The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), showcased their dominance in the Women’s Premier League 2025 as they effortlessly dismantled Delhi Capitals (DC) to claim an emphatic victory.
Despite being without key players from last year’s winning squad, RCB’s depth in talent was on full display, as a clinical bowling performance set up a comfortable chase. Mandhana’s fiery half-century and a stellar partnership with Danni Wyatt-Hodge propelled RCB to a commanding eight-wicket win, continuing the trend of the chasing side winning for the fourth consecutive match.
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RCB’s Dominant Bowling Display Sets the Stage
Even without the invaluable trio of Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana—who were instrumental in their victory over Delhi Capitals in the final of the previous season—RCB’s bowlers proved that their strength runs deeper than just a few names. Renuka Singh, Ekta Bisht, and Georgia Wareham combined to strangle the Delhi batting order, limiting them to a modest total of 141.
Renuka made her mark early on, removing the dangerous Shafali Verma with just the first ball of the match. Verma, who is known for her aggressive batting, was caught at mid-off for a golden duck, leaving Delhi in a precarious position from the outset. With Meg Lanning struggling for timing and Jemimah Rodrigues trying to steady the ship, it was clear that RCB’s bowlers were on top.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Brave Effort Can’t Stop RCB
Rodrigues, who had been struggling early in her innings, was the mainstay of DC’s effort in the powerplay. Though she survived a review on zero and had difficulty finding her rhythm, Rodrigues quickly accelerated once the spinners came into play. She struck a glorious six over the covers off Ekta Bisht and continued to find boundaries, helping DC cross the 50-run mark in the powerplay for the second consecutive game.
However, once Georgia Wareham was introduced into the attack in the seventh over, DC’s fortunes began to turn. Rodrigues, who had been building some momentum, missed a reverse sweep and was stumped for 34 off 22 balls. This was the beginning of a dramatic collapse for the Capitals. Lanning followed soon after, miscuing a shot off Kim Garth and being caught by Ellyse Perry at deep-backward square leg.
DC’s Batting Collapse: From 60 for 1 to 87 for 5
The wickets continued to tumble as Annabel Sutherland’s attacking approach, which had shown some promise with a big six off Bisht, came to an end when she was caught at cover after misjudging a delivery from Renuka. With the scoreboard reading 60 for 1, Delhi appeared well-set, but by the time they reached 87 for 5, they had lost key players in quick succession.
Jess Jonassen, another experienced campaigner, didn’t last long either. She mis-hit a shot off Bisht and was dismissed cheaply for just one. DC had lost four wickets in just 27 runs, and their hopes of setting a competitive target had dwindled significantly. Marizanne Kapp and Sarah Bryce tried to resurrect the innings, but a miscommunication between the two resulted in an unintentional mix-up. Even though Kapp got a reprieve when Kanika Ahuja dropped a catch at short fine leg, the damage had been done.
With a lack of partnerships and wickets falling at regular intervals, DC limped to a total of 141. Bisht’s impressive spell of 3 for 25 and Renuka’s 3 for 23 ensured that RCB had a straightforward target ahead.
Mandhana and Wyatt-Hodge’s Stellar Opening Stand
Chasing a modest total of 142, RCB’s opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge wasted no time in asserting their dominance. The two were already familiar with each other’s style, having previously opened together for Southern Brave in the Hundred, and their partnership for RCB was equally as impressive.
Mandhana was in sublime form from the get-go, blasting a rapid half-century off just 27 balls. She punished any loose deliveries, especially the wayward lines from Marizanne Kapp in the opening over. Mandhana’s footwork and placement were impeccable, helping her dominate the DC bowlers. Wyatt-Hodge, equally effective, smashed six fours, showcasing her clean striking and timing.
RCB raced to 57 for 0 in the powerplay, with the required run rate barely above six. While DC’s bowlers tried to make inroads, Mandhana and Wyatt-Hodge’s relentless attack left them helpless. Both batters were able to find gaps in the field and dispatch anything short or wide to the boundary. Even a dropped catch by Jemimah Rodrigues off Wyatt-Hodge’s bat on 34 didn’t deter the RCB openers.
Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Innings Sets the Tone
Mandhana continued her assault, dispatching Kapp for a huge six over midwicket. Her aggressive strokes off Jonassen took RCB to the brink of victory. In just 14 balls, Mandhana amassed 27 runs off Jonassen, taking full advantage of the bowler’s lack of control.
Despite both openers falling towards the end, RCB was comfortably placed at 105 for 2 in the 14th over, needing just 36 more runs from 39 balls. The chase was all but sealed by then. Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, both experienced campaigners, ensured there were no jitters in the final stages and guided RCB over the line in the 17th over.
RCB’s all-round performance in this match was a testament to their strength and resilience. Their bowlers restricted DC to a manageable total, and the openers took full advantage of the chase, making the target seem insignificant. Smriti Mandhana’s blistering half-century, coupled with Wyatt-Hodge’s solid support, ensured that RCB cruised to an eight-wicket victory.
With this win, RCB not only top the table but also continue their impressive streak of chasing victories in the WPL 2025. As for Delhi Capitals, they will need to regroup and rethink their strategies as they head into the upcoming games of the season.
FAQs
What was the final score of the RCB vs DC WPL 2025 match?
RCB chased down DC’s total of 141 with ease, winning by eight wickets in the 17th over.
Who were the key performers for RCB in the match against DC?
Smriti Mandhana scored a rapid half-century, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge contributed 42 runs. The bowlers, led by Renuka Singh and Ekta Bisht, restricted DC to just 141.
How did RCB bowlers dismantle DC’s batting lineup?
RCB’s bowlers, including Renuka Singh, Ekta Bisht, and Georgia Wareham, took crucial wickets, reducing DC from 60 for 1 to 87 for 5 and eventually bowling them out for 141.
What was Smriti Mandhana’s performance in the match?
Mandhana scored her fastest WPL half-century off just 27 balls and played a key role in RCB’s dominant chase.
How did Delhi Capitals’ batting struggle in the match?
Despite Jemimah Rodrigues’ effort, DC’s top order collapsed after the powerplay, with key players like Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning falling cheaply.
