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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their dominant run in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, registering a convincing eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This win ensures RCB remains undefeated after four games.
RCB make it four on four after crushing DC By 8 wickets
The chase was defined by a masterclass from captain Smriti Mandhana, whose blistering 96-run knock took the game away from Delhi. She was brilliantly supported by Georgia Voll, who contributed an unbeaten half-century to ensure the side reached the target with ease. Together, they guided RCB to 169/2, comfortably surpassing the total set by the Capitals.
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Shafali Verma's heroics go in vain
After being sent in to bat, Delhi Capitals relied heavily on a spirited performance from explosive opener Shafali Verma. Following a catastrophic start that saw the team reeling at 74 for 6, Shafali took charge with a counterattacking 62 off just 41 deliveries. Her aggressive knock, which included five boundaries and four sixes, single-handedly propelled the Capitals to a total of 166. However, her valiant effort was ultimately eclipsed by a dominant batting display from the RCB captain.
Despite losing the in-form Grace Harris early in the third over, Royal Challengers Bengaluru maintained their composure during the chase. Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll orchestrated a massive 142-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from Delhi. Mandhana acted as the primary aggressor, striking 13 fours and three sixes, while Voll played a perfectly measured supporting role. Their partnership ensured that RCB reached the target in 18.2 overs, finishing the match with 10 balls to spare.
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Smriti Mandhana's masterclass takes RCB home
Mandhana’s masterclass of 96 runs off 61 balls was characterized by fluent strokeplay and a calm temperament. Alongside her, Voll showcased great maturity by accelerating after a cautious start, eventually finishing unbeaten on 54 with five boundaries and two sixes. Although Mandhana was denied a century by a spectacular catch from debutant Lucy Hamilton in the closing stages, her work was already complete, having firmly established RCB's path to victory.
DC endured a disastrous start to their innings, losing both Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt in a frantic opening over. The collapse continued as high-profile batters, including captain Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp, failed to make an impact alongside Niki Prasad and Minnu Mani. This top-order crumble left the Capitals in a dire position, reeling at 74 for 6 within the first nine overs of the match.
Despite the chaos at the other end, Shafali Verma remained at her destructive best, providing a masterclass in counterattacking cricket. She anchored the innings while maintaining a high strike rate, notably sharing a 59-run stand with Prasad to breathe life back into the DC total. Shafali’s aggressive approach saw her find boundaries across the stadium, and she reached a resilient half-century with a single off Radha Yadav, effectively keeping her team competitive after they had been 10 for 4.
The momentum continued as Shafali found another reliable partner in Sneh Rana, who contributed a run-a-ball 22 during their 34-run partnership. Although Rana was eventually bowled by Prerna Rawat in the 14th over, Shafali continued to fight, even benefiting from a slice of luck when she was dropped at long-off in the 16th over. Her defiant knock finally came to an end when she was caught by Rawat off the bowling of Lauren Bell.
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