growth

While RCB fell short in the game, the real winner was women’s cricket. The sheer magnitude of the crowd support, the electrifying atmosphere, and the high-quality cricket played throughout the match highlighted the massive strides the sport has taken over the years.

The Role of Fans in Elevating Women’s Cricket

The roaring crowd at Chinnaswamy proved that women’s cricket is no longer just an emerging entity but a fully established spectacle capable of drawing packed stadiums. The unwavering support displayed by the fans sent a strong message that the sport is here to stay and grow even further.

A Defining Moment for WPL and Beyond

The WPL 2025 clash between RCB and MI will go down as one of the most significant matches in the history of women’s cricket. The experience at Chinnaswamy demonstrated that women’s cricket is capable of delivering the same excitement, drama, and thrill as any top-tier men’s match.

As the tournament progresses, the expectation is that more matches will witness similar crowd engagements, further strengthening the position of women’s cricket in the sporting world. The success of the night also opens doors for more investments, sponsorships, and opportunities for young girls aspiring to take up the sport professionally.

Night to Remember

The RCB vs MI clash in WPL 2025 was more than just a cricket match—it was a celebration of the evolution and rising stature of women’s cricket. It set new benchmarks in terms of audience engagement and competitive spirit.

For players, it was a reminder of how far the sport has come. For fans, it was an unforgettable night of intense cricket. And for the future of women’s cricket, it was a stepping stone toward even greater heights.

As the WPL continues, one thing is certain—the passion, energy, and love for women’s cricket are only going to grow stronger. The Chinnaswamy Stadium on that night was not just a venue for a cricket match; it was a symbol of the bright future of women’s sports.