Delhi Capitals (DC) had a ceremonious start to life in the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) season when they secured a 60-run win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Openers Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma orchestrated the victory with their exceptional 162-run partnership taking Delhi to an above-par total of 224 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 5. In response, Lanning and her much younger counterpart Shafali scored their maiden half-centuries of the tournament. The 19-year-old Indian batter top-scored with her 45-ball 84, studded with 10 four and four sixes. Lanning also shined during her 43-ball 72 as the duo demolished a listless RCB attack on a batting paradise in Brabourne.
However, England skipper Heather Knight got the much-needed breakthrough in the 15th over, striking twice in three balls. First, Knight cleaned up her Lanning with a fuller delivery, and after just one delivery, Shafali went for a widish delivery with Richa Ghosh completing a brilliant catch to inflict a double blow.
Marizanne Kapp and Jemimah Rodrigues did not let the dust settle as they handed their opponents the final blow, adding 59 runs in the death overs. The South African star smashed three sixes and three fours in her 17-ball unbeaten 39, while Jemimah complemented well in a 15-ball 22.
In response, the Delhi bowlers did not let their opponents settle at the crease. After a strong start by Sophie Devine (14 off 11) and Smriti Mandhana (35 off 23), Alice Capsey ended their 41-run partnership in the fifth and seventh overs respectively. Then it was young and unknown pacer Tara Norris' show.
She start her rampage with the wicket of the dangerous Ellyse Perry, who was in fine form with her 19-ball 31. A fine straight ball saw Perry charging, which hit the bottom edge and travelled directly to the middle stump.
Disha Kasat (9 off 11) followed but the scalp of Richa Ghosh was the most important for the 24-year-old, dismissing her for just two runs off four balls.
Heather continued her performance for her team, this time with the bat. She scored 34 off 21 balls, but was once again stunned by a brilliant Norris ball as the match slipped away from Bangalore.
Megan Schutt fired her side to a respectable score of 163 runs with her unbeaten 30 off 19 balls, as Delhi secured a brilliant victory to kick off their score.
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