New Delhi: Smriti Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge efficiently led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a successful chase of 142 runs against Delhi Capitals, securing victory by 8 wickets in just 16.2 overs. Mandhana, who has demonstrated remarkable form over the past year, achieved her fastest fifty in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

She aggressively targeted the Delhi Capitals' bowling attack from the very first over and maintained her momentum throughout the innings. Mandhana concluded her performance with an impressive 81 runs off 47 balls, featuring three sixes and ten fours. While Wyatt-Hodge's innings was not without its challenges, she supported Mandhana effectively, scoring 42 runs off 32 balls. The opening partnership between the two amounted to 107 runs, marking the highest for any wicket for RCB against DC.

Wyatt-Hodge was eventually dismissed by Arundhati Reddy (1/25) in the 10.5 over, but the substantial partnership had already set the tone for the chase. Ellyse Perry (7*) then joined Mandhana to add a quick 26 runs, further solidifying the foundation laid by the openers. Mandhana was dismissed by Shikha Pandey in the 16th over, but the damage had been inflicted. Richa Ghosh (11*), with a couple of powerful strikes, ensured a swift conclusion to the match.

Earlier in the game, Renuka Singh Thakur, who was named player of the match, showcased her bowling prowess with figures of 3/23, helping to dismiss Delhi Capitals for a total of 141 runs. Georgia Wareham also contributed significantly with 3/25, disrupting Delhi's promising start.

Thakur made an early impact by dismissing Shafali Verma for a golden duck. However, Meg Lanning (17) and Jemimah Rodrigues (34) formed a solid partnership of 59 runs, allowing Delhi to reach 55/1 by the end of the powerplay.

The match experienced a significant shift during the seventh over when RCB initiated a collapse. Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been performing well with a score of 34 off 22 balls, was dismissed while attempting a reverse sweep, resulting in her being stumped by Richa Ghosh.

In the subsequent over, Capitals captain Lanning misjudged a short delivery and was caught by Ellyse Perry at square leg, further undermining their innings.

Renuka maintained her influence by taking the wicket of Annabel Sutherland (19) in the 11th over. Earlier, the RCB pacer had made an immediate impact by dismissing Shafali Verma for a golden duck in the opening over after Mandhana chose to bowl first.

Although Jemimah survived an early LBW appeal, her dismissal marked a pivotal moment as RCB tightened their control over the match. Lanning tried to stabilize the innings with some well-timed shots, but the RCB bowlers applied consistent pressure, claiming wickets at regular intervals.

Wareham played a crucial role in dismantling the lower order, including the important wicket of Scottish wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce, who managed to score 23 runs off 19 balls.

Ekta Bisht also proved essential in concluding the lower middle order, taking the wickets of all-rounders Jess Jonassen (1) and Marizanne Kapp (23) with impressive figures of 2/35. Delhi's last five wickets fell in a mere six overs, as RCB bowled out DC in 19.3 overs.

“The bowlers performed exceptionally well. Keeping them under 150 was a significant achievement,” Mandhana stated during the post-match presentation. “Wyatt was outstanding with the bat. Our strategy was to focus on pace, but we adjusted based on the game's situation. Our start was excellent. As a team, we take pride in our bowlers. Ekta faced challenges in her first over but made a strong comeback. Danny and I have batted together numerous times. In the last match, we were disappointed with our start, but today we continued to push forward, and our shots were successful.”

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