RCB’s Unbeaten Streak Continues as Mandhana Falls Short of Century in Dominant Win
Royal Challengers Bengaluru maintained their perfect record in WPL 2026, securing their fourth consecutive victory with an emphatic 8-wicket triumph over Delhi Capitals at DY Patil Stadium on January 17.
The match showcased contrasting performances from both sides, with RCB’s bowling unit setting up the victory before their batting lineup cruised to the target. While Smriti Mandhana came agonizingly close to registering the tournament’s first-ever century, her 96-run masterclass was more than sufficient to guide her team home.
Early Carnage Sets the Tone
Delhi Capitals’ innings never recovered from a catastrophic start that saw them reduced to 10 for 4 within the opening nine deliveries. Lauren Bell, the English pacer making waves in her debut WPL season, devastated the top order with two wickets in her opening spell. Her ability to swing the ball both ways proved lethal – first trapping Lizelle Lee with a deceptive yorker, then dismantling Laura Wolvaardt’s stumps with a delivery that jagged back sharply.
Sayali Satghare complemented Bell’s brilliance from the other end, removing Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp in successive deliveries. The Mumbai domestic player’s introduction in place of the unwell Arundhati Reddy proved inspired, as she finished with figures of 3-27 from her four overs.
Shafali’s Resistance Provides Hope
With her team in tatters, Shafali Verma produced a lone warrior’s performance, accumulating 62 runs from 41 deliveries. The opener demonstrated tremendous composure under pressure, unleashing her trademark aggression once she found her rhythm. Her innings included four towering sixes, with consecutive maximums off Shreyanka Patil during the powerplay providing temporary relief.
However, batting support proved scarce until debutant Lucy Hamilton arrived at number nine. The Australian’s cameo of 36 from just 19 balls injected crucial momentum into the innings’ closing stages, helping DC reach a defendable total of 166.
Mandhana’s Near-Miss
Chasing 167, RCB approached the task with characteristic authority. Despite Grace Harris’ early dismissal, Mandhana orchestrated the run chase with elegant strokeplay. Her partnership with Georgia Voll accumulated 142 runs – the third-highest stand for any wicket in WPL history.
Mandhana’s innings flowed seamlessly through various gears. She punished Hamilton’s opening over with three boundaries, then systematically dismantled the Delhi spinners. Her half-century arrived in just 31 balls, and as RCB closed in on victory, the tournament’s maiden century seemed inevitable.
Needing merely four runs with wickets in hand, Mandhana attempted to finish proceedings but found Lucy Hamilton positioned perfectly at backward point. Her diving catch denied both the century and immediate victory, though Georgia Voll’s unbeaten 54 ensured the result remained unchanged.
Standings Impact
This victory solidifies RCB’s position atop the WPL standings with maximum points from four matches. Their net run rate of 1.600 provides additional cushion as they prepare for the tournament’s Vadodara leg beginning January 19.
Conversely, Delhi Capitals languish at the bottom of the table with three defeats from four outings. Their bowling unit’s inability to contain opposition batters, combined with repeated top-order failures, presents significant concerns for the remainder of the campaign.
Key Statistics:
- Mandhana-Voll partnership: 142 runs (3rd highest in WPL)
- DC’s worst start: 10 for 4 in 1.3 overs
- Bell’s tournament wickets: 9 wickets in 4 matches
- RCB’s winning streak: 4 matches