Smriti Mandhana Powers Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Dominant Win Over Delhi Capitals

New Delhi, Monday: Smriti Mandhana delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 81 runs off 47 balls, to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to an impressive eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League. Mandhana’s blistering knock, which included 10 fours and three sixes, played a pivotal role in RCB’s chase of Delhi’s total of 141, set in 19.3 overs.

RCB’s bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh and Georgia Wareham, was clinical in restricting Delhi’s batting lineup. Singh’s three-wicket haul (3/23) and Wareham’s three wickets (3/25) put RCB firmly in control, as Delhi collapsed from a promising 55/1 to 141 all out.

Mandhana and Wyatt-Hodge Set the Stage

The chase was anchored by the opening duo of Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who shared an explosive 107-run stand in just 55 balls. Wyatt-Hodge contributed a valuable 42 runs from 33 balls, including seven boundaries. The partnership was nearly flawless, though Wyatt-Hodge was given a lifeline when Jemimah Rodrigues dropped a catch at long-off with her score at 34. Nevertheless, the pair continued to dominate, with RCB reaching 50 runs within the first five overs.

Mandhana’s aggression was evident throughout, as she smacked a rapid 50 in just 27 balls, including a stunning six off Arundhati Reddy over long-off. The boundaries kept flowing, with the duo forcing Delhi’s bowlers into mistakes.

RCB’s Bowling Dominates Delhi

Earlier, Delhi Capitals began their innings strongly, reaching 55/1 during the powerplay. However, RCB struck twice in the seventh over, triggering a collapse. Jemimah Rodrigues, who looked in control with a 34 off 22 balls, was stumped by Richa Ghosh attempting a reverse sweep. Just five balls later, Delhi captain Meg Lanning was dismissed for 18, miscuing a delivery from Wareham to square leg.

Renuka Singh’s superb bowling continued, with her dismissal of Annabel Sutherland (19) in the 11th over. Renuka had earlier removed Shafali Verma for a golden duck in the opening over, swinging the momentum in RCB’s favor. Despite resistance from Sarah Bryce, who contributed 23 runs, Delhi’s batting crumbled as they lost their final five wickets within six overs.

RCB’s Commanding Performance

RCB’s decision to bowl first proved to be a game-changer, aided by the dew that affected Delhi’s bowlers, particularly the spinners. This allowed Mandhana and Wyatt-Hodge to control the chase and finish the match in just 16.2 overs, with RCB securing their second consecutive win of the tournament.

Smriti Mandhana’s commanding performance was the highlight of the day, showcasing her strength and consistency as RCB topped the standings with two wins from two matches. The team’s all-around excellence, with both bat and ball, sets a high bar for the rest of the tournament.

Looking Ahead

RCB’s all-around dominance over Delhi Capitals underscores their potential as a title contender in the Women’s Premier League. With the tournament progressing, RCB’s blend of experienced players and emerging talent promises exciting cricket ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates and match analyses.