Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their strong start to the Women's Premier League season, defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets. The win saw Bengaluru climb to the top of the points table, proving pre-tournament predictions wrong despite missing key players due to injuries.
RCB chased down a modest target of 142 with ease, led by Smriti Mandhana's explosive 47-ball 81. Mandhana was in complete control of the chase, hitting 10 boundaries and three sixes. She was dismissed in the 16th over after attempting a scoop shot off Shikha Pandey, but by then RCB only needed eight more runs to win.
Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh ensured there were no further hiccups, taking RCB past the target with 22 balls to spare. Richa, who had scored 64 in the season opener against Gujarat Giants, finished the chase with a huge six in the second ball of the 17th over.
RCB’s opening partnership between Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt, which added 107 runs off 65 balls, set the tone. Wyatt made a steady 42 off 33 balls, providing solid support to Mandhana.
Earlier, RCB’s bowlers, led by Renuka Singh Thakur, restricted Delhi to 141. Renuka and Georgia Wareham took three wickets each, while Ekta Bisht and Kim Garth claimed two wickets each. Despite a solid start by Delhi, they collapsed in the middle overs, thanks to RCB’s disciplined bowling.
The win was made even more emphatic by the late evening dew, which made it difficult for Delhi to defend their total. RCB's bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, and their strong chase ensured they remained in control of the game from start to finish.
