The fifteenth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) played on 24 January 2026 at Vadodara, turned out to be a landmark moment in the tournament as Delhi Capitals Women finally brought Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women’s unbeaten run to an end.
RCB had been flawless until this encounter, winning all five of their previous matches and sitting comfortably at the top of the table. Delhi Capitals, coming off a confidence boosting win against Mumbai Indians, produced another disciplined performance to secure their second consecutive victory, defeating RCB by seven wickets.
Winning the toss, Delhi Capitals opted to field first, a decision that proved decisive as their bowlers kept RCB under constant pressure. RCB’s innings never truly settled, with early wickets denting their rhythm. Grace Harris was dismissed for 9, and although Smriti Mandhana tried to hold the innings together, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Mandhana top-scored with a steady 38 off 34 balls, striking six boundaries and one six, but she found little long-term support from the middle order. Georgia Voll and Richa Ghosh failed to capitalize on their starts, while Nadine de Klerk and Arundhati Reddy also struggled to score freely. Radha Yadav provided a brief spark with an 18-run cameo, but the lack of partnerships hurt RCB.
Delhi’s bowling attack was sharp and well-coordinated, led by Nandani Sharma, who claimed three important wickets. Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry bowled with control and snatched 2 wickets each, Minnu Mani also took 2 wickets, while N Sree Charani impressed with her economy of 3.50, ensuring RCB were bowled out for 109 in 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Delhi Capitals started positively. Shafali Verma played an aggressive knock at the top, scoring 16 runs at a rapid pace before falling early. Lizelle Lee followed soon after, giving RCB a brief opening. However, that was the only phase where Delhi looked slightly unsettled.
Laura Wolvaardt then anchored the chase with a calm and composed innings. She played with great maturity, picking her shots carefully and rotating the strike effectively for her 42* off 38. Jemimah Rodrigues complemented her well, contributing a fluent 24 before being dismissed. By the time Rodrigues departed, Delhi were firmly in control of the chase.
From RCB’s bowling unit Sayali Satghare took 2 wickets and Radha got 1 wicket. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 42, guiding the innings expertly, while Marizanne Kapp finished the match in style with an unbeaten 19. Delhi reached the target at 111 for three in just 15.4 overs, completing a comfortable seven wicket win.
The victory was significant for Delhi Capitals as it ended RCB’s dominant streak and strengthened their position in the tournament. It also highlighted Delhi Capitals’ growing confidence and balance as a unit. For RCB, the loss served as a timely reminder that teams can be challenged on any given day in the WPL.
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