“Kanika is a 360-degree player,” RCB captain Smriti Mandhana hails young talent Kanika Ahuja after her match-winning knock against UPW

Royal Challengers Bangalore finally registered their first win in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as they defeated UP Warriorz by 5 wickets.

However RCB captain Smriti Mandhana admitted that she was anxious as the chase unfolded. Having lost their first five WPL games, it was a golden opportunity for the Challengers to bag their first win after they managed to restrict UP for only 135.

But they were in trouble when they lost 43/3 around the 6th over mark, in came youngster Kanika Ahuja who showed great resolve and intent. She stitched a great partnership with Richa Ghosh and helped RCB reach the target with two overs to spare.

Ahuja’s fine innings of 46 runs from 30 balls saw her bag the player of the match award. The youngster batted with a lot of intent and had a positive mindset on a tricky pitch.

Mandhana at the post match press conference shared that she was praying through the first 10 overs. She was finally relieved that they have registered a win in the tournament. “We lost a couple of wickets around the seventh over and it got a little nervous. The way they (Ahuja and Ghosh) batted and got us through was brilliant for us to see. Really proud of the way Kanika played.”

“The camera showed that I was pretty nervous initially. I was praying we get over the line. The first ten overs were all about praying, and then the partnership got us over the line,” the RCB captain opened up.

It was Kanika Ahuja’s day who came at the crease when RCB were in major trouble and batted really well to get them over the line. Ahuja has previously shown glimpses but on Wednesday it was pure batting exhibition from the 20-year-old.

Mandhana lauded her counter-attacking skills and revealed that she is someone who can hit all around the park and she backs herself to pull it off. “Really excited to see her bat. She’s a 360-degree player, which is not common in Indian cricket. We have more technical players. That’s impressive, and the confidence she has is amazing,” Mandhana added.

Having registered a win, RCB will be on the hunt for more as they will face Gujarat Giants on Sunday at the Brabourne Stadiium.