WPL 2025: Smriti Mandhana scores an impressive 81 as RCB defeats DC by eight wickets
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In Vadodara, Smriti Mandhana's remarkable 81 off 47 balls led RCB to a decisive victory over DC by eight wickets, maintaining their unbeaten run in the WPPL. The match showcased her exceptional batting skills and solidified RCB's position at the top of the points table.
Key Takeaways
- Smriti Mandhana scored 81 runs off 47 balls.
- RCB bowled out DC for 141 runs.
- 107-run opening partnership between Smriti and Danni.
- RCB remains unbeaten in the WPPL.
- Match played at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.
Vadodara, Feb 17 (NationPress) Captain Smriti Mandhana dazzled the evening sky at the Kotambi Stadium with an outstanding 81 runs off 47 deliveries, marking her highest tally in the Women's Premier League (WPPL). The Royal Challengers Bengaluru triumphed over the Delhi Capitals by eight wickets, extending their unbeaten streak in the current season.
Following a remarkable bowling display by Renuka Singh Thakur and Georgia Wareham, who each secured three wickets, RCB restricted DC to a total of 141 runs. Smriti and Danni Wyatt-Hodge launched a fierce assault, forming a formidable 107-run partnership for the opening wicket.
Smriti showcased her prowess with an array of elegant strokes, hitting ten boundaries and three sixes at a striking rate of 172.34. Her exceptional performance propelled RCB to the pinnacle of the points table, significantly enhancing their net run rate.
In pursuit of 143, Smriti began with style, pulling and clipping Marizanne Kapp for consecutive fours. She effectively countered the spin of Minnu Mani, sweeping for additional boundaries. Danni also contributed with two boundaries against Shikha Pandey, benefiting from a fielding error.
Smriti's brilliance continued as she dispatched Arundhati Reddy over long-off for a six, while Danni added more runs, closing the Power-play at 57/0. The pair maintained their momentum with boundaries off Jess Jonassen and Annabel Sutherland.
Facing the left-arm spin of Jess, Smriti confidently drove for a boundary and reached her fifty in just 27 balls. Danni was fortunate to survive a dropped catch on 34 by Jemimah Rodrigues.
Marizanne’s struggles continued as Smriti launched a short ball over deep mid-wicket for a six, and Danni found boundaries against Reddy. The opening partnership concluded when Jemimah caught Danni’s shot off Reddy.
Yet, Smriti remained undeterred, driving Annabel for a four and continuing to impress with her shots against Jess. Her innings concluded at 81 when a scoop attempt led to her dismissal by Shikha. Nevertheless, it was too late for DC as Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh sealed the victory with 22 balls remaining.
Brief scores:
Delhi Capitals 141 in 19.3 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 34, Sarah Bryce 23; Renuka Singh Thakur 3-23, Georgia Wareham 3-25) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 146/2 in 16.2 overs (Smriti Mandhana 81, Danni Wyatt-Hodge 42; Arundhati Reddy 1-25, Shikha Pandey 1-27) by eight wickets
