In a thrilling 11th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased their growing strength with an 8-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Despite a spirited effort from DC’s top order especially Shafali Verma’s excellent 62 RCB’s balanced performance with both bat and ball ensured they remained unbeaten in the league so far. This article provides a detailed, human-friendly roundup of that game, complete with key moments, standout performers, and the emotional ups and downs that made the match memorable.

 

Author : Aashiya Jain | EQmint| Sport News

Setting the Stage: A Rivalry Renewed

When RCB and Delhi Capitals take the field, it’s more than just another fixture it’s a clash with history. Over past WPL seasons, both teams have had their moments against each other, with DC dominating head-to-head early on but RCB fighting back in big games, most notably winning the 2024 WPL final against DC.

Coming into this match, RCB was riding high with three consecutive wins, already making a statement in the 2026 season. Meanwhile, DC was desperate to turn things around after a string of losses, hoping to secure crucial points in the half-way phase of the league.

DC Innings: Shafali Verma Holds the Middle

Sent into bat by RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, DC’s innings began under pressure as the strong RCB bowling attack struck early. At one stage, DC found themselves in trouble with quick wickets and a shaky top order. However, Shafali Verma stepped up with a brilliant and composed innings of 62 off 41 balls, anchoring her side through difficult moments and keeping them competitive.

Verma’s knock was full of intent mixing clean timing with clever running between the wickets and came at a time when DC really needed stability. She formed important partnerships with middle and lower order batters like Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana, helping DC recover from early setbacks and post a total of 166 all-out in 20 overs.

Key moments in the DC innings included:

• • Early breakthroughs by RCB’s Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare, who struck in the first few overs to put DC on the back foot.

• • Shafali Verma’s composed half-century, which kept the scoreboard moving amid constant pressure.

• • Late fireworks from Lucy Hamilton, whose rapid 36 helped DC reach a defendable total.

Despite Verma’s excellence, DC’s batting depths couldn’t quite build the momentum needed to post a challenging total.

RCB Chase: Smooth and Assertive

Chasing 167 for victory, RCB approached the target with calm assurance. Smriti Mandhana, as skipper and one of the league’s premier batters, led her side with an elegant innings, falling agonizingly short of a century by just 4 runs finishing with a powerful 96.*

Mandhana’s performance was central to RCB’s success. Her timing, shot selection, and ability to rotate the strike kept the scoreboard ticking smoothly, and she built a solid platform for the chase right from the first over. Partnering beautifully with other batters, she ensured that RCB crossed the finish line with eight wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare a convincing performance that extended their unbeaten run in the WPL.

Highlights of the chase included:

• • Mandhana’s classy half-century turning the game in RCB’s favor early in the innings.

• • Support from the middle order, which kept the pressure on DC’s bowlers and ensured the partnership didn’t collapse.

• • Composed cricket from RCB throughout the chase, showing their depth and fight as a unit.

Standout Performers and Turning Points

This match wasn’t just about the final result it was packed with individual effort and moments that swung the game:

• • Shafali Verma (DC): Her 62 was a standout in a challenging batting effort, displaying grit and class.

• • Smriti Mandhana (RCB): Came closest to a century and anchored the chase with style, proving why she’s one of the most dependable batters in women’s cricket.

• • RCB Bowling Attack: Early breakthroughs and disciplined spells kept DC under pressure throughout their innings.

The synergy between RCB’s batters and bowlers, combined with top-notch captaincy from Mandhana, ensured that RCB remained firmly in control. Their performance in this match was a statement a blend of patience, poise, and power that other teams in the league will find hard to match.

What It Means for the WPL Standings

RCB’s win was not just another notch in the victory column it reaffirmed their status as early favourites in the 2026 WPL season. With four wins in four matches, they have solidified a strong position at the top of the points table, building momentum as the league progresses toward the latter stages.

For Delhi Capitals, the loss was a setback but also a learning opportunity. Their batting lineup showed flashes of brilliance, especially from Verma and Hamilton, but consistency remains key if they’re to climb back into playoff contention.

Looking Forward

As the regular season moves ahead, both teams have plenty to reflect upon. RCB will look to maintain their winning momentum and carry this form into tougher challenges, while DC will want to convert individual brilliance into team success.

More than just numbers on a scoreboard, this match was a showcase of competitive spirit, game-changing moments, and that combustible mix of pressure and potential that makes the Women’s Premier League one of the most exciting competitions in modern cricket.

(*In limited reporting, specific individual scores may vary slightly; Mandhana’s near-century was noted as a key performance in match takeaways.)

 

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