Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally broke the jinx. It lifted its maiden trophy in the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) by convincingly defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the final held in New Delhi. Smriti Mandhana-led side showcased exceptional performance, marking a historic moment for their franchise.

Strong start from Shafali Verma

Shafali Verma’s aggressive onslaught on the RCB bowlers, coupled with Meg Lanning’s steady support from the other end, propelled Delhi Capitals to a solid start in the Women’s Premier League summit clash. Shafali’s aggressive batting prowess enabled Delhi Capitals to amass 61 runs in the first six overs, setting a formidable target for RCB.

See Also: Kohli’s call for RCB Women after the team wins maiden trophy

Comparison with Rohit Sharma’s ODI World Cup Final Knock

Shafali’s aggressive batting approach in the WPL final drew parallels with the memorable innings played by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Like Sharma’s impactful knock, Shafali’s single-handley lifted her team’s score in the powerplay like a lone warrior.

After this, people found similarities between Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s knock in the ODI World Cup final against Australia and Shafali’s knock in the WPL final against RCB. Both provided blistering starts to their team, but after that, their team collapsed like a deck of cards, irrespective of being the best team throughout the tournament.

Sophie Molineux’s Impactful Bowling Spell

Sophie Molineux turned the tide in RCB’s favor by claiming three crucial wickets in a single over. The dismissals of Shafali Verma, Jemimah, and Capsey put Delhi Capitals on the backfoot, and despite their efforts, they faltered and were eventually bowled out for 113 runs.

Collapse of Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals’ batting line-up crumbled under pressure after losing key wickets, failing to stabilize their innings and post a competitive total. The impressive display of bowling by RCB’s bowlers, led by Molineux, dismantled Delhi’s batting order and restricted them to a modest score.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women asserted their dominance right from the start of the final match. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine provided a steady start in the powerplay, laying the foundation for RCB’s successful run chase. Despite losing early wickets, RCB’s middle order, led by Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, ensured a comfortable victory for the team.

Special Congratulation From Virat Kohli

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli added to the celebratory mood by joining RCB women’s skipper Smriti Mandhana via video call to extend his congratulations on their triumphant win in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals Women encountered a batting collapse as they struggled to forge partnerships and capitalize on their initial momentum. Despite promising starts from the likes of Meg Lanning and Shefali Verma, Delhi Capitals Women lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to set a challenging target for their opponents.

See Also: WPL 2024: Orange and Purple cap winners, check full list

RCB Women’s Bowling Brilliance

RCB Women’s bowlers showcased exceptional skill and precision, spearheaded by Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Sobhana Asha. The bowling unit exerted relentless pressure on the Delhi Capitals Women’s batting lineup, consistently picking up crucial wickets to stifle their opponents’ scoring rate and restrict them to a modest total.

In a tale of heartbreak for Delhi Capitals Women, they suffered their second consecutive loss in the WPL final. Despite their commendable performances throughout the season, Delhi Capitals Women faltered at the final hurdle, missing out on clinching the coveted title once again.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women etched their names in the annals of cricket history by securing their maiden title in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), emerging victorious over Delhi Capitals Women in a thrilling final encounter by eight wickets. This momentous victory marked a significant milestone for RCB Women, while it brought disappointment to the Delhi Capitals Women’s camp for the second consecutive season.

Final Match Summary: RCB vs. DC

In the much-anticipated final clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore Women and Delhi Capitals Women, RCB Women exhibited exceptional skills in batting and bowling. After restricting Delhi Capitals Women to a modest total of 113 runs, RCB Women quickly chased down the target, reaching 115/2 in just 19.3 overs.

See Also: Netizens troll Kohli after RCB women win WPL

Top Performers of the Season

Several players showcased outstanding performances throughout the WPL 2024 season, vying for the prestigious Orange and Purple Caps, awarded to the highest run-scorer and highest wicket-taker, respectively.

Orange Cap Winner: Ellyse Perry

The coveted Orange Cap was claimed by the versatile all-rounder of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ellyse Perry. Perry exhibited exemplary batting prowess, accumulating 347 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 69.40. Her consistent performances were pivotal in RCB Women’s journey to the title.

Purple Cap Winner: Shreyanka Patil

Shreyanka Patil emerged as the standout performer in the bowling department, clinching the Purple Cap for her exceptional bowling exploits throughout the WPL 2024 season. Patil’s remarkable four-wicket haul in the final match against Delhi Capitals Women was crucial in restricting the opposition to a modest total of 113 runs. She finished the season with an impressive tally of 13 wickets in eight matches, showcasing her bowling prowess and contributing significantly to RCB Women’s success.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women scripted history by clinching their first-ever title in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), defeating Delhi Capitals Women in a thrilling final by eight wickets. This victory marked a significant milestone for RCB Women, while Delhi Capitals Women faced disappointment for the second consecutive season.

