In a historic victory, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged triumphant in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, securing their maiden title across franchise leagues. Led by the dynamic Smriti Mandhana, RCB displayed exceptional prowess as they defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight wickets in a thrilling final showdown at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The match witnessed a captivating chase by RCB, who successfully chased down DC’s target of 114 runs with strategic contributions from key players Sophie Devine and Ellyse Perry. Earlier, RCB’s bowler Shreyanka Patil wreaked havoc on DC’s batting lineup, claiming four crucial wickets and restricting them to a modest total of 113 runs in 18.3 overs.
Sophie Molineux’s stellar performance turned the tide in RCB’s favor, as she dismantled DC’s top order by dismissing Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Alice Capsey in a single over, setting the stage for RCB’s eventual triumph. RCB’s spinners collectively accounted for nine wickets, a record-breaking feat in WPL history.
Despite a strong start by DC’s openers Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma, RCB’s relentless bowling attack led by Patil and Molineux proved to be too formidable. DC, after reaching a promising position of 64 for 0 in 7 overs, faltered and collapsed to 113 all out before their overs concluded.
RCB’s victory marks a significant milestone in their franchise history, as they had previously been unsuccessful in clinching titles in other leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, showcased commendable resilience throughout the season but fell short in the final hurdle. With this defeat, they now hold the distinction of being two-time losing finalists, igniting their determination to bounce back stronger in the upcoming seasons.
Ellyse Perry’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned her the prestigious Orange Cap, with an impressive tally of 347 runs in nine matches. RCB’s triumph also saw them secure a lucrative prize of INR 6 crores, while Delhi Capitals received INR 3 crores as runners-up.
As RCB revels in their historic achievement, their male counterparts gear up for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, drawing inspiration from their counterparts’ success in the WPL. With momentum on their side, RCB sets their sights on further glory as they aim to replicate their triumph in future editions of the WPL and beyond.
