The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 kicked off with a bang as Bengaluru played host to an electrifying opening ceremony followed by a thrilling match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and UP Warriorz on the subsequent day.
Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), lauded Bengaluru’s remarkable efforts in organizing the event and praised the enthusiastic crowd that filled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to capacity.
A rousing opening ceremony
Notably, ahead of the tournament’s first game between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC), the WPL 2024 commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony that left spectators in awe. Bengaluru pulled out all the stops to ensure a grand and memorable start to the tournament. From dazzling performances to stunning visual displays, the ceremony set the stage for an action-packed cricketing extravaganza.
Full house at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
The enthusiasm of cricket fans was evident as the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a full house for the second match of the competition between home team RCB and UP Warriorz. Shah expressed delight at the overwhelming response from the fans, highlighting that all tickets were completely sold out well in advance. The atmosphere inside the stadium was described as unparalleled, with fans cheering passionately for their favorite teams.
Bengaluru’s success in hosting WPL
Shah commended Bengaluru for its exceptional efforts in hosting the WPL matches. He emphasized that the city’s vibrant cricket culture and passionate fan base contributed to the success of the tournament’s opening leg. The Secretary of BCCI expressed gratitude to the organizers, stakeholders, and fans for their unwavering support, stating that Bengaluru has once again proven to be a top-notch host for cricketing events.
Also WATCH: Kartik Aaryan, Sidharth Malhotra, Shahrukh Khan and other stars entertain fans in WPL 2024 opening ceremony
Breaking barriers in WPL
Shah also highlighted the league’s commitment to breaking barriers and pushing boundaries in the world of cricket. The overwhelming response to the opening ceremony and the packed stadium in Bengaluru exemplifies the growing popularity and success of the WPL.
“A rousing opening ceremony like never before yesterday and a full house at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today. All tickets completely sold out and the atmosphere is unparalleled. Well done, Bengaluru. The #TATAWPL continues to break barriers!” Shah wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
A rousing opening ceremony like never before yesterday and a full house at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today. All tickets completely sold out and the atmosphere is unparalleled.
Well done, Bengaluru. The #TATAWPL continues to break barriers!@wplt20 || @RCBTweets || @UPWarriorz pic.twitter.com/13LIVp8pHC
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 24, 2024
RCB secures a thrilling win
Speaking about the match between RCB and UPW, the Smriti Mandhana-led side secured a thrilling win in the contest that went down to the wire. After being asked to bat first, the home team posted 157/6 on the scoreboard courtesy of half-centuries from Sabbhineni Meghana (53) and Richa Ghosh (62).
In response, UP Warriorz took the game to the final ball and eventually fell just 2 runs short. RCB spinner Sobhana Asha was the chief architect behind her team’s thrilling win. She bagged a brilliant five-wicket haul while conceding only 22 runs in her quota of 4 overs.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Sobhana Asha’s five-wicket haul inspires RCB’s thrilling victory over UP Warriorz in WPL 2024
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
