Smriti Mandhana was once again the focal point in the Met Gala night for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricket team in the WPLfinal, as the Bengaluru skipper gave a performance for the ages, shattering many a record while getting her franchise the much-needed second trophy.
She smashed the fastest half-century in WPL history in just 23 balls, made the highest individual score in a WPL final, scoring 87 off 41 balls, and became only the fifth player to reach 1,000 runs in a short but illustrious history.
Match-Defining Partnership With Georgia Voll
A crucial reason contributing to RCB’s successful chase was the stupendous 165-run second-wicket partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll, which came off just 92 deliveries. The stand completely changed the momentum of the final and laid the foundation for RCB’s championship win.
After the match, Mandhana was all praises for Voll, saying she was pretty good in terms of intent and composure during PowerPlay.
Voll dominated the early phase of the chase, facing 21 of the 36 PowerPlay deliveries and scoring 30 runs, allowing Mandhana to settle before unleashing her trademark aggression.
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“I Told the Girls Voll Would Win Us the Final” – Mandhana
Reflecting on her innings, Mandhana disclosed that she knew Voll would make a big impact before the final encounter. She revealed that she had told the team 10-15 days before that she believed Voll could hit a match-winning knock in the final. Mandhana spoke highly of Voll’s hard work and recalled that she had held an extra coaching session in the days running up to the match.
Calm Mindset Despite DC’s Massive Total
Delhi Capitals had set an extremely demanding target of 203/4, aided by a ferocious late-entry score from Chinelle Henry that read 35 off just 15 of those precious overs. RCB, however, never got intimidated by the challenge of scoring 200+ in a final. Smriti Mandhana pointed out that her team considered it was the perfect batting pitch and that they had confidence going into the chase.
Mandhana Lauds Lauren Bell’s Match-Winning Spell
Mandhana also saved special praise for Lauren Bell, who conceded arguably the most impactful spell of the final despite the nature of the game. Bell returned with 0/19 and bowled 12 dot balls, giving away just two boundaries.
Mandhana made observations on Bell’s spell, stating it was match-winning and highlighting the impact exerted by dominating runs in a game that saw over 400 runs being scored.
Hard Work and Belief Defined RCB’s Season
Success for RCB was all about relentless hard work on and off the field, informed Smriti Mandhana, who pointed out the team’s commitment during training sessions and game preparation, which assisted the team in believing that the targets seemed not beyond the reach of the team.
That collective confidence, according to Mandhana, also played a significant role in helping the RCB chase down the daunting total by the Delhi Capitals.
Support Staff and Role Clarity Key to RCB’s Triumph
Mandhana has credited RCB’s support staff for laying the foundation for the championship-winning season even before the tournament began. “As soon as the auction finished, the support staff made sure the players knew what was expected of them.”
Acknowledging the contribution of Malolan Rangarajan, Anya Shrubsole, and Muttiah Muralitharan, Mandhana added that proper planning helped in leadership roles on the field as well.
Smriti Mandhana Caps Off a Season to Remember
Records were broken, predictions achieved, and trophies won, as Smriti Mandhana signed off a remarkable WPL season as a leader, matchwinner, and believer in her team. Her leadership, confidence in her team, and captivating strokeplay gave a maiden trophy-winning campaign for RCB, further establishing her as one of the most important players in the WPL.
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