How Did Nandni Sharma's 3-26 Lead to RCB's Collapse?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nandni Sharma's performance was pivotal in the match.
- Delhi Capitals showcased a dominant bowling attack.
- RCB recorded their lowest total in the WPL history.
- Smriti Mandhana put up a brief resistance.
- Teamwork among bowlers led to RCB's collapse.
Vadodara, Jan 24 (NationPress) Nandni Sharma excelled with impressive figures of 3-26 as Delhi Capitals delivered a remarkable bowling performance, bowling out Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a mere 109 runs in their 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday.
On a sluggish pitch, Nandni showcased her exceptional control and expertise with the slower ball, accumulating 13 wickets in the current season — marking the highest tally by an Indian pacer in WPL history. Alongside Nandni, Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, and Minnu Mani each claimed two wickets, while Sree Charani contributed with one.
Skipper Smriti Mandhana displayed some resilience, scoring 38 runs off 34 balls, before being dismissed shortly after the first timeout. This dismissal ignited a collapse for RCB, resulting in their lowest total in WPL. Radha Yadav was the sole batter to show some fight, but her wicket in the 17th over sealed RCB’s fate, as only three batters managed to reach double figures.
Batting first, Smriti and Grace Harris struck seven boundaries within just 4.3 overs, until Harris was caught at backward point off a diligent delivery from Marizanne. Smriti anchored the innings with six fours and a six, but her exit — slog-sweeping to square leg off Minnu — triggered a dramatic collapse.
Georgia Voll and Gautami Naik fell quickly, bowled by Marizanne and Charani respectively, and Richa Ghosh’s ambitious drive was expertly caught by Laura Wolvaardt at backward point.
At 78/5, RCB found themselves in dire straits, and Radha raised hopes of a respectable total with a straight six off Minnu. However, her departure to Chinelle Henry, after edging behind to Lizelle Lee, extinguished those hopes.
After Chinelle dismissed Nadine de Klerk, Nandni took command in the final overs, trapping Arundhati Reddy lbw, removing Shreyanka Patil with a slower delivery, and bowled Sayali Satghare to conclude her outstanding performance with a well-earned three wickets.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 109 all out in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 38, Radha Yadav 18; Nandni Sharma 3-26, Marizanne Kapp 2-17) against Delhi Capitals