RCB’s First Title Win in WPL

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women displayed exceptional skill and determination in a highly anticipated final showdown, securing their maiden title in the WPL. The team’s victory showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, signaling a new era of success for RCB Women in the league.

See Also: Netizens troll Kohli after RCB women win WPL

DC’s Loss in Consecutive WPL Finals

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals Women endured heartbreak again as they suffered their second consecutive loss in the WPL final. Despite their strong performances throughout the season, Delhi Capitals Women faltered in the final hurdle, unable to claim the coveted title.

Match Summary: RCB-W vs. DC-W Final

In the final match between Royal Challengers Bangalore Women and Delhi Capitals Women, RCB Women displayed exceptional batting and bowling prowess to outclass their opponents. After bundling out Delhi Capitals Women for 113 runs, RCB quickly chased down the target, reaching 115/2 in 19.3 overs.

RCB’s Dominance in the Final

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women asserted their dominance right from the start of the final match. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine provided a steady start in the powerplay, laying the foundation for RCB’s successful run chase. Despite losing early wickets, RCB’s middle order, led by Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, ensured a comfortable victory for the team.

RCB Women Skipper In Post Match Presentation

Smriti said, “For RCB, it’s a lot more. I’m not the only one who won the trophy, the team has won the trophy. I’m not the person to talk about what I feel. This is in top five maybe. Obviously a World Cup would top it. Have a message for the fans – the most loyal fanbase. One statement that always comes up is Ee Sala Cup Namde. Now it’s Ee Sala Cup Namdu. Kannada is not my first language but it was important to say it for the fans.”

DC’s Batting Collapse

Delhi Capitals Women faced a batting collapse as they struggled to build partnerships and capitalize on their early momentum. Despite solid starts from Meg Lanning and Shefali Verma, Delhi Capitals Women lost wickets regularly, failing to post a competitive total on the board.

RCB’s Clinical Bowling Performance

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance led by Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Sobhana Asha. The bowlers maintained pressure on the Delhi Capitals Women’s batting lineup, picking up crucial wickets at crucial junctures to restrict their opponents to a modest total.

Smriti Mandhana’s remarkable triumph in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has etched her name in history as she lifted the trophy for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after beating Delhi Capitals Women by 8 wickets in the final. This victory holds special significance for RCB, which has long awaited its maiden title in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008. After RCB’s victory in WPL, critics and trolls took to social media platforms to target Virat Kohli.

RCB’s Long Wait Continues In IPL

Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, RCB has endured a prolonged wait for their first championship title. Despite numerous attempts and close encounters, victory has remained elusive for the franchise, adding to the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding their quest for glory.

See Also: IPL 2024: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings

WPL 2024 Triumph: Breaking the Jinx

In the second season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, RCB finally achieved the breakthrough they had been striving for. Despite facing challenges along the way, including a balanced performance with four wins and four losses in the league stage, RCB displayed resilience and determination to clinch the third spot and secure a place in the final.

Following Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory in WPL, critics and trolls took to social media platforms to target Virat Kohli and other members of the RCB franchise for their inability to secure more than one IPL title since the tournament’s inception in 2008.Here’s some of the social media posts are:

RCB’s Performance in WPL 2024

Throughout the WPL 2024 season, RCB exhibited commendable teamwork and skill, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. The team’s victory in the Eliminator against defending champions Mumbai Indians highlighted their competitive spirit and marked a significant improvement from their previous season’s struggles.

IPL 2008: RCB vs DC

In 2008, the esteemed Anil Kumble led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to the IPL final during the tournament held in South Africa. However, their hopes of clinching the title were dashed by Adam Gilchrist’s Deccan Chargers, who emerged victorious, denying RCB the opportunity to lift the trophy.

The Women’s Premier League 2024 final has kicked off with a bang as Shafali Verma showcases her batting prowess while receiving solid support from Meg Lanning. Delhi Capitals have begun their innings with an explosive start against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Explosive Start by Delhi Capitals

Shafali Verma has set the stage on fire with her aggressive batting display, taking the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers to task right from the outset. In the powerplay overs, Delhi Capitals amassed a formidable total of 61 runs in the first six overs, laying a solid foundation for their innings. This blistering start reflects the team’s determination to dominate the final match and clinch the title.

