RCB Bowl First vs Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026 as Lucy Hamilton Debuts

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and chose to field first against Delhi Capitals in their WPL 2026 encounter. Delhi Capitals introduced Lucy Hamilton as a debutant replacement for the injured Chinelle Henry. RCB made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Georgia Voll, Prema Rawat, and Sayali Satghare. Captains Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues discussed their team strategies and their friendly on-field rivalry.

Key Points: WPL 2026: RCB Bowl vs Delhi, Lucy Hamilton Debuts

  • RCB wins toss and bowls first
  • Lucy Hamilton debuts for Delhi Capitals
  • RCB makes three strategic changes
  • Captains discuss team combinations and rivalry
2 min read

WPL 2026: RCB elect to bowl as Hamilton debuts for Delhi Capitals

RCB elect to bowl in WPL 2026 match. Delhi's Lucy Hamilton debuts as replacement. Get playing XIs and captain insights.

"It is always a fun rivalry. - Jemimah Rodrigues"

Navi Mumbai, Jan 17

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and elected to bowl first against Delhi Capitals in the 11th match of the Women's Premier League 2026, here at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.

Delhi Capitals have drafted in Lucy Hamilton as a replacement for the injured Chinelle Henry, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have overhauled their squad by bringing in Georgia Voll, Prema Rawat and Sayali Satghare in place of Arundhati Reddy, Linsey Smith and Dayalan Hemalatha.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana said, "Yeah, I mean wherever we play we get good support. Everyone turns out in huge numbers. We will like to field first today. We have 3 changes today. Voll comes in for Linsey, Prema comes in for Hema and Sayalil comes in, Aru misses out because she is unwell today. Well unfortunately, Aru was unwell. There was a forced change. We always thought we were one batter short. Though, we won the first three games and it sends out right signal that we are not panicking and it is just based on team combination. Yeah, again for us. It is about doing smaller things right. Everyone is really looking to do small things right. What happens on the field is because of hardword and this team works hard."

Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues said, "(On leading against Smriti Mandhana) No! I have led against her (Mandhana) in domestic cricket as well. It is always a fun rivalry. Not really. I didn't pick up her call. Yeah, 100%. We were happy either batting or bowling first. Our gameplan remains the same. Sometimes losing the toss is good. They will be batting fourth on this wicket. We have one change. Chinelle Henry is out due to an injury in the last game. Lucy Hamilton is in and making her debut tonight. We have played together for Brisbane Heat. She is the youngster. She also led Australia's Under-19 side. She is someone who is sorted and has a good head on her shoulders."

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shreyanka Patil, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Gautami Naik, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Lauren Bell

Delhi Capitals Women: Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Lucy Hamilton, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Bowling first is a bold move on this pitch. Hope the decision pays off. Interesting to see Lucy Hamilton debut for DC. The Aussie U-19 captain could be a game-changer.
A
Aman W
With all respect to Smriti, making three changes after winning the first three games seems a bit reactive, no? Hope the new combination gels quickly. The team was doing so well!
S
Sarah B
Love the Mandhana vs Jemimah rivalry! Both such fantastic leaders for the future of women's cricket. The WPL is producing some brilliant contests. Good luck to both teams!
K
Karthik V
DC's batting lineup looks very strong on paper with Verma, Lee, Wolvaardt. RCB's bowling will be truly tested tonight. Shreyanka Patil needs to have a big game. 🏏
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Nisha Z
Get well soon, Arundhati Reddy! Forced changes are always tough. Hoping the debutants have a great game. The WPL is such a fantastic platform for young players from India and abroad.

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