WPL 2025 [WATCH]: Deepti Sharma gets the better of Smriti Mandhana with a stunning delivery

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Deepti Sharma maintains dominance over Smriti Mandhana in WPL
- Here’s the video
Steady start for RCB after losing Mandhana early

Deepti Sharma showcased her dominance over Smriti Mandhana yet again, dismissing her for the third time in Women’s Premier League (WPL )history with an absolute gem of a delivery. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper, looking to assert herself early, was completely undone by the sharpness and accuracy of Deepti’s off-spin.

Deepti Sharma maintains dominance over Smriti Mandhana in WPL

It was a fizzing delivery, in the fourth over, that landed on a good length around the middle and off stump. Mandhana, expecting a bit of width, shaped up to cut but soon realized that the ball was neither short enough nor wide enough for the stroke. Cramped for the room, she hesitated but was already committed to the shot.

The turn and skid off the surface caused Mandhana’s inside edge to drag the ball onto her stumps, sending the off-stump flying. The Indian opener stood in disbelief, knowing she had fallen into Deepti’s trap yet again. As Mandhana walked back, visibly disappointed, Deepti celebrated with pure joy, knowing she had struck a massive blow for her team early in the innings. This dismissal once again highlighted Deepti’s ability to outthink and outfox top-quality batters, reaffirming her status as one of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket.

Here’s the video:

Castled! 😮
Deepti Sharma wins the captain battle against Smriti Mandhana! 👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/6637diSP2I #TATAWPL | #RCBvUPW pic.twitter.com/sIGPKhsVnx
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 24, 2025

Also READ: Women’s cricket witnesses a remarkable 103% surge in popularity across India in 2024

Steady start for RCB after losing Mandhana early

RCB have made a cautious start in their WPL 2025 match against UP Warriorz at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. After being put into bat by UPW skipper Deepti Sharma, RCB have reached 58/1 in 9.1 overs, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Ellyse Perry steadying the innings following an early setback.

RCB suffered their first blow in the fourth over, when captain Mandhana (6 off 9) was bowled by Deepti, failing to read the length properly. Despite the setback, Wyatt and Perry have since looked comfortable at the crease, ensuring RCB doesn’t lose further ground in the powerplay.

The duo has rotated the strike well, finding the occasional boundary while maintaining a run rate of 6.32. Wyatt is batting on 23 off 21 deliveries, having struck one four and one six, while Perry remains unbeaten on 28 off 25 balls, anchoring the innings. For the Warriorz, Deepti (1/4 in 1 over) has been the standout bowler, providing the crucial breakthrough. Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone and Kranti Goud have kept things relatively tight, while Grace Harris and Saima Thakor have been a bit expensive.

With RCB aiming for a strong total, the onus will now be on Perry and Wyatt to accelerate while keeping wickets in hand. UP Warriorz, on the other hand, will be looking to break this partnership quickly to maintain their grip on the contest.