Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph in WPL Final with Record Chase
In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captured their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title on Thursday, overcoming Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets in the championship match held in Vadodara. The victory was sealed with a record chase of 204 runs, accomplished with two balls remaining, marking a historic moment in women's cricket.
Delhi Capitals' Fourth Consecutive Final Ends in Disappointment
For Delhi Capitals, the outcome represented another heartbreaking finish, as they fell short in their fourth straight final appearance across as many seasons, once again settling for the runners-up position. This defeat echoed their loss in the 2024 title match, reinforcing RCB's dominance in high-stakes encounters.
Mandhana and Voll Lead RCB's Charge
Chasing a formidable target of 204, RCB's innings was masterfully orchestrated by captain Smriti Mandhana, who blazed her way to 87 runs off just 41 balls, and Georgia Voll, who contributed a solid 79 off 54 deliveries. Their partnership of 165 runs for the second wicket proved decisive, steering the team toward victory and leveling RCB with Mumbai Indians (MI) as the most successful franchises in WPL history.
Delhi Capitals' Strong Batting Performance
Earlier in the match, Delhi Capitals posted an impressive total of 203 for four after being invited to bat first. Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a top score of 57 off 37 balls, building on a strong start provided by Shafali Varma and Lizelle Lee. The late innings surge was fueled by Chinelle Henry, who smashed 35 runs off only 15 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 44 off 25 deliveries. Lizelle Lee added 37 off 30 balls, and Shafali Verma contributed significantly before her dismissal during the powerplay phase.
Key Moments in the Match
RCB's bowling attack began effectively, with Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare restricting Delhi to just nine runs in the initial three overs. However, the pressure eased in the fourth over when Lee struck Satghare for two sixes, a period that also featured a stumping appeal by Richa Ghosh and a missed caught-and-bowled opportunity. Delhi reached 36 runs after five overs, setting the stage for a competitive total.
Arundhati Reddy's introduction into the attack proved crucial, as she removed Shafali Verma with a short ball, caught behind by Ghosh. Wolvaardt and Lee then accelerated the scoring, with Lee targeting Shreyanka Patil for two fours and a six, pushing Delhi to 72 for one in seven overs. Nadine de Klerk broke this partnership by dismissing Lee, caught by Grace Harris at long-on.
Rodrigues and Wolvaardt added 76 runs for the next wicket, maintaining the innings' momentum, and Henry's explosive hitting in the final overs ensured Delhi surpassed the 200-run mark.
RCB's Controlled Chase
In response, RCB faced an early setback with the loss of Grace Harris for nine runs, but Mandhana and Voll took charge, keeping the chase under control. They scored freely through the middle overs, reaching 100 runs at the halfway stage, requiring 104 from the remaining 60 balls. Mandhana reached her half-century in just 23 balls and continued to find boundaries, with Voll providing steady support at the other end.
RCB crossed 150 in the 14th over, needing 54 runs from 36 balls. Voll's dismissal by Minnu Mani briefly revived Delhi's hopes, but RCB maintained their composure to complete the chase, securing the title in a thrilling finish.
This victory not only crowned RCB as WPL champions but also highlighted their resilience and strategic execution in a high-pressure final, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women's cricket.
