The Delhi Capitals led by Meg Lanning have established themselves as a formidable force in the Women’s Premier League, reaching the championship final consecutively each of the league’s two seasons.
The Delhi Capitals fought hard in the Women’s Premier League Final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 17th March, Sunday, but they were defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore by eight wickets. It took the Royal Challengers Bangalore 19.3 overs to chase down their target after they bowled the Delhi Capitals out for 113.
The Challengers after overcoming the Delhi Capitals, who suffered the same fate as they did in their previous final against the Mumbai Indians, won their first trophy. After 7 overs, Delhi Capitals looked to be headed for a large total, as they formed a strong partnership of 64 runs, but in the next 11.3 overs, they lost all their wickets for just 49 more runs, resulting in a dramatic collapse.
Delhi Capitals were held to a below-average total by RCB’s bowlers, which included Sophie Molineux’s three wickets for twenty runs and Shreyanka Patil’s four wickets against twelve, in addition to Asha Shobhana’s two wickets.
Bangalore’s opening duo of Sophie Devine and Smriti Mandhana set a strong foundation for their chase with a 49-run partnership. Devine scored 32 off 27 balls, while Mandhana scored 31 off 39 balls. Together with Richa Ghosh’s rapid 17 runs off 11 balls and Ellyse Perry’s contribution of a responsible 35 runs off 37 balls, Bangalore registered their win.
Delhi Capitals’ skipper, Meg Lanning, stands as a legend in the realm of cricket, and her illustrious career is adorned with victories that have engraved her name in history. While her triumphs with the Australian national team have been legendary and widely respected for her leadership acumen, Meg Lanning as captain has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting an unparalleled tally of ICC trophies. It was during her captaincy that Australia secured the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023, along with the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2023, which solidified her status as a dignitary in the sport. Lanning’s commitment to raising a cohesive unit has been cherished by teammates and fans alike, embodying the spirit of a true leader.
With a trophy cabinet overflowing with accolades, Lanning’s transition to captaining the Delhi Capitals in the WPL was met with lofty expectations. Her track record of success with the Australian team, having clinched two ODI World Cups and five T20 World Cups, emphasized her legacy as a consecutive winner. However, despite her unparalleled credentials, Meg Lanning faced a setback as her Delhi Capitals faced defeat in the WPL final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, marking her second consecutive loss in the final.
The Delhi skipper was visibly distraught, tears streaming down her face, following the bitter loss in the final. This defeat marked the second consecutive time her team had fallen short in the championship match, adding to the agony. Despite their best efforts and unwavering determination throughout the season, they couldn’t clinch the ultimate victory when it mattered most. The disappointment was palpable not only for the skipper but also for the entire team and their loyal fanbase.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, there hovered a sense of resolve and determination to bounce back stronger in the next opportunity, filled by the distressing lessons learned from these back-to-back defeats. Nonetheless, Lanning’s legacy remains untarnished, her aura as a leader undiminished, poised to inspire future generations with her unwavering resolve and unparalleled skill.
