Mandhana’s Brilliant 96 Powers Unbeaten RCB to Dominant Win Over Delhi Capitals

Navi Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Smriti Mandhana fell agonisingly short of registering the first century of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, but her sublime knock of 96 laid the foundation for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) emphatic eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy here on Saturday. The win marked RCB’s fourth straight success, keeping them unbeaten and firmly placed at the top of the WPL points table.

Chasing a competitive target of 167, RCB completed the task with remarkable ease, reaching 169 for 2 in just 18.2 overs and finishing the Navi Mumbai leg on a high. While the comprehensive nature of the victory underlined RCB’s dominance this season, the only dampener was Mandhana’s dismissal four runs shy of a historic century, denying the tournament its maiden three-figure score.

Earlier, RCB skipper Mandhana made an astute decision to bowl first after winning the toss, a move that paid rich dividends almost immediately. England pacer Lauren Bell produced a sensational opening over, striking twice to remove Lizee Lee (4) and Laura Wolvaardt (0), plunging Delhi Capitals into early trouble.

The pressure mounted further when Sayali Satghare, drafted into the XI in place of Ellyse Perry, struck gold in her very first over. Satghare dismissed Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp on successive deliveries, leaving DC reeling at a disastrous 10 for 4 within the first two overs.

With the innings in danger of total collapse, Shafali Verma launched a spirited counterattack that briefly revived Delhi’s hopes. Displaying her trademark aggression, Shafali smashed 62 off just 41 balls, laced with five fours and four towering sixes. She stitched together a crucial 59-run stand for the fifth wicket with Niki Prasad, who struggled to find fluency and was eventually dismissed for 12 after being dropped earlier by Gautami Naik.

Shafali continued to dominate the middle overs, receiving steady support from Sneh Rana, who contributed a useful 22 off 22 balls. However, Lauren Bell returned in the 17th over to end Shafali’s resistance, swinging the momentum firmly back in RCB’s favour.

Debutant Lucy Hamilton then provided a late flourish with a fearless 36 off 19 deliveries, while N Sree Charani added 11. Delhi Capitals were eventually bowled out on the final ball of the innings for 166, a total that appeared competitive but ultimately fell short. RCB’s bowling effort was a true team performance, led by Bell’s 3 for 26 and Satghare’s impressive 3 for 27. Prema Rawat chipped in with 2 for 16, Nadine de Klerk claimed 1 for 31, while Nandani Sharma was run out off the final delivery.

RCB’s reply suffered an early hiccup when Marizanne Kapp removed Grace Harris in the opening over. That, however, proved to be the lone bright moment for Delhi Capitals in the field. Mandhana then took complete control of the chase, combining with Georgia Voll to forge a record-breaking 142-run partnership for the second wicket.

Mandhana batted with elegance and authority, finding gaps at will and punishing loose deliveries. Voll, after a cautious start, grew in confidence and finished unbeaten on a composed 54 off 42 balls. Mandhana’s memorable innings ended on 96 off 61 balls, but by then the match was firmly in RCB’s grasp. Richa Ghosh added the finishing touches with a brisk 7 off 4 balls to seal a resounding victory.

With four wins from four matches, RCB remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament and appear in complete command of WPL 2026. In contrast, Delhi Capitals will be left searching for answers after another disappointing outing.

Brief scores:
Delhi Capitals 166 all out in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 62, Lucy Hamilton 36; Lauren Bell 3-26, Sayali Satghare 3-27) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 169/2 in 18.2 overs (Smriti Mandhana 96, Georgia Voll 54 not out) by eight wickets.

Team Maverick.