Bengaluru: In a spectacular display of skill and composure, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) title with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals. Spinners Shreyanka Patil, Sophie Molineux, and Asha Sobhana starred with the ball, claiming nine wickets collectively, while Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 35 anchored RCB’s successful chase at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Ending years of anticipation, RCB’s triumph shattered the age-old notion of ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ (This year, the cup is ours), marking a historic milestone in the team’s journey and making them only the second champions in WPL history.
Shreyanka’s impressive spell of 4-12, which propelled her to the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, combined with Sophie’s triple breakthrough and Asha’s two scalps, restricted Delhi Capitals to 113 all out in 18.3 overs, despite their promising start of 64/0 in seven overs.
In pursuit of the modest target, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine cautiously navigated the Power-play, accumulating 25 runs, before Sophie’s attacking cameo was cut short by Shikha Pandey in the ninth over.
However, the partnership between Smriti and Ellyse ensured RCB remained in control, gradually accelerating when Ellyse struck boundaries off Arundhati Reddy and Jess Jonassen. Although Smriti fell to Minnu Mani, Ellyse’s composed innings guided RCB closer to victory, with crucial contributions from Richa Ghosh.
Richa’s boundary off Arundhati sealed the emphatic win for RCB, igniting jubilant celebrations not only within the team but also across Bengaluru, as they lifted the coveted WPL 2024 trophy.
