Vadodara witnessed another masterclass in T20 cricket as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continued their winning streak in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025. Just days after a record-breaking chase against Gujarat Giants, RCB delivered a clinical performance against Delhi Capitals, chasing down a target of 142 with ease and climbing to the top of the points table.
Smriti Mandhana, returning with a vengeance after missing the first game, was the star of the show. She unleashed her full range of strokes, smashing a breathtaking 81 off just 47 balls. Her innings was a treat to watch, a mix of power hitting and exquisite timing. Ten fours and three towering sixes decorated her innings as she dismantled the Delhi bowling attack. Mandhana's dominance made the chase look effortless, and even her dismissal in the 16th over, attempting an audacious scoop, couldn't dampen the RCB spirits. By then, the game was practically won.
Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, who had played a crucial role in the previous chase, finished the job with 22 balls to spare. Ghosh sealed the victory in style with a massive six, showcasing the team's confidence and momentum.
The foundation for this emphatic win was laid by RCB's openers. Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt forged a century partnership, adding 107 runs in just 65 balls. Their aggressive approach put Delhi under immense pressure, leaving them with no breathing room. It was a textbook T20 partnership, with both batters complementing each other perfectly.
While Mandhana’s batting was the highlight, RCB’s bowlers also deserve immense credit for setting up the chase. After a somewhat expensive outing against Gujarat, the RCB bowling unit bounced back strongly. The return of veteran spinner Ekta Bisht provided much-needed balance to the attack. Renuka Singh Thakur and Georgia Wareham were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each. Ekta and Kim Garth chipped in with two wickets apiece, restricting Delhi to a total of 141.
The dew factor in Vadodara also played a role, making it difficult for Delhi to defend their total. Mandhana's decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke, as RCB capitalized on the conditions. The bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, denying Delhi those crucial extra runs that could have made the chase more challenging.
Delhi Capitals, despite their strong lineup, couldn't find their rhythm. Their batting faltered, and their bowling couldn't contain the explosive RCB openers. Changes to their playing XI didn't yield the desired results, as both Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen failed to make a significant impact.
With two wins from two matches, RCB have made their intent clear in the WPL tournament. Their all-round performance against Delhi demonstrates their title credentials and their determination to defend their crown. They will look to carry this momentum forward as they head to their home ground in Bengaluru, when they take on Mumbai Indians on February 21 and looking for a hat trick.
