The much-anticipated Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 final witnessed a dominant performance by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who clinched their maiden title in emphatic fashion.
Delhi’s Underwhelming Batting Performance
Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning opted to bat first, continuing the trend of setting targets in the Delhi leg of the WPL. However, their batting faltered against a potent RCB bowling attack. Openers Shafali Verma’s early blitz (44 off 27 balls) promised a strong start, but her dismissal triggered a collapse.
Molineux’s crucial 8th over rattled the DC batting order, with key wickets falling in quick succession. Delhi slumped to a below-par total of 113, thanks to exceptional bowling spells from Shreyanka Santosh (4/24), Sophie Molineux (3/14), and Asha Shobana (2/18).
RCB’s Measured Chase Seals the Deal
Despite opting to chase, RCB openers Smriti Mandhana (31) and Sophie Devine (32) provided a solid foundation. While both batters fell prey to DC’s Shikha Pandey and Minnu Mani respectively, RCB maintained control of the chase. Ellyse Perry, the tournament’s standout performer, remained unbeaten on 35, guiding RCB home alongside Richa Ghosh (17*). The winning runs came in style, with Ghosh slamming a boundary over deep extra cover in the 19th.2 over, sparking jubilant celebrations from the RCB camp.
This victory marks a momentous occasion for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, who have finally secured their first trophy across all major cricket leagues. The win comes after years of narrowly missing out on championships, and the elation among players, staff, and fans was palpable. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, although initially wanting to bat first, acknowledged the team’s bowling prowess as a key factor in the victory.
Dominant Performance from RCB
This triumph for RCB can be attributed to a collective effort. Their bowlers exhibited exceptional discipline and skill, restricting a strong Delhi batting lineup. The fielding was sharp throughout the tournament, and the batting order displayed commendable composure during the chase. Special credit must be given to Ellyse Perry, whose consistent all-round performances throughout the WPL were instrumental in RCB’s success.
The WPL 2024 final showcased the immense talent and growing depth in women’s cricket. The high-quality display by both teams is a testament to the burgeoning professionalism and competitiveness within the league. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s historic win is not just a victory for the franchise, but a significant moment for women’s cricket, marking the beginning of a new era filled with excitement and promise.
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