The Delhi Capitals defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 25 runs in their Women's Premier League match in Bengaluru on Thursday, despite Smriti Mandhana's sensational batting performance.
Chasing a difficult target of 195, Mandhana had an outstanding innings, scoring 74 runs off 43 balls (10x4, 3x6). However, other RCB batters were unable to make significant contributions, and the team finished at 169 for nine.
Mandhana faced 28 balls in the powerplay segment and scored 45 runs, helping the home team reach an impressive 52 for no loss after six overs.
Mandhana played aggressively and hit Marizanne Kapp (2/35) for a six over mid-wicket. However, Kapp took revenge by bowling a slower delivery that beat Mandhana's tentative shot and uprooted her off-stump. Despite Mandhana's powerful and graceful batting, RCB lost the match to Delhi Capitals, who held their ground.
The performances that stood out for us today 🤩💙#YehHaiNayiDilli #RCBvDC #TATAWPL pic.twitter.com/UIJXpALHLb— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) February 29, 2024
Earlier, the Delhi Capitals set a formidable total of 194 for five, with opener Shafali Verma scoring a fluent fifty (50, 31b, 3x4, 4x6) and Alice Capsey adding 46 runs (46, 33b, 4x4, 2x6) for the second wicket.
Kapp (32) and Jess Jonassen (36 not out) played crucial innings towards the end, contributing to a partnership of 58 runs for the fifth wicket. Despite Mandhana's impressive performance, Delhi Capitals managed to defend their total, with left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen taking three crucial wickets (3/21) during a phase where RCB lost six wickets for just 18 runs. Both teams put up an impressive show, with Mandhana's brilliant innings standing out, but Delhi Capitals eventually emerged victorious with a strong all-around performance.
(With PTI inputs)
