New Delhi: March 11, 2024
Delhi Capitals secured their spot in the Women’s Premier League playoffs with a nail-biting win against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. Delhi’s team emerged victorious by just one run, propelled by Jemimah Rodrigues’ half-century and a solid partnership of 97 runs for the third wicket with Alice Caps (48 runs).
This victory marked Delhi Capitals’ fifth win in seven matches, placing them comfortably in the playoff position with 10 points. Mumbai Indians also have 10 points, but Delhi Capitals hold the second spot based on net run rate. Delhi Capitals posted a challenging total of 180 runs, losing seven wickets in 20 overs, while RCB managed to score 181 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh brought RCB close to victory, but luck was not on her side as she got run out on the last ball. Requiring two runs on the final delivery, Richa played a remarkable innings, scoring 51 runs off 29 balls with four fours and three sixes. Apart from Richa, RCB’s Alice Perry contributed 49 runs, Sophie Molineux scored 33 runs, and Sophie Devine added 26 runs.
RCB’s captain Smriti Mandhana (5) lost her wicket in the second over. However, a combined effort from Sophie Molineux and Alice Perry, with an 80-run partnership in 57 balls for the second wicket, prevented further setbacks. After Perry’s dismissal, Molineux also headed back to the pavilion.
Sophie Devine (26 runs off 16 balls) and Richa (49 runs off 32 balls) kept the team’s hopes alive for the fourth wicket. All eyes were on Richa after Devine’s departure.
In the last over, RCB needed 17 runs for victory. Richa hit a six on the first ball, but failed to score on the next delivery. Trying to guide the ball strategically on the third delivery, Richa narrowly escaped a run-out. Scoring two runs on the fourth ball and a magnificent six on the next, she completed her half-century with flair. However, on the last ball, Shefali Verma and Jonasen combined to dismiss Richa, delivering a significant blow to RCB’s chances.
