Team India star Virat Kohli praised Smriti Mandhana and her Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team for securing their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title. Taking to Instagram, the 37-year-old lauded the team for upholding the franchise’s legacy, saying they should feel proud of the achievement.
The Royal Challengers, who had previously defeated the Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2024 final, once again overcame the same opponents on Thursday, February 5, in Vadodara to lift the trophy. Chasing a challenging target of 204, Bengaluru lost in-form batter Grace Harris for just 9 runs in the second over.
However, a brilliant 165-run partnership between captain Smriti Mandhana (87) and Georgia Voll (79) turned the game around. Needing 10 runs off the final over, RCB sealed the victory with two balls to spare.
On Instagram, Virat Kohli posted:
“Champions again 🏆⭐️⭐️. Keeping the rcb flag flying high and something that each one of you can be Proud of. To smriti @smriti_mandhana and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations for this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUY07Xyjf1Y/?igsh=NmtsaWRubmMxeDl5
“RCB Fans Are The Best In The World!” – Smriti Mandhana
During the post-match presentation, Mandhana mentioned that she recognized the pitch as ideal for batting and praised Voll for her aggressive approach in the powerplay. The left-hander told ESPNcricinfo:
“Very pleased. RCB fans, I feel, are the best in the world. Wherever we play, we get support. Whatever we do is for them. Three titles in three years for the franchise, it is amazing. We definitely did think it was a good surface to bat on. But 200-plus is a good score in a final. In last few overs, we bowled well.”
“Credit to Bell – 400 in a match and she goes for 20 odd runs. Voll led the way. She had almost all the strike in the powerplay and her intent was spot on. I had a feeling she would get a match winning knock in the final.”
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