Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) etched their names in history, by sealing a first Women’s Premier League (WPL) title. This victory, a dream come true for their fans, holds a special significance as it surpasses the achievements of their male counterparts in the Indian Premier League. The unforgettable journey of WPL 2024 will be forever imprinted in the hearts of the RCB supporters. It was filled with moments of sheer excitement and unforgettable drama. As the fans celebrate with fireworks, this triumph marks the culmination of years of longing for championship glory.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals find themselves as the second best once again, unable to capitalise on a golden opportunity for the second time in a row. Despite a valiant effort throughout the tournament, they suffered a heartbreaking batting collapse, after a strong start by the openers.
Spinners break Delhi’s back
DC started on the right note by winning the toss and choosing to bat. RCB captain, Smriti Mandhana, admitted that she too would have made the same decision. All the stars were pointing in DC’s direction, their consistency, their performances and their form. At 64/0 after seven overs, they had a perfect start. But alas, destiny had different plans.
The first to fall was Shafali Verma, who hit an unnecessary slog sweep off Sophie Molineux to be caught on the fence. The way they frittered away the start given by Meg Lanning and Verma was dramatic and shocking for the DC fans. Shafali made 44 runs off 27 balls, no small feat by any means, but with the bar set higher, fans had expected more.
One delivery later, Jemimah Rodrigues walked back, almost as soon as she had come in. On the very next ball, the dangerous Molineux bowled out Alice Capsey. The Australian left-arm spinner had struck thrice in that over for just one run. DC slumped to 64/3 and never recovered.
A turning point so sorts, the coveted Lanning wicket was picked up by Shreyanka Patil. DC’s boat was in troubled waters. Asha Shobhana did quick work in the 14th over and scalped twomore. She struck right after the break and dismissed Kapp. With the third ball, she had a fuming Jess Jonassen walk back to the dugout.
Shreyanka struck again in the 17th over and took her final two wickets in the 19th over, placing a cherry on top of the havoc she had just wreaked. DC batters got out as if they had nothing to lose, when in fact, they were the stronger team going into the match. Poor shot selection and irresponsibility led them to a downward spiral.
Chase always under control
When the last two DC batters were sent back to the pavilion by Shreyanka, Smriti’s side must have known that the ball was in their court. With a below par 113-run total on the scoreboard, all RCB had to do now was to hold their nerve.
They had the batters and the momentum on their side. It was all about staying on track and scoring at a decent rate. Smriti and Sophie Devine walked in intense-eyed. The opening pair kept the scoreboard moving. They contributed 49 off 49, with Devine taking on most of the load during this partnership. Although she fell for 32, RCB were on the right path and Devine’s job was done.
Then walked in RCB’s superstar Ellyse Perry. She and Smriti shared another [partnership, worth 33 runs. Smriti was the next to go, caught at long-on. Even then, RCB had no reason to worry, especially with Richa Ghosh walking in.
Perry and Richa made light work of the chase, even though the match went to the last over. Except for a DRS review that was unsuccessful and went in favour of Perry, all was under control. With only three balls to go, Richa scored the winning runs for RCB and the rest is history!