In a stunning reversal of fortunes, the Delhi Capitals exacted "sweet revenge" on the previously undefeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru, clinching an emphatic seven-wicket victory at the Kotambi Stadium. The win not only handed RCB their first loss of the 2026 Women’s Premier League but also vaulted the Capitals to the second spot on the points table.
RCB’s innings began with the usual flair of Smriti Mandhana (38 off 34), who benefited from an early life when Marizanne Kapp overstepped on an LBW appeal that showed "three reds." However, once Mandhana fell in the 10th over to Minnu Mani, the RCB middle and lower order "nosedived," losing their last nine wickets for just 47 runs.
The Capitals' attack focused on the stumps, utilizing the gripping surface to stifle the power-hitters:
Nandini Sharma: The pacer from Chandigarh reclaimed the Purple Cap, finishing with 3 for 26, including two wickets in a clinical final over.
Sree Charani: The left-arm spinner put a "chokehold" on the batting, conceding only 14 runs in her four overs.
Marizanne Kapp & Chinelle Henry: Set a ferocious tone with the new ball, making scoring an uphill battle from the start.
Despite an early scare where Shafali Verma (12) was expertly stumped by Richa Ghosh and Lizelle Lee fell cheaply, the Capitals remained in control.
Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and Laura Wolvaardt (42*) anchored a 52-run stand for the third wicket. Their task was made easier by a series of uncharacteristic lapses from the RCB fielders, who dropped Rodrigues twice (on 4 and 19). Wolvaardt played with composure, finding gaps and sealing the chase in just 15.4 overs.
