BENGALURU — In a final that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by the sublime Smriti Mandhana, shattered records and a long-standing trophy drought to be crowned champions of the 2024 Women's Premier League. Facing the formidable Delhi Capitals in a high-stakes summit clash at a packed Arun Jaitley Stadium, RCB chased down a mammoth target of 199 with eight wickets and three balls to spare, completing the highest successful chase in a T20 final, men's or women's, in India.
The narrative of the night was singular and spectacular: the artistry of Smriti Mandhana. The RCB skipper, who had shouldered immense pressure throughout the tournament to deliver her franchise its first-ever silverware, produced a breathtaking innings of 91 runs off just 56 balls. Her knock, a masterclass in timing and placement, was the bedrock upon which RCB's historic chase was built, earning her the Player of the Match award and the adoration of millions.
A Daunting Target and a Dream Start
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Delhi Capitals, led by the prolific Meg Lanning, posted a daunting 199 for 4. The foundation was laid by a blistering 64 from Shafali Verma, while Lanning herself contributed a composed 48. Jemimah Rodrigues provided the late fireworks with a crucial 29, ensuring the Capitals set what seemed like a commanding total. The pressure was squarely on RCB, a franchise synonymous with near-misses in the men's game, to finally cross the finish line.
The chase began with intent. Mandhana, alongside the dynamic Sophie Devine, unleashed a calculated assault from the very first over. They targeted the powerplay with precision, finding boundaries regularly and refusing to let the required run rate spiral. Their 49-run partnership in just 4.3 overs provided the perfect launchpad, absorbing the early pressure and shifting the momentum towards the chasing side almost immediately.
The Mandhana Masterclass Unfolds
After Devine's dismissal, Mandhana found an able ally in the young and resilient Ellyse Perry. What followed was a partnership of pure cricketing intelligence. Mandhana, the elegant left-hander, was in complete control. She pierced the field with exquisite drives, pulled with authority, and even innovated with ramps and scoops. Her innings was characterized by:
- Flawless placement: Finding gaps with surgical precision.
- Calm authority: Never looking flustered despite the escalating required rate.
- Strategic aggression: Picking the right bowlers and moments to attack.
Perry played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and punishing the bad ball, as the pair added 97 crucial runs. Mandhana's dominance was such that she seemed to be playing on a different surface. When she finally fell for 91, caught in the deep off Shikha Pandey in the 17th over, the job was nearly done. The stadium, and the RCB dugout, rose as one to applaud a truly legendary captain's knock.
The Finishing Touches and History
With 24 needed off the last three overs, a hint of tension returned. However, the experienced Perry (35* off 37) and the explosive Richa Ghosh (17* off 10) held their nerve. Ghosh, in particular, was ice-cool, striking two vital boundaries in the penultimate over bowled by Marizanne Kapp. The winning runs came with a slash through point off the third ball of the final over, sparking wild celebrations among the RCB players and staff.
The magnitude of the achievement was not lost on anyone. RCB had not only won their first WPL title but had done so by chasing the highest total in a final, breaking the previous record held by the Chennai Super Kings (205 vs GT in IPL 2023). The victory was a testament to their aggressive brand of cricket and their unwavering belief, embodied by their captain.
Reactions and the Weight of Legacy
An emotional Smriti Mandhana, holding the trophy aloft, dedicated the win to the legion of RCB fans. "For the fans who have supported us through thick and thin, this is for you. The last two years, we couldn't cross the line, but the team showed so much character tonight. We always believed we could chase this down," she said in the post-match presentation.
Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the brilliance of the opposition. "It's disappointing to come so close again, but you have to credit RCB and especially Smriti. That was one of the great innings under pressure. We threw everything at them, but they were simply better on the day."
The victory also marked a significant moment for RCB's men's team icon, Virat Kohli, who was seen celebrating exuberantly from the stands. The win was seen as breaking a perceived "curse" for the franchise, with social media erupting with messages celebrating the long-awaited triumph.
A New Chapter for Women's Cricket
Beyond the franchise, the 2024 WPL final served as a monumental advertisement for the women's game. It featured world-class skill, nerve-wracking drama, and a showcase of leadership and power-hitting at its finest. The record-breaking chase and the stellar performances proved that the women's game can deliver entertainment and quality that matches any sporting spectacle.
As the purple and gold confetti settled on the Delhi night, a new champion was crowned. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, powered by the star of Smriti Mandhana, had finally arrived at the summit. Their victory was more than just a trophy; it was a statement of intent, a reward for perseverance, and a historic moment that will inspire a generation. The WPL has its third, and perhaps most dramatic, champion yet.