WPL 2024: Asha Sobhana in tears while receiving Player of the Match award

In a gripping encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Asha Sobhana's remarkable five-wicket haul made history in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), she was visibly in tears while receiving her Player of the Match award. Royal Challengers Bangalore secured a tense two-run victory over UP Warriorz on Saturday, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Defending a total of 158 runs, Asha's bowling masterclass dismantled the Warriorz chase, claiming key wickets including Vrinda Dinesh and Tahlia McGrath in quick succession. 

As the game progressed, Asha's prowess shone brighter, dismissing Shweta Sehrawat, Grace Harris, and Kiran Navgire in the crucial 17th over, tilting the scales in RCB's favour. Notably, this historic feat marks the first five-wicket haul by an Indian in WPL history. Tara Norris of the USA had previously achieved this milestone against RCB in the league's inaugural edition. Asha, a seasoned campaigner, has represented Kerala, Railways, and Puducherry before earning her spot with RCB, showcasing her immense talent on the grand stage.

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"A lot of struggle and a lot of hard work. And finally, the victory is sweet. I'm not thinking about my five wickets. We just won our first match on our home ground. Nothing bigger than that for me right now. At the moment, I'm very happy about my bowling. I'm very happy that I contributed to the victory of my team that too at the Chinnaswamy ground. Very happy," Asha said at the post-match presentation. 

"I know that the situation would be something like this, and I had already visualised and a lot of homework was done. I would say that is one of my strengths (on her control). And I had seen that Grace was going against the turn and I knew that if I pulled the length of the ball a little slower, maybe she might go across and get a top edge or a bowled. I was ready to get smashed. But I was sure that I'm gonna get the job done," she added.

RCB’s 12^th man in elements during tense encounter

In the pursuit of 158 runs, UP Warriorz found themselves in a promising position, with Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat's 77-run partnership steering them towards victory. However, Asha's remarkable display in the 17th over altered the course of the game dramatically. With three crucial wickets in her final over, she swung momentum decisively in RCB's favour. Despite the Warriorz appearing in control, they faltered in the death overs, squandering their advantage. The raucous crowd, acting as the 12th man, fuelled RCB's resurgence with fervent cheers at Chinnaswamy.

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