Saurit Chatterjee, Vadodara : There was a time when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) brand was synonymous with individual brilliance overshadowed by collective fragility.But the fan can say now those days are officially over. By chasing down a formidable 204 to secure their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, Smriti Mandhana’s side transitioned from “underdogs with a massive fanbase” to a genuine cricketing dynasty. While Mandhana provided the early impetus exploiting the Powerplay with her trademark elegance through the off side Voll played the role of the modern-day anchor, an elite understanding of field placements. By finding gaps rather than just clearing ropes, they kept the required rate manageable, forcing the Delhi Capitals’ bowlers into defensive lengths early in the innings. Skipper Smriti Mandhana played a quintessential captain’s knock, smashing 87 off just 41 balls. Alongside her, Aussie sensation Georgia Voll proved why she’s the league’s newest superstar, attacking the chase with a brilliant 79 off 54 deliveries. Their record-breaking 165-run partnership effectively stressed the life out of the Delhi bowling attack in the final.
