Smriti Mandhana’s tactical brilliance and an all-round performance from her Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team culminated in a historic triumph at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. In a momentous occasion for the franchise, RCB clinched their maiden Women’s Premier League (WPL) title with a clinical 8-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals. This victory not only marked RCB’s first-ever title in franchise cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), but also cemented Mandhana’s reputation as a astute leader and a true champion of the game.
The stage was set for a thrilling finale, with the two finalists, Delhi Capitals and RCB, squaring off in a battle for supremacy. Mandhana, leading from the front, won the toss and made the bold decision to field first, a move that would prove to be a masterstroke. Her spin trio of Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana wove a web of deception, restricting the formidable Delhi batting line-up to a modest total of 113 runs.
Delhi Batted First
Delhi Capitals got off to a promising start, with opener Shafali Verma’s blistering 44 off 27 balls providing the early impetus. Her innings, laced with two boundaries and three towering sixes, injected vigor into Delhi’s batting efforts. However, RCB’s spin trio of Molineux, Patil, and Sobhana soon weaved their magic, halting Delhi’s momentum in its tracks.
Verma’s dismissal, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Georgia Wareham off Molineux’s bowling, opened the floodgates for RCB. The Delhi batting line-up, which boasted the likes of Meg Lanning, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Alice Capsey, crumbled under the relentless pressure exerted by RCB’s spinners. Molineux’s guile and variations proved too hot to handle, as she claimed three crucial wickets, while Patil and Sobhana chipped in with two wickets apiece.
What started as a promising innings for Delhi quickly unraveled, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The batters struggled to cope with the spin onslaught, and their inability to construct substantial partnerships ultimately proved costly. From a comfortable 64 for 1, Delhi slumped to 113 all out in 18.3 overs, a total that seemed well below par on a surface that offered ample assistance to the spinners.
RCB Chased it Easily
Chasing a modest total of 114, RCB’s openers, Mandhana and Sophie Devine, adopted a watchful approach, ensuring they didn’t lose early wickets. The duo navigated the Delhi bowlers with composure, rotating the strike and capitalizing on the occasional loose deliveries. Despite the cautious start, the run rate was kept in check, thanks to their sensible batting.
The opening partnership laid the foundation for RCB’s chase, with Mandhana and Devine adding 49 runs for the first wicket. Perry’s innings was a masterclass in pacing the chase. She rotated the strike effortlessly, finding the boundary at regular intervals to keep the scoreboard ticking. Her sensible approach and ability to find gaps in the field allowed RCB to maintain a steady run rate, alleviating any pressure that could have built up.
Her composed knock of 35 not out from 37 deliveries, laced with four boundaries, proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Delhi Capitals’ aspirations. By the time Perry and Richa Ghosh (17 not out) guided RCB across the finish line in the 20th over, the chase had been made to look like a mere formality, thanks to their calculated and composed approach.
The Reactions 👏
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The Emotions ☺️
The Celebrations 🙌
They say what this triumph means for the Royal Challengers Bangalore 🏆
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What it Means for RCB Fans
This resounding victory holds immense significance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise and their legion of fans. For over 15 years, the RCB faithful have been yearning for their team to bring home a coveted trophy. The men’s team has come agonizingly close on numerous occasions, only to fall short at the final hurdle, leaving a void in the hearts of their supporters.
However, it was the women’s team that stepped up and delivered RCB’s maiden title, etching their names in the annals of franchise cricket history. This triumph serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit that defines the RCB brand. It is a moment of immense pride for the franchise, and a validation of their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an environment of excellence.
