IPL 2024

Fans react as Smriti Mandhana’s batting masterclass powers RCB to commanding win over DC in WPL 2026

By Sandy Verma

A sublime captain’s knock from Smriti Mandhana guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals Women in Match 11 of the Women’s Premier League 2026 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. Chasing a target of 167, RCB Women wrapped up the contest in just 18.2 overs, with Mandhana producing one of the finest innings of the season to claim the Player of the Match award.

Shafali Verma takes Delhi Capitals to competitive total after early setbacks

The Capitals endured a nightmare start after being asked to bat, collapsing to 10 for 4 inside just 1.3 overs. The top order was ripped apart as Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolviard, Jemimah Rodriusesand Marizanne Kapp departed in quick succession, leaving the Capitals in complete disarray within the powerplay.

Amid the early chaos, Shafali Verma stood her ground at the top, counter-attacking bravely to arrest the slide. Displaying maturity alongside her trademark aggression, Shafali compiled a crucial 62 off 41 balls, ensuring DC remained competitive despite the early damage.

Support arrived late in the innings as Sneh Rana steadied the ship with a composed knock in the middle overs, while Lucy Hamilton provided the late flourish. Hamilton’s explosive 36 off just 19 deliveries lifted Delhi Capitals to a respectable 166 all out, a total that looked unlikely after their dramatic early collapse.

RCB’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Lauren Bell leading the attack through figures of 3 for 26. Sayali Satghare also impressed with three wickets, while Prema Rawat was economical and effective in the middle overs.

Smriti Mandhana’s batting brilliance seals the deal for RCB

In reply, RCB Women lost Grace Harris early, but that only brought Mandhana into complete control of the chase. Timing the ball effortlessly, the left-hander found gaps with ease and punished anything loose, anchoring the innings with supreme authority.

She found an ideal partner in Georgia Fullwho complemented her captain with a fluent 50 off 41 balls. The duo stitched together a match-defining partnership, taking the game away from Delhi Capitals well before the final overs.

Mandhana was eventually dismissed for 96 off 61 balls, smashing 13 fours and three sixes, as Richa Ghosh applied the finishing touches with a quick cameo. RCB completed the chase in 18.2 overs with 8 wickets in hand.

Also WATCH: WPL 2026: Lauren Bell dismisses Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt in fiery opening spell during DC vs RCB clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/mahixcavi7/status/2012580430235795895

Also READ: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield sizzle as UP Warriorz thrash Mumbai Indians in WPL 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Read company.

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