'They haven't woken up yet'- Aakash Chopra expresses concern over Bangalore's dismal form in Women's T20 League 2023

Aakash Chopra & Bangalore Women's Team (Image credit: Twitter)

Bangalore suffered yet another defeat in the inaugural edition of the Women's T20 League (WTL) against Mumbai at the Brabourne Stadium on Monday. Former India cricketer Akash Chopra opined that the Bangalore franchise is yet to wake up, as Smriti Mandhana and Co are yet to win a game in the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Mandhana and Sophie Devine got off to a good start, but neither could stay at the crease for long and the team suffered an immediate batting collapse and were bowled out for 155 runs. In reply, Mumbai batters smashed the opponent bowlers and crossed the target of victory with nine wickets and 34 balls to spare.

Harmanpreet Kaur's team registered their second consecutive comprehensive win in the tournament and looked like an unbeatable team for any franchise in the tournament. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised Mumbai's dominance and highlighted Bangalore's shortcomings.

The former right-handed batter said:

"Mumbai's victorious local is working fine. They have won both their games but Bangalore have not yet woken up. The Mumbai have won once again in this old rivalry. Bangalore have lost both matches one-sided. So it will be very difficult to come out from here.

"If you get to bat first, then score 200 but for that, you need to start well, which they are unable to do. Off-spin in front of Smriti Mandhana is becoming a recurring feature. Hayley Matthews comes and eventually dismisses her.

'Wickets kept falling at regular intervals': Chopra

Chopra, who is also a cricket commentator, pointed to Bangalore's batting collapse and lack of significant partnerships.

"Sophie Devine was dismissed by Saika Ishaque - she is bowling well, she will play for India. After that, the wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Ellyse Perry got run out - what a fantastic throw by Humaira Kazi. Richa Ghosh was also saved by the ultra-edge. They fought later and reached 155," he added.

The 39 runs added by Mandhana and Devine for the first wicket was the highest partnership in Bangalore's innings. None of their batters could reach the 30-run mark as a result of a brilliant bowling performance by the Mumbai bowlers, especially Hayley Matthews. Bangalore lost their first match against Delhi by 60 runs and it will be difficult for Mandhana's team to bounce back from here.