RCB Secures Commanding Eight-Wicket Victory Over DC in WPL Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) match at Vadodara, thanks to stellar performances from Renuka Singh, Georgia Wareham, and skipper Smriti Mandhana. Former Indian captain Mithali Raj praised RCB’s dominance, emphasizing how they controlled the match right from the first over. With this win, RCB now sits at the top of the table with two victories in as many matches, while DC holds the third spot with one win and one loss.

“From the moment Renuka Singh dismissed Shafali Varma in the first over, RCB took charge of the game. Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy was spot on—every bowling change brought a breakthrough. Her leadership, along with Danni Wyatt’s support, provided a solid foundation for their batting,” Raj commented on JioHotstar.

DC’s Struggles with the Bat

After RCB opted to field first, they got off to a dream start as Shafali Varma fell on the very first ball, offering a simple catch to Mandhana off Renuka’s delivery.

Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Meg Lanning then attempted to stabilize the innings, with Rodrigues accelerating the scoring against Ekta Bisht and Joshitha. DC reached the 50-run mark in 5.4 overs, aided by a six from Rodrigues.

However, their promising 60-run partnership was broken when Wareham had Rodrigues stumped for 34 off 22 balls (four boundaries and two sixes). Soon after, Kim Garth removed Lanning for 17 off 19 deliveries, leaving DC at 62/3 in 7.3 overs.

Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp tried to rebuild, guiding DC to 83/3 at the 10-over mark. However, Sutherland’s dismissal for 19 triggered a collapse. The batting lineup faltered, with Sarah Bryce (23 off 19) and Shikha Pandey (14 off 15) offering some resistance before DC was bowled out for 141 in 19.3 overs.

Renuka (3/23) and Wareham (3/25) led the RCB bowling attack, while Garth (2/19) and Bisht (2/35) provided crucial support.

Mandhana’s Brilliance Seals the Chase

Chasing 142, RCB openers Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt provided a blazing start. Mandhana struck two early boundaries off Kapp, while Wyatt found gaps towards the end of the powerplay.

By the sixth over, RCB had reached 57/0, with Mandhana on 32* and Wyatt on 22*. The left-hander continued her aggressive approach, bringing up her fifty in just 27 balls with eight fours and a six.

RCB comfortably crossed the 100-run mark in 10 overs, thanks to a cover drive from Wyatt. Their dominant 107-run stand was eventually broken when Arundhati Reddy dismissed Wyatt for 42 off 33 balls (seven boundaries).

Mandhana, however, continued to dictate terms, punishing Jess Jonassen and Sutherland. She was finally dismissed for a stunning 81 off 47 balls (10 fours, three sixes) as Arundhati took a catch off Shikha Pandey’s bowling.

With just a few runs left to win, Richa Ghosh wrapped up the chase in style with a six, taking RCB to 146/2 in 16.1 overs. Richa remained unbeaten on 11*, alongside Ellyse Perry (7*).

RCB Strengthens Its Title Credentials

This emphatic win showcased RCB’s well-rounded dominance in both batting and bowling. Their strong start to the tournament positions them as serious contenders for the WPL title.