After a long wait of 17 years, the Royal Challengers Bangalore claimed the championship title for the first time in their franchise history in the Women’s Premier League finals, between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bat first. In the first seven overs, the Delhi Capitals scored 64 runs without losing, getting off to a fast start. But Bangalore’s potent bowling unit quickly brought them to their knees; they lost all of their wickets for a mere 49 runs in the next 11.3 overs, ultimately scoring 113 runs. RCB had a very good start from Sophie Devine. With eight wickets left in their innings, Royal Challengers Bangalore successfully chased down the target in 19.3 overs to secure a resounding victory.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore Women’s victory with their first-ever Trophy marks a season of unmatched success. All-rounder Ellyse Perry was honored with the esteemed Orange Cap for her outstanding performance, accumulating 347 runs throughout the tournament. Bangalore’s off-spinner Shreyanka Patil also received the accolade of the prestigious Purple Cap for her claiming a total of 13 wickets. Additionally, she was crowned the emerging player of the tournament. All-rounder Georgia Wareham showcased her electrifying skills and was deservedly awarded the title of Electric Striker of the match. In recognition of their exemplary sportsmanship and fair play throughout the competition, Royal Challengers Bangalore secured the Fair Play Award, underlining their commitment to integrity and respect on the field.
In a remarkable display of triumph, the women of Royal Challengers Bangalore ascended to victory in the Women’s Premier League on just their second attempt, contrasting starkly with the men’s team’s longstanding quest for success in the Indian Premier League, which has spanned a staggering 16 years. While the men’s team continues its pursuit of the coveted trophy, the women’s team, under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, seized the championship by defeating the Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final. This momentous achievement ignited waves of jubilation among fans, witnessing the franchise finally claim a significant accolade.
Sophie Devine, the dynamic all-rounder for RCB, expressed her additional delight in seeing the women’s team secure the title ahead of their male counterparts, marking a historic milestone for the franchise.
Sophie Devine said, "glad to win the trophy before the boys (laughs)". pic.twitter.com/xOeQyPC6eW
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 17, 2024
On this historic achievement for the franchise, the male players of the franchise also extended their heartiest congratulations to the women’s team. Renowned Indian cricketer and former captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore men’s team, Virat Kohli, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the team via a video call and also took to Instagram to laud the ‘Superwomen’ of RCB for their remarkable achievement. Joining in the celebration were current skipper Faf du Plessis, along with prominent players like Glenn Maxwell, as well as former RCB stalwarts such as Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Yuzvendra Chahal, all of whom sent their warm wishes to the team on their historic victory.