See Also: Rohit wants Kohli, report claims amidst T20 World Cup squad speculations

Impact of Shafali Verma’s Performance

Shafali Verma’s stellar performance in the powerplay overs deserves special mention, as she single-handedly dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack. Her fearless approach and attacking mindset have put the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers under immense pressure, setting the tone for Delhi Capitals’ batting onslaught in the crucial encounter. Shafali Verma scored 44 runs off 27 balls and missed her fifty with consecutive fifty with just 6 runs but she has done her work. Captian Meg Lanning also gone just 23 runs off 23 balls.

Comeback from Sophie Molineux

Sophie Molineux struck thrice in one over to against Delhi Capitals’ progress in the ongoing final of WPL 2024. She took wickets of Shafali, Jemimah and Capsey for RCB in an over. RCB are bossing this game at the moment. Currently DC at 74/4 after 11 Overs.

Delhi Capitals’ Strategy: Opting to Bat First

Under Meg Lanning’s leadership, Delhi Capitals made a strategic decision to bat first after winning the toss. This decision reflects their confidence in their batting lineup and intent to post a challenging total on the board.

Meg Lanning’s Leadership and Delhi Capitals’ Journey

Meg Lanning’s astute captaincy has successfully guided Delhi Capitals to the Women’s Premier League 2024 summit clash. With 12 points from eight games, Delhi Capitals topped the league table and secured a direct berth in the final. Lanning’s leadership qualities and tactical acumen have been pivotal in steering the team through the challenges of the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Path to the Final

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Smriti Mandhana, finished third in the league phase and faced Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. Despite a few setbacks, they have showcased resilience and determination to reach the final, setting the stage for an enthralling contest against Delhi Capitals.

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the two finalists of the Women’s Premier League 2024, Delhi Capitals Women and Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, gear up to face each other at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday night. Cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as the clash promises to unveil the newest champions of the league. Delhi Capitals Women have won the toss and have opted to bat

Delhi Capitals Women: The Standout Team

In a display of dominance, Delhi Capitals Women emerged as the standout team on the league stage. They asserted their dominance with six wins out of eight matches, only facing defeats at the hands of Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz. Their consistent performance propelled them to the top of the points table, securing their spot in the final for the second consecutive time.

See Also: Dhruv Jurel prefers Test cricket over any other format ahead of IPL 2024

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women: Overcoming Challenges

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women had to navigate through a more arduous path. Despite a balanced performance with four wins and four losses, they clinched the third spot in the league stage. However, they showcased resilience in the Eliminator, defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians to book their maiden final berth. This marked a significant improvement from their previous season’s performance, where they struggled to secure victories.

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, cricket fans are busy speculating on the likely outcome of the final. While Delhi Capitals Women hold the edge with their impressive performance in the league stage, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women cannot be discounted, especially after their resolute victory in the Eliminator. Pitch conditions, weather, and player form will influence the final result.

Women’s Premier League: Who said what at the toss?

Meg Lanning – We will bat tonight, I think this is our best chance to win the game. The pitch is in good shape so you have to bat well. It doesn’t matter what happened before. We are facing a great team and we have to play well. We will be on the same team.

Smriti Mandhana – We would have batted first as well, but it didn’t worked. I think we have to play well, stick to the plan and play good cricket. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this season, but tonight we have to do our best. This is the fourth match played on a single wicket and the last wicket was slow. One change, We’ve one change – Meghana comes in for Disha Kasat

Playing XIs

Delhi Capitals Women (Playing XI): Meg Lanning(c), Shafali Verma, Alice Capsey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Taniya Bhatia(w), Shikha Pandey, Minnu Mani

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana(c), Sophie Devine, Sabbhineni Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh(w), Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Shraddha Pokharkar, Renuka Thakur Singh

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 reaches its climax, the excitement and anticipation among cricket enthusiasts are palpable. With the completion of the eliminator stage, two finalists have emerged, gearing up for the tournament decider scheduled on 17th March 2024. Before delving into the final clash, let’s take a moment to recognize the standout performers whose exceptional performances have significantly influenced their teams’ journeys in the tournament.

Orange Cap Holder of WPL 2024

At the forefront of the batting prowess in WPL 2024 stands the formidable all-rounder of RCB, Ellyse Perry. With an impressive tally of 312 runs in 8 matches, Perry has stamped her authority with an outstanding average of 62.40, including two crucial fifties at pivotal moments in the tournament. Following closely is the skipper of Delhi Capitals Women, Meg Lanning, who has amassed 308 runs in eight innings at a blistering average of 60.00. Deepti Sharma of UP Warriorz secures the third position with 295 runs in just 8 matches, boasting a marvellous average of 98.33, despite her team’s exit from the tournament.

