In a clinical display of all-around cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) extended their imperious run in the TATA WPL 2026, securing a comprehensive eight-wicket win over the Delhi Capitals in Match 11. Held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 17, 2026, the encounter saw Smriti Mandhana lead from the front with a masterful innings that dismantled the Capitals’ bowling attack and cemented RCB’s position at the top of the table.
Early Bowling Masterclass Destroys Delhi Capitals’ Top Order
The tone for the evening was set early on by RCB’s opening bowlers, Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare. Choosing to bowl first under the lights, RCB exploited the early movement available on the Navi Mumbai pitch. The Delhi Capitals’ top order, featuring heavyweights like Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, and Jemimah Rodrigues, found themselves completely at sea against a relentless display of disciplined line and length.
In a staggering opening spell, the Capitals were reduced to a precarious 10/4 within the first two overs. Bell was particularly devastating, claiming three wickets in her four-over spell for just 26 runs. This initial collapse silenced the Delhi dugout and left the middle order with a monumental task of rebuilding from the rubble.
Also Read: Match Report TATA WPL 2026 Match 10: Gujarat Giants Edge Out Delhi Capitals in a Final-Over Classic
Shafali Verma’s Lone Resistance and Historic Milestone
Amidst the carnage at the top, Shafali Verma emerged as the sole beacon of hope for Delhi. Known for her aggressive intent, Verma launched a daring counter-attack that briefly shifted the momentum. During her stay at the crease, she achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first player in Women’s Premier League history to reach 50 career sixes.
Verma’s innings was a blend of raw power and calculated aggression. She found a steady partner in Niki Prasad, and together they stitched a crucial 59-run partnership that steadied the ship. Verma eventually finished with a fluent 62 off 41 balls, hitting seven boundaries and three massive sixes. A late cameo from debutant Lucy Hamilton pushed the Capitals to a semi-competitive total of 166/10 in their allotted 20 overs, giving their bowlers something to defend.
Smriti Mandhana’s Authoritative Captain’s Knock
Chasing 167, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru never looked in doubt. Captain Smriti Mandhana appeared to be playing on a different surface altogether, striking the ball with authority from the first over. Mandhana dismantled the Delhi bowling unit with surgical precision, reaching her half-century in just 31 balls.
Her timing and placement were impeccable as she anchored the chase with a strike rate that kept the required run rate well under control. Mandhana’s performance was not just about scoring runs but about dictating the tempo of the game. She was ably supported by Georgia Voll, who played a composed, unbeaten 54 off 42 balls, ensuring that there were no further hiccups in the pursuit of the target.
Century Bid Falls Agonizingly Short at 96 Runs
As the match neared its conclusion, the focus shifted from the result to whether Mandhana could record the season’s first century. She moved into the nineties with a series of elegant boundaries, reaching 96 runs off just 60 balls. However, in an attempt to finish the game with a flourish, she was caught by Lucy Hamilton, falling just four runs short of a historic hundred.
Despite the heartbreak of missing the milestone, her innings had already secured the victory. RCB crossed the finish line in 18.2 overs, ending at 169/2.
Conclusion: RCB Maintain Unbeaten Streak
The eight-wicket win reinforced RCB’s status as the team to beat in 2026. While Lauren Bell’s opening burst provided the defensive foundation, Smriti Mandhana’s 96-run masterclass earned her the Player of the Match honors. For the Delhi Capitals, the match served as a stark reminder of their vulnerability under pressure, leaving them to regroup before the tournament moves into its final stages. With this victory, RCB remains undefeated, comfortably perched atop the points table.
Also Read: Match Report TATA WPL 2026 Match 12: RCB Secure Playoff Berth with Dominant Win Over Gujarat Giants