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In a riveting encounter during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday (February 29), the all-round brilliance of Marizanne Kapp emerged as the decisive factor. The pivotal moment arrived when RCB’s captain, Smriti Mandhana, was in the midst of a splendid innings, steering her team’s pursuit of an imposing target of 195.
Smriti Mandhana’s magnificent knock
Mandhana’s innings was nothing short of spectacular as she aggressively raced to an impressive 74, crafting her maiden WPL 2024 half-century with 10 fours and three sixes during her 43-ball stay at the crease. In the face of her partners struggling, Mandhana single-handedly kept RCB in contention.
Marizanne Kapp strikes back
With RCB gaining momentum, Mandhana unleashed a gorgeous six off the fifth ball of Kapp’s 12th over. However, Kapp retaliated in the same over, delivering a deceptive slower delivery on the last ball. The lack of pace caught Mandhana early into the stroke, resulting in a flattened off stump. Kapp’s jubilation highlighted the significance of the breakthrough.
Here’s the video:
The @DelhiCapitals inch closer to victory here in Bengaluru! 🙌
Was this dismissal the turning point of the game 🤔#TATAWPL | #RCBvDC pic.twitter.com/S92BVrO4QX
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 29, 2024
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Smriti Mandhana’s blitz in vain as Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance guide Delhi Capitals to victory over RCB in WPL 2024
RCB’s downfall
Following Mandhana’s departure, RCB faced challenges in maintaining the required run rate. Sabbhineni Meghana‘s (36 off 31) steady start failed to compensate, and the middle-order collapse under pressure led to wickets falling at regular intervals. RCB struggled to gather momentum, altering the course of the match. In the end, RCB could only manage a score of 169/9 by the conclusion of their innings. This struggle proved decisive as the Capitals clinched victory by a margin of 25 runs
DC’s batting brilliance
Earlier in the innings, the Capitals showcased a batting masterclass, accumulating the highest team total of the season – 194/5. Opener Shafali Verma‘s quick-fire half-century and Alice Capsey‘s solid 46 provided the foundation for the imposing total, setting the stage for an intense contest.
Also READ: WPL 2024: Alyssa Healy takes down a pitch invader during Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz clash
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.