See Also: WPL 2024: RCB beat MI by 5 wickets in a thrilling Eliminator, set to face DC in final

In addition to the top three batters, players like Beth Mooney (Gujarat Giants), Smriti Mandhana (RCB-W), and Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals) have played pivotal roles in their teams’ campaigns, showcasing skill and reliability throughout the WPL tournament.

Purple Cap Holders of WPL 2024

Turning our focus to the bowling department, Marizanne Kapp of Delhi emerges as the leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets in just 6 matches. Following closely is Sophie Ecclestone of UP Warriorz, who shares the second spot with Jess Jonassen of Delhi Capitals Women, both having secured 11 wickets in 8 matches. The list of leading wicket-takers is further enriched by RP Yadav and DB Sharma, representing Delhi Capitals Women and UP Warriorz, respectively, closely following with 10 wickets each.

Alongside the leading wicket-takers, RP Yadav and DB Sharma have showcased commendable bowling performances, contributing significantly to their teams’ success in the WPL 2024 tournament.

As we approach the much-awaited WPL final, the performances of these standout players in both batting and bowling categories have been instrumental in shaping their teams’ fortunes.

Most Runs

Most Wickets

In the Women’s Premier League (WPL) eliminator match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Mumbai Indians (MI), spectators were treated to an electrifying showdown at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The match unfolded as a nail-biting thriller, captivating fans and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the last ball.

The eliminator clash between RCB and MI was a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the final. The intense rivalry and the pressure of the knockout stage added an extra layer of excitement to the match.

See Also: Netizens troll Mandhana and Kohli after RCB women’s batting collapses in WPL Eliminator

The toss played a crucial role in determining the course of the game. RCB’s captain, Smriti Mandhana, won the toss and opted to bat first. This decision set the tone for the match, with RCB aiming to set a challenging total for MI to chase.

Ellyse Perry’s Heroics

RCB’s innings began differently than planned, as they lost vital wickets early in the innings. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine fell victim to the relentless MI bowling attack, leaving RCB in a precarious position. However, amidst the early setbacks, Ellyse Perry emerged as the saviour for RCB. Perry showcased her class and composure, anchoring the innings with a brilliant knock of 66 runs. Despite Perry’s heroics, the rest of the RCB batting lineup struggled to make significant contributions.

Shreyanka Patil’s Crucial Contribution

In response to RCB’s total of 135/6, MI started their chase with determination. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, MI fought valiantly to chase down the target. However, RCB’s bowlers, particularly Shreyanka Patil, bowled with precision and control, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals.

The Final Verdict

As the match approached its climax, the tension in the stadium reached a fever pitch. With every delivery carrying immense significance, both teams battled fiercely till the end. In the final over, RCB defended their total with determination, denying MI the final push they needed to secure victory. With this thrilling win, RCB secured their place in the final. They will now face the formidable Delhi Capitals in what promises to be an epic showdown.

In the world of sports, especially cricket, triumphs and setbacks are an integral part of the game’s fabric. However, alongside these fluctuations comes the inevitable scrutiny and criticism from fans and critics, particularly on social media platforms.

RCB-W’s Batting Collapse

Recently, the Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB-W) encountered a significant setback in the eliminator clash against Mumbai Indian Women in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. The match witnessed RCB-W’s batting lineup falter against the formidable Mumbai Indians Women’s bowling attack, resulting in a dismal total on the scoreboard.

See Also: WPL 2024: Ellyse Perry’s lovely gesture won the hearts of every cricket fan

Social Media Reaction

Following RCB-W’s batting collapse, social media platforms erupted with a flurry of activity, with users expressing their disappointment and frustration. Memes and tweets mocking the team’s performance, mainly targeting captain Smriti Mandhana, flooded the online sphere, highlighting the harsh realities of sports criticism in the digital age.

The Match: RCB-W vs Mumbai Indian Women

In the eliminator clash, RCB-W’s skipper Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a competitive target. However, the decision didn’t favour RCB-W as they lost their top three batters in the initial powerplay overs. Despite Ellyse Perry’s commendable performance of 66 runs off 50 balls, RCB-W managed to post a modest total of 135 runs on the board for MI-W to chase.

Reflection on Sports Culture

The incident of trolling on social media following RCB-W’s batting collapse serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of modern sports culture. While criticism is inevitable, it is crucial to maintain empathy and support for athletes who dedicate themselves to their craft. As fans and spectators, it is imperative to stand by our teams through both victories and defeats, fostering a culture of respect and sportsmanship online.