Skipper Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll powered Royal challengers Bengaluru to a thumping six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in the final of the Women’s Premier League in Vadodara on Thursday night. This was Bengaluru’s second title after the triumph in 2024.
Chasing a formidable 204 for victory, RCB lost opener Grace Harris (9) early on and it looked as if Smriti’s girls were in for a long haul. But Georgia Voll took the bull by the horns and tamed it in uncharacteristic style. She was looking more like a Spanish marauder who knew every move made by the bull.
Such was Georgia’s domination that Delhi skipper Jemimah was at her wits end. Georgia completely dominated the early part of the innings and thereby giving her skipper time to settle down before unleashing her shots. Once Smriti got into the groove there was no looking back as runs flowed from both ends of wicket.
Georgia and Smriti added 165 for the second wicket off 92 balls that knocked the wind out of Delhi’s sails. Georgia fell for a 54-ball 79 with 14 hits to the fence and Smriti went after making a 41-ball 87 with 12 fours and three sixes. Bengaluru reached 204 for four in 19.4 overs.
“Just about taking it step by step. Was a really nice batting wicket. Disappointing we could not finish it together but what a great season it has been. Would have been better to finish off. To play that way in the final, could not have hit the ball better. To perform in the final is super special. Awesome watching her (Mandhana) go about it. One of the cleanest hitters I have ever seen. Definitely a little bit nervous. Probably should have stayed out there. Next time, I’ll ensure I am out there,” said Voll after the win.
Earlier, Delhi put in one of their most complete batting efforts as they knew the stakes were high against Bengaluru. Lizelle Lee (37; 30 balls, 3×4, 3×6) and Shafali Verma (20) did the early heavy lifting but after that, it was the Jemimah Rodrigues show. The skipper batted like a dream, timed the ball sumptuously and rattled away to another majestic half-century. Jemimah made a 37-ball 57 with eight hits to the fence. Laura Wolvaardt (44; 25 balls, 3×4, 2×6) offered her support and then teed off towards the end herself, with Chinelle Henry also flexing her muscles on way to a 15-ball 35 (4×4, 2×6).
“In the couple of games I have batted, I was rushing things. Once I am at the crease, anything is possible. It is about me having as many balls as possible. Was just about giving myself a bit more time to finish the innings for my team,” Henry said.
On the bowling front, Bengaluru had a tough time. Their planning was off, with their execution not much better. Apart from Lauren Bell, almost all bowlers bowled on both sides of the wicket and seemed to offer a freebie every over.
Brief scores: Delhi 203/4 in 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 37, Shafali Verma 20, Laura Wolvaardt 44, Jemimah Rodrigues 57, Chinelle Henry 35) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 204/4 in 19.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 87, Georgia Voll 79; Chinelle Henry 2/34).
