RCB vs DC Toss, Playing 11 Update for WPL Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Smriti Mandhana opted to bowl first after winning the toss against Delhi Capitals at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara on February 5, 2025 (Thursday).
After winning the toss, Smriti Mandhana said: We'd like to field first today. Of course, it's been a trend in the tournament, but having said that, on a good wicket, it's always good to know what you're going to chase. We're playing with the same XI what we played in the last match. (On the break and and playing the final) It's been brilliant, I feel. First 2-3 days, we all had a good time off. We didn't think a lot about cricket. And of course, in the last two or three days, we came back together, practised hard.
And again, there's nice nerves, nice anxiousness, and nice excitement. And I feel you all have to embrace it. And we've all had a chat about it. And don't run away from it, just embrace it. (Different preparations for the final?) Well, I'm not sure that it's different. What's worked for us is keeping things as simple as we can. And I think nothing changes for us today as well. Everyone had that calm energy today. But of course, the excitement level is high. And for sure, I mean, we know that we have to turn up and play our best cricket.
Meanwhile Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues said: It's better to lose the toss in such big games. We are going with the same team. We've kept it very simple, kept our plans simple. We played the Eliminator here, so we know what it's going to like like.
RCB vs DC WPL Final- Playing XI
RCB (Playing XI): Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh(w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell
DC (Playing XI): Lizelle Lee(w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma
RCB vs DC Pitch Report
The pitch being used is the same surface as the Eliminator and is expected to offer a balanced contest. The boundaries are relatively short-54m and 58m square, with a 66m straight boundary-making stroke play easier, especially for batters who rely on timing and placement. The ground has historically produced more fours than sixes, encouraging smart shot selection.
There are visible cracks on the surface, which could influence bounce and provide assistance to bowlers who hit consistent lengths. Fast bowlers may get slight movement with the new ball during the powerplay, while seamers who maintain accuracy can create pressure. As the game progresses, spinners are also expected to find some help from the surface. Overall, the pitch offers opportunities for both batters and bowlers, making adaptability crucial.
