RCB win WPL title vs Delhi

• RCB wins second WPL title, beats Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets. Smriti Mandhana scored 87 runs.

Vadodara, Feb 5 (PTI) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title by defeating the Delhi Capitals (DC)

by six wickets. This victory occurred during the final match held on Thursday, marking a disappointing fourth final loss for DC. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role in the win, scoring an impressive 87 runs off 41 balls, while Georgia Voll contributed significantly with 79 runs off 54 deliveries. Their partnership of 165 runs for the second wicket was crucial in leading RCB to a historic title victory.

Delhi Capitals' Strong Start

Delhi Capitals set a formidable target of 203 runs for RCB, thanks to a stellar performance from skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a half-century. Chinelle Henry also made a quick impact with a blistering 15-ball 35. Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee contributed 44 not out and 37 runs, respectively, helping DC build a strong innings.

RCB's Record Chase

In response to the challenging target, RCB began their innings with an early loss of Grace Harris for 9 runs. However, Mandhana and Voll quickly stabilized the innings, maintaining an aggressive run rate. RCB reached the halfway mark with 100 runs, requiring 104 runs from the remaining 60 balls.

Mandhana reached her fifty in just 23 balls, showcasing her batting prowess with powerful boundaries. Voll matched her performance, effectively punishing any loose deliveries, as RCB continued to build momentum.

The Final Moments

As the match progressed, the pressure mounted, with RCB needing 54 runs off 36 balls. Mandhana's explosive hitting kept RCB in contention until Voll was dismissed by Minnu Mani, which briefly raised hopes for DC. Nevertheless, RCB maintained their composure and secured the win with two balls to spare, equalling the Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in WPL history.

Capitals' Initial Overs

RCB's bowlers started strongly, limiting DC to just nine runs in the first three overs. However, DC's momentum shifted in the fourth over as Lee struck two sixes, allowing them to gain crucial ground. Despite an early struggle, DC managed to accelerate their scoring, putting RCB under pressure.

Key Partnerships

The partnership between Rodrigues and Wolvaardt proved vital, as they added 76 runs, keeping the scoreboard ticking and placing RCB on the back foot. Ultimately, RCB's ability to chase down the target under pressure showcased their resilience and determination in the tournament.