Renuka Singh Thakur and Georgia Wareham delivered a bowling masterclass for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), taking three wickets each to bowl out Delhi Capitals (DC) for 141 in 19.3 overs in match four of WPL 2025 at Kotambi Stadium.
DC Start Steady but Collapse Under Pressure
On a pitch offering a bit of grip, DC got off to a steady start, reaching 51/1 by the first time-out. Captain Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues built a promising 59-run partnership for the second wicket. However, things fell apart quickly once their stand was broken.
By the time the second strategic time-out arrived, DC had lost five wickets and their momentum. What looked like a platform for a big total turned into a struggle to reach a competitive score.
Renuka and Wareham Wreak Havoc
Renuka struck early, dismissing Shafali Verma for a golden duck as the batter mistimed a lofted shot to mid-off. She bowled with precision, extracting movement and keeping the batters guessing. Georgia joined the party later, delivering a double-strike in the 18th over to tighten RCB’s grip on the contest.
RCB’s bowling unit worked well in tandem:
- Renuka and Georgia took three wickets each.
- Kim Garth and Ekta Bisht chipped in with two wickets apiece.
- DC batters struggled against RCB’s disciplined attack, unable to find boundaries when needed.
Late Resistance Helps DC Cross 140
Wickets kept tumbling, but Sarah Bryce tried to hold things together. The Scottish cricketer played a composed knock of 23, ensuring DC at least had something to defend. She managed to find the gaps and rotate the strike, helping DC cross the 140-run mark.
Lanning had looked set for a big score, threading the ball between fielders for boundaries early on. She cut and drove with authority, but once she fell, RCB dominated proceedings.
RCB’s Tactical Execution Pays Off
Electing to bowl first proved to be the right call for RCB. Their bowlers maintained tight lines, never allowing DC to break free. Even when Lanning and Rodrigues built a partnership, RCB’s fielders and bowlers ensured that dot balls kept piling up.
Kim Garth’s spell added further pressure on DC’s middle order. The Irish pacer struck at key moments, preventing any counterattack. Ekta Bisht, with her left-arm spin, was equally effective in controlling the scoring rate.
What’s Next?
With a modest target to chase, RCB will fancy their chances of securing a comfortable win. DC’s bowlers, however, will be eager to fight back and make this a competitive game. Much will depend on how RCB’s batters handle DC’s bowling attack in the second innings.
