Delhi Capitals began their WPL campaign with a resounding win over Royal Challengers Bangalore played at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on 5 March 2023.
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and decided to field first. Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning showed intent right from the word go putting pressure on RCB bowlers. Both DC openers used the field restriction overs not allowing them to settle. At the end of six overs, Verma and Meg Lanning reached 57 for 0. After that, the first timeout was taken.
Lanning and Verma continued their aggressive intent keeping the pressure on RCB bowlers. Verma completed her fifty off 31 deliveries while Lanning reached a half-century off 30 balls. The Delhi Capitals openers maintained pressure on RCB bowlers keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Soon after the second timeout, Heather Knight provided the much-needed breakthrough dismissing Lanning. Lanning and Verma added 162 runs for the opening wicket laying a strong foundation for a massive total. Knight struck again in the same over getting rid of Shafali Verma.
Marizanne Kapp and Jemimah Rodrigues produced another attacking display of batting against the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers. Kapp looked in sublime touch putting them under pressure along with Rodrigues. At the end of 20 overs, Delhi Capitals posted a massive total of 223 for 2. Kapp and Rodrigues added unbeaten 60 runs for the 3rd wicket.
RCB falters against disciplined DC bowling:
Chasing 224 runs to win, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine provided an aggressive start with both RCB openers keeping the pressure on DC bowlers. After the initial hitting, Jess Jonassen was bought into the attack.
Alice Capsey was introduced into the attack and got rid of Sophie Devine with a stunning diving catch by Shafali Verma at mid-off. Sophie Devine came down the track in the 5th over but Verma stunned Devine with a lovely catch. Smriti Mandhana and Devine added 41 runs for the opening wicket.
At the end of six overs, RCB scored 54 for 1. It was a superb bowling effort by Delhi Capitals bowlers, especially by Tara Norris picking 2 wickets in her first over. Norris broke the backbone of the RCB batting lineup. Heather Knight and Megan Schutt provided some resistance but it was too little too late. Delhi Capitals won the match by 60 runs.
For her 5 for 29 in 4 overs, Tara Norris was named the player of the match award. It was a dominating performance by Delhi Capitals as Verma and Lanning laid a strong foundation for a big total.
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