Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cruised to an eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) despite missing key bowlers Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana. Renuka Singh (3-23), Ekta Bisht (3-25), and Georgia Wareham (2-25) restricted DC to a modest 141, which RCB chased down with ease.
RCB openers Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge stitched a 100-run stand, reminiscent of their partnership for Southern Brave in The Hundred 2021. Mandhana smashed her fastest WPL fifty off 27 balls, while Wyatt-Hodge contributed 42 off 33. RCB sealed victory in the 17th over, needing just 35 from the last nine overs after Wyatt-Hodge’s dismissal.
DC’s innings started poorly as Renuka dismissed Shafali Verma for a golden duck. Meg Lanning struggled, but Jemimah Rodrigues powered DC in the powerplay with 34 off 22, including sixes off Ekta Bisht and VJ Joshitha. However, Wareham’s introduction derailed DC’s innings. Rodrigues’ stumping triggered a collapse, with Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, and Jess Jonassen falling cheaply. Despite Marizanne Kapp’s cameo, DC faltered, finishing at 141.
RCB’s chase was smooth, with Mandhana attacking Kapp early and dominating offspinners like Minnu Mani. Wyatt-Hodge punished DC’s bowlers, piercing gaps with precision. At 57/0 after the powerplay, RCB had the chase in control. Mandhana’s six off Kapp and lofted shots against Jonassen highlighted her innings. Even after both openers fell, Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh ensured RCB crossed the line comfortably, topping the table with the win.
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