After the Royal Challengers Bangalore experienced their first franchise cricket victory, Smriti Mandhana was at a loss for words.
Captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Smriti Mandhana hailed the team management and supporters for their unwavering support and encouragement after her team’s historic Women’s Premier League (WPL) title win. She noted that the squad learned a lot from their underwhelming performance in the initial season. After defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the championship match on Sunday at Arun Jaitley Stadium, an all-around Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team, led by another strong innings from Ellyse Perry and outstanding bowling performances from spinners Shreyanka Patil and Sophie Molineux, won their first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) championship. They won just two out of eight games in the first edition, finishing in second-last place. This victory follows that performance.
Smriti stated after winning the title that she was still in shock and that she was unable to articulate her feelings appropriately.
The emotion is still sinking in; perhaps this will take some time. I find it difficult to express myself freely. I just have one thing to say: I’m proud of the group. They have persevered through ups and downs, and the manner we crossed the line tonight was incredible,” Smriti remarked.
The team’s captain stated that despite two hard losses in Delhi, they had a great leg in Bengaluru. But, she continued, timing was crucial for reaching your peak.
The most recent league game resembled a quarter, followed by a semifinal and a final. You have to peak at the right moment in these kinds of tournaments. We learned a lot from last year as a team, as captains, and as players. The management has been through a lot, and I give them a big thumbs up for supporting me during the post-season evaluation. It is fantastic for them to hold this trophy. The team has triumphed; I am not the only one with the trophy. Winning is obviously, really special for RCB as a franchise, Smriti remarked.
“This victory ranks among the top five, perhaps. A World Cup victory would surpass it. I have a message for the most devoted fan following in cricket, the Royals. Without their assistance, nothing would have been feasible. Every year, the phrase “this year cup will be ours,” or “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” is said. “Now, I merely want to say Ee Sala Cup Namdu, which roughly translates to “this year the cup is ours,” Smriti said.
After the team’s victory, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that RCB supporters’ long-held desire had come true and voiced optimism that the men’s team will win the Indian Premier League.
Having won the toss, DC chose to bat first. With a rapid 64-run opening partnership, openers Shafali Varma (44 in 27 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and captain Meg Lanning (23 in 23 balls, with three fours) got the side off to a great start.
After the powerplay, though, Shreyanka Patil (4/12), Sophie Molineux (3/20), and Asha Sobhana (2/14) helped the RCB recover, eliminating Delhi hitters one by one and setting off an unbelievable batting collapse. After 18.3 overs, DC was dismissed for 113.
With Sophie Devine (32 in 27 balls, five fours and a six) leading the way, RCB put on a 49-run opening partnership in the chase of 114. Nevertheless, in the middle overs, Delhi bowlers put RCB to the test, and captain Smriti Mandhana (31 in 39 balls, three fours) left at a critical time, leaving RCB at 82/2 in 15 overs. With three balls remaining, Ellyse Perry (35* in 37 balls, four boundaries) and Richa Ghosh (17* in 14 balls, two fours) ended the pursuit.
DC’s Minnu Mani and Shikha Pandey each claimed a wicket.
