After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team won the Women’s Premier League final in Vadodara on Thursday, captain Smriti Mandhana noted that winning three titles in three years was an incredible accomplishment for the team.
Before the men managed to win the IPL last year, the RCB women’s historic victory in 2024 ended the team’s title drought. The ladies won the WPL for the second time on Thursday after defeating the Delhi Capitals by six wickets.
“Very pleased. RCB fans are the best in the world. We get support wherever we play. Three tiles in three years for the franchise, it is amazing,” PTI quoted Mandhana, who overcame recent off-field setbacks to excel in the tournament, as saying.
Regarding chasing 204 in the championship match, she stated: “We did think it was a good surface to bat on. 203 is a good score in the final. It was a match winning spell from Lauren Bell. 400 in the match and she goes for just 20 (19 in four overs).
“One thing has stood out this season the support staff the way have supported us. Roles were clear for all of us. That makes our job easier on the field.
“The girls are working extremely hard and that shoots up your belief. They are working hard in the gym and that gives confidence to chase down any score. But what Volly (Georgia with the bat) did was special. Everyone going back to their home will say this is what we have contributed.”
Jemimah Rodrigues, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, said she was extremely proud of her team, who began badly but managed to make it to the final despite losing their fourth final in as many attempts.
“Could not be more proud of this group. It was not easy for us, the character the girls showed, proud of that. 204 in a final is always a great score. Everyone fought hard, gave their best, and that is what is important,” said Rodrigues.
