Royal Challengers Bangalore RCB Crowned Champions of WPL 2024

In a thrilling finale, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged victorious in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, securing their first-ever title. The nail-biting encounter saw RCB defeat the Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Match Recap

The Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a promising start from their openers, Shafali Verma (44) and Meg Lanning (23), the team struggled to maintain momentum. RCB’s bowling attack, led by the exceptional Sophie Molineux, dismantled the Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total of 113 runs in 18.3 overs.

Chasing a target of 114, RCB’s batters showcased their prowess. Ellyse Perry anchored the innings with an unbeaten 35 off 37 balls, while Smriti Mandhana (31) and Sophie Devine (32) provided valuable contributions. The winning moment came when Richa Ghosh hit a boundary, sealing the victory for RCB with 3 balls to spare.

Turning Point

The match took a dramatic turn when Sophie Molineux claimed three wickets in the span of just four balls. Her devastating spell shattered the Delhi Capitals’ top order, setting the stage for RCB’s dominance. Molineux’s figures of 3/20 earned her the well-deserved “Player of the Final” award.

Road to the Final

RCB’s journey to the championship was marked by consistent performances throughout the tournament. They finished second in the league stage, winning 7 out of their 10 matches. In the semifinals, they faced a tough challenge against the Mumbai Indians but emerged victorious by 5 wickets, thanks to a stellar all-round performance by Ellyse Perry (3/28 and 47* runs).

Player of the Tournament

RCB’s Sophie Devine was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for her outstanding all-round performance. She scored 389 runs at an average of 55.57 and strike rate of 145.13, including 3 half-centuries. With the ball, she claimed 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.92.

Impact on Women’s Cricket

The success of the WPL 2024 and RCB’s triumph has significantly boosted the popularity of women’s cricket in India and around the world. The tournament attracted record viewership and sponsorship deals, highlighting the growing interest in women’s sports. RCB’s victory serves as an inspiration for young girls aspiring to take up cricket professionally.

Reactions from the Champions

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her elation, stating, “Feeling hasn’t still sunk in. I’m proud of the bunch. Last year taught us a lot of things. For RCB, it’s a lot more. The team has won the trophy.”

Ellyse Perry, a key contributor to RCB’s success, remarked, “It’s pretty bonkers, to be honest. This is a whole other level for us and women’s cricket. The standard of cricket has been unbelievable – it’s been so much fun to play.”

A Historic Moment

The WPL 2024 title marks a significant milestone for RCB and women’s cricket as a whole. Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, and Georgia Wareham became the first Australian players to clinch the prestigious league title in its second edition, showcasing the growing talent and competitiveness in the sport.

As the curtain falls on another thrilling season of the Women’s Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bangalore stand tall as the champions, having displayed exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. Their victory not only cements their place in history but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female cricketers worldwide.

Conclusion

The Royal Challengers Bangalore’s historic win in the Women’s Premier League 2024 marks a new chapter in the team’s legacy and the evolution of women’s cricket. As the champions bask in the glory of their well-deserved victory, fans eagerly await the next edition of the tournament, anticipating more thrilling performances and fierce competitions.