Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Nandini Sharma’s Lethal Spell and Laura Wolvaardt’s Steady Knock Power Delhi to Victory
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) tasted their first defeat of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after a remarkable winning streak of five matches. On Saturday at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Delhi Capitals outplayed RCB with a convincing 7-wicket victory. The win was set up by a brilliant bowling performance from fast bowler Nandini Sharma, who claimed three wickets, and a composed batting display by Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 42 runs.
After winning the toss, Delhi Capitals opted to bowl first, a decision that paid rich dividends. RCB got off to a steady start as captain Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris added 36 runs for the opening partnership. However, the momentum was broken when Grace Harris was dismissed for 9 runs. Mandhana tried to anchor the innings, but once she departed for 38 runs, RCB’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure.
Following Mandhana’s dismissal, RCB struggled to build partnerships. Georgia Voll managed only 11 runs, while Gautami Naik was dismissed for just 3. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, expected to stabilize the innings, could score only 5 runs. Radha Yadav showed some resistance with 18 runs, but lacked support from the other end. Nadine de Klerk also failed to make an impact, getting out for 5 runs. As a result, RCB were bowled out for 109 runs, unable to play the full quota of overs.
Delhi Capitals’ bowlers were impressive throughout the innings. Nandini Sharma led the attack with three crucial wickets, dismantling RCB’s middle order. Shynelle Henry, Marizanne Kapp, and Minnu Mani chipped in with two wickets each, keeping the pressure firmly on the Bengaluru batters. Shree Charani also contributed with one wicket.
Chasing a modest target of 110 runs, Delhi Capitals batted with confidence and control. Opener Laura Wolvaardt played a vital knock of 42 runs, ensuring there were no major hiccups in the chase. Supported well by her teammates, Delhi reached the target comfortably with seven wickets in hand.
The emphatic win strengthened Delhi Capitals’ position in the tournament, while RCB, despite their strong start to the season, will look to regroup and address their batting concerns ahead of the upcoming matches.