RCB continue winning streak in WPL 2026, defeat DC by 8 wickets
Navi Mumbai, January 18
Royal Challengers Bengaluru extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai in the 11th fixture of the ongoing Women's Premier League match.
Smriti Mandhana (96 off 61 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes), along with Georgia Voll (54* runs off 42 balls, including five fours and two sixes), were the standout performers for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
Chasing 167, RCB were rocked early as they lost opener Grace Harris (1) early in the innings, whose wicket was claimed by DC's Marizanne Kapp.
However, a 142-run partnership off 91 balls not only brought RCB back into the game but also made sure the team remained unbeaten in the WPL 2026. While DC did manage to get rid of Mandhana in the final stages of the match, Voll remained unbeaten and took RCB over the line with a boundary, with 10 balls remaining.
For DC, only Marizanne Kapp (1-21 in four overs) and Nandini Sharma (1-34 in four overs) were the wicket-takers in the match.
Earlier, Delhi Capitals were bundled out for 166 in 20 overs. The Capitals slumped to 74/6 at one stage after they lost wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee (4), Laura Wolvaardt (0), captain Jemimah Rodrigues (4), Marizanne Kapp (0), Niki Prasad (12), and Minnu Mani (5).
Opener Shafali Verma played a superb knock of 62 runs off 41 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes. She was supported by Sneh Rana (22) and Lucy Hamilton (36) as they rescued Delhi to 166.
Bengaluru speedster Lauren Bell bagged three wickets (3/26 in four overs). Sayali Satghare also took a three-wicket haul in her three overs.
With the win, RCB strengthened their position at the summit of the WPL points table while DC find themselves at the bottom with just two points in four games.
— ANI
Reader Comments
DC's batting collapse was painful to watch. 74/6 is just not acceptable at this level. Shafali Verma tried her best, but there was zero support from the middle order. Jemimah needs to rally her team quickly, or they're out of contention.
As a neutral fan, that was fantastic cricket. Mandhana's 96 was sublime. Also, great to see young Indian bowlers like Sayali Satghare getting a three-wicket haul. The future of women's cricket in India looks very bright!
While RCB's win was commanding, I have to say the pitch seemed very bowler-friendly early on. DC's top order just couldn't handle it. Credit to Bell and Satghare. But the match felt a bit one-sided after that partnership.
Smriti for Prime Minister! 😂 Seriously though, she is carrying the team on her shoulders. Georgia Voll played the perfect supporting role. Four wins in a row... RCB fans are not used to this feeling! Let's keep it going!
Good win, but let's not get carried away. The real test will be in the playoffs. The bowling attack looks good, but the middle order batting hasn't really been tested yet. Need to see how they perform under pressure.
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