'Wanted to end on a positive note' - Deepti reflects on UPW's season-ending win

A day after being eliminated from the tournament, UP Warriorz signed off the season with a thrilling 12-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, eliminating the defending champions in the process. In what was a high-scoring game in Lucknow, UPW's batters, led by Georgia Voll's explosive knock of 99, went on a rampage as they posted an all-time record for the highest-ever WPL total. RCB did fight hard but in the end, the target was a few too many for them.

The jaw-dropping batting performance may have come a bit too late for the Warriorz but skipper Deepti Sharma stressed on the need for a positive finish to what hasn't been a great season for them.

"We wanted to end the tournament on a positive note," said Deepti at the post-match press conference.

"It was good to see a nice crowd in. There was a lot of noise and often we couldn't hear each other properly on the ground. It was good to see them come out in numbers. We know we didn't start well in the tournament but we were keen to end it on a positive note."

The new-look opening pair of Voll and fellow Aussie Grace Harris once again went berserk at the top, much like they did in the previous game against Mumbai Indians. The difference, however, was that UPW didn't lose their way after the partnership was broken. Against MI, both batters fell in quick succession but this time, Voll was determined to bat deep, particularly after she had lost Harris to a needless run out. It also helped that the UPW middle order clicked and gave Voll the required support from the other end.

Batting collapses have often hurt UPW this season and the MI debacle was basically a summary of their season. When quizzed about what changed between the two games, Deepti was philosophical.

"When the team wins, everything looks bright but when the team is losing, lot of things look wrong. We clicked well as a team today with everyone stepping up. That didn't quite happen in our previous game although we had the same team. Our middle order didn't quite click this season but today, we did well and batters took responsibility."

One of the crucial turning points of the game was Richa Ghosh's dismissal after the wicketkeeper-batter had threatened to repeat her exploits from the tournament opener against Gujarat Giants. The 21-year-old was going bonkers, having belted 69 off 32 balls before Deepti had the last laugh against her national teammate. In a bid to up the ante, Richa's cross-batted slog found deep mid-wicket to perfection, giving some respite to the Warriorz. Deepti, understandably, enjoyed winning the duel.

"I have played a lot with her (Richa) from the Bengal days and now with India. So I'm aware of her strengths and weaknesses, and she also knows the same. I just backed my strength and I knew that if I bowl to the field, there would be a big chance of getting her wicket."

Deepti's maiden season as captain may not have gone according to plan in terms of overall results but she seemed keen to look at the positive side of things. After Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, Deepti is the other captaincy choice in terms of seniority and the all-rounder didn't seem too worried about the lack of results this season.

"I have enjoyed this opportunity given by the franchise to lead the side. It is a different challenge to playing as just a player. You have to be alert on the ground and think a lot about whom to give the ball to, set the fields etc. I learnt all these during the WPL and there is obviously room for improvement. There is a good influx of talent in our group and that's pleasing to see.

"I love challenges. Not every day is same for any player or captain. Whichever match I play, I try to learn whether I win or lose. I don't think there was any extra pressure because I have always enjoyed challenges. I have learnt a lot and next season, there will be a lot more improvement."