WPL 2024, Match 17 Review: Capitals survive Richa Ghosh scare to win Delhi thriller

In a nail-biter at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, the 2024 Women's Premier League witnessed a thrilling clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals, culminating in a one-run victory for DC and securing their playoff berth.

The stage was set as DC's openers, Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma, cautiously laid the foundation, amassing 54 runs in 6.2 overs. Shafali's departure for 23 was followed by Lanning's exit at 29. The spotlight then shifted to Jemimah Rodrigues and Alice Capsey, who stitched a crucial 97-run partnership for the third wicket. 

Jemimah's well-crafted 58 and Capsey's contribution of 48 propelled Delhi to a challenging total of 181 in 20 overs. Shreyanka Patil's comeback for RCB featured a standout performance, clinching four crucial wickets to contain the Capitals.

In pursuit of the target, RCB faced an early setback with the dismissal of captain Smrithi Mandhana. However, Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry's resilient 80-run partnership reignited RCB's hopes. Despite Perry's unfortunate run-out, Molineux continued the fight until her dismissal.

The pendulum swung again as Sophie Devine and Richa Ghosh steadied RCB with a solid partnership. Ghosh's valiant 51 off 29 balls kept the team in contention. In a heart-stopping finale, needing two off the last ball, Ghosh was run out, and RCB fell short by a solitary run. For Delhi, Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Shikha Pandey, and Arundhati Reddy all claimed one wicket each.

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Jemimah Rodrigues earned the Player of the Match accolade for her stellar knock of 58. She praised the team's recovery time, strategic timeouts, and learning from past mistakes. She highlighted the total team effort, especially Shikha's crucial over and contributions from JJ and Meg.

Looking ahead, the Delhi Capitals Women are set to face Gujarat Giants Women on March 13th at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, while RCB Women will lock horns with Mumbai Indians Women on March 12th at the same venue.