Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has the chance to lead her side to parity with the Mumbai Indians in terms of Women’s Premier League titles, while the Delhi Capitals (DC) will once again chase an elusive maiden crown when the tournament’s two most entertaining teams face off in the final here on Thursday.
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Former champions RCB have scripted a memorable campaign, repeatedly showing the ability to absorb pressure and respond when it matters most. Their resilience was evident early on as they made history by becoming the first team to begin a WPL season with five consecutive wins, setting the tone for a dominant run to the summit clash.
RCB’s depth and DC’s hunger set up a blockbuster final
One of RCB’s defining traits this season has been the emergence of timely match-winners from within the squad. Australian allrounder Grace Harris rediscovered her best form with a blistering 75 against UP Warriorz in the previous round, while relatively unknown batter Gautami Naik produced a stunning 73 against Gujarat Giants to anchor a commanding 61-run win. With those performances, the 2024 champions now eye a second title that would draw them level with the Mumbai Indians.
Although consistency has eluded some of RCB’s batters, including Mandhana, Harris, Georgia Voll, and Richa Ghosh, crucial contributions at key moments have proved decisive. The bowling unit, led by pacers Nadine de Klerk and Sayali Satghare, has also delivered under pressure.
De Klerk has been one of the standout performers of the season, sitting third on the wicket-takers’ list with 15 scalps from eight matches, including a best of 4 for 22. Spinner Shreyanka Patil adds further bite, highlighted by her five-wicket haul in the demolition of Gujarat Giants. With a well-rounded squad capable of rising to the occasion, Mandhana will hope for a collective effort in the final.
Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, enter their fourth consecutive WPL final desperate to end their runners-up streak. Under new skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, the Capitals have leaned heavily on their formidable bowling attack, with Chinelle Henry and Nandani Sharma making early inroads with the new ball. Nandani has been particularly impressive, claiming 16 wickets to become the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker and strengthening her case for national selection.
The Capitals’ batting has also begun to find rhythm at the right time. Lizelle Lee provided impetus at the top in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants, while Shafali Verma put her lean patch behind her to stitch a vital half-century stand alongside the South African. Laura Wolvaardt’s consistency at the top has offered much-needed stability throughout the season.
With both departments strongly influenced by South African players, Delhi Capitals have benefited from a core group that has played together over several years, fostering cohesion and composure in high-pressure situations. That bond could prove decisive as they attempt to finally break their final jinx, guided by Rodrigues, who will be keen to make a defining contribution after a relatively quiet campaign.
(By PTI Inputs)
