The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 has been a whirlwind of unlimited action across two cities, featuring multiple nail-biting affairs and craziness all around. As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes are now on the final showdown set to take place in Delhi on March 17.
The Delhi Capitals (DC), led by Meg Lanning, will face off against Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in what promises to be an electrifying encounter on Sunday night.
DC has emerged as the most successful side of the season, securing a direct entry into the finals as table-toppers. With 6 wins out of 8 games, they have displayed remarkable consistency, suffering only two defeats, both to Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz, during the league stage. This marks their second consecutive final appearance since the league's inception.
In contrast, RCB has battled their way to the final, experiencing a roller-coaster ride throughout the season. Despite a shaky start, they managed to clinch crucial victories before facing a setback in the national capital. However, a historic bowling spell by Perry against MI propelled them into the playoffs, where they outclassed the defending champions to secure a spot in the final.
Captain Lanning expressed confidence in her team's preparation during the press meet on Saturday, highlighting their calm demeanor ahead of the high-stakes final. With four DC batters among the top scorers of the tournament and an equally impressive bowling lineup, they enter the final as hot favorites.
Meanwhile, RCB's journey has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming setbacks to reach the pinnacle of the tournament. The devastating 1-run defeat against Delhi in their previous encounter served as a wake-up call, motivating them to bounce back emphatically. Perry's exceptional performance with both bat and ball, supported by keeper-batter Richa Ghosh, has been instrumental in RCB's success.
All eyes will be on RCB's spin duo of Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana, who have been key to the team's strength. Their ability to turn the game in RCB's favor was evident in the tense Eliminator, showcasing their importance in the final showdown.
