WPL 2024 Final: RCB Dominated Delhi Capitals To Clinch Maiden WPL Title
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) triumphed to claim their first Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, thanks to stellar performances from Ellyse Perry and the spin bowling unit.
The game was turned on its head by Sophie Molineux‘s incredible over of three wickets, as the Capitals could only muster 113 in the decisive innings.
Delhi Capitals 113 (Shafali 44, Patil 4-12, Molineux 3-20, Asha 2-14) were defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore 115 for 2 (Perry 35*, Devine 32) by eight wickets.
The league stage’s top squad. a group of elite all-around players. Envious depth in the batting lineup and a bowling attack that covers every base. A captain with an uncountable number of titles. But in the end, a single over turned the WPL final on its head, as a team who was on the verge of elimination just two days prior hoisted the trophy in front of a boisterous Delhi crowd.
The Delhi Capitals were bowled out for 113 by Sophie Molineux’s dream over of three wickets, Asha Sobhana’s two-ball all-arounders, and Shreyanka Patil’s stunning run of wickets all came to an end when she broke her hand. Together, the three spinners combined for 9 for 46 in just 10.3 overs. After placing second last season, RCB salvaged their first WPL title, putting the Capitals in second place for the second consecutive year.
In the chase, where they had to score at less than run a ball, the RCB lineup scarcely showed any anxiety. Richa Ghosh smashed the third ball of the final over to long-off, punishing the Capitals for their one-run loss last Sunday. Smriti Mandhana anchored for 15 overs with risk-free batting, while Ellyse Perry at number three pulled authoritatively for another elegant batting display.
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Shafali Fired Early
The Capitals wouldn’t have predicted the collapse, particularly following their powerplay. Their second-best powerplay score of 61 for 0 was achieved by Shafali Verma’s strokes down the ground, and her strokeplay appeared menacing. She began by pushing Molineux forward, shovelling Renuka Singh backward, and pushing Perry forward as well.
She had smoked three sixes, but when she skillfully guided Perry’s slower one to the deep-third boundary, it was her first four. Meg Lanning, on the other hand, quickly advanced from 5 off 10 to surpass run a ball with a string of fours.
Molineux Turned The Match In One Over
The Capitals were rapidly approaching a large total, and since the pace hadn’t been effective at first, Mandhana used Molineux’s left-arm spin to counter the two right-hand hitters. The biggest blow came when Shafali attempted to reach six more but was caught by Georgia Wareham at deep midwicket, the longest boundary of the evening. Shafali’s 44 off 27 and the Capitals’ deep batting lineup meant that one wicket would not break the bank.
Two balls later, Molineux slowed one down to Jemimah Rodrigues, and when she went too far over and missed the sweep, the shot that gets her many runs, sent her back for a duck. Alice Capsey approached her paddle in a similar manner, but she missed as well, and she heard the ball rattle the stumps behind her, which led her to bag a golden duck.
In an over of three wickets, one run, sixty-four for 0 became sixty-four for 3.
Other Spinners Continued The Merry Way
Mandhana attacked with spin from both ends, the audience behind them. Patil maintained a tight grip on the stumps, Molineux’s accuracy and drift further restrained the Capitals, and the boundaries eventually dried up.
Patil almost missed a rocket-like return catch of Marizanne Kapp shortly after the midway point, but she more than made up for it when she trapped Lanning for 23 two balls later. Lanning reviewed, but she and the review were doomed after being caught off guard at the front.
They still had time to gather themselves for a respectable total, like the RCB achieved two days ago against Mumbai, going from 49 for 4. Even though Jess Jonassen and Kapp combined for just five more runs, they both lost their wickets in the span of three deliveries. Following a huge swing by Kapp to locate long-on against Asha’s legspin, Jonassen miscued badly and was caught by Mandhana, with whom Asha almost collided, not far off the ground.
At least the Capitals would have liked to bat out the innings at 87 for 6, but a merciless RCB assault gave them little room to breathe after 14 wickets. After ending a 46-ball boundary drought, Minnu Mani missed her sweep to go leg before wicket, and Radha Yadav’s consecutive fours against Wareham ultimately meant little as her run-out concluded the Capitals innings.
With incredible statistics of 4 for 12 from 3.3 overs, Patil took the final two wickets in three balls to complete the competition at the top of the wicket-taking charts with a tally of 13, followed by Asha and Molineux with 12 apiece.
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Smriti Mandhana Praises RCB’s Triumph with ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ Spirit
In a heartwarming victory for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), captain Smriti Mandhana applauds her team’s resilience and determination, echoing the sentiment of ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ after securing their maiden WPL title. Mandhana’s leadership and the team’s unwavering spirit were key factors in their triumph.
Just a week prior, RCB faced a heartbreaking loss to Delhi Capitals by a mere run, leaving players like Richa Ghosh and Shreyanka Patil emotionally drained. However, the team’s perseverance shone through as Ghosh played a pivotal role in securing victory, supported by Patil’s exceptional performance, earning her the Purple Cap for most wickets in the tournament despite battling a hairline fracture.
Mandhana, reflecting on the team’s journey, expressed pride in their unity and ability to overcome challenges. Last season’s setbacks served as a catalyst for strategic changes, including the appointment of new head coach Luke Williams and strategic signings like Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham.
The structural overhaul paid dividends, with Molineux’s impactful performance during crucial moments, such as Delhi Capitals’ collapse in the final, showcasing RCB’s strategic prowess. Mandhana’s own contribution, both with the bat and as a leader, was instrumental in RCB’s success, culminating in a memorable title win.
The victory not only marked a significant milestone for Mandhana personally but also highlighted RCB’s collective achievement, resonating deeply with the franchise’s loyal fan base. Mandhana’s gratitude towards the fans and her acknowledgment of the iconic ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ chant encapsulated the team’s journey and triumph, making it a cherished moment in RCB’s history.
The strategic evolution, coupled with Mandhana’s leadership and the team’s unwavering determination, solidified RCB’s position as champions, leaving a lasting legacy in the WPL and reinforcing the spirit of ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ as a testament to their resilience and success.
