RCB Clinches Second WPL Title with Kohli's Inspiring Pep Talk
After securing their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared an inspiring message from Virat Kohli, a legendary player from the men's team. He urged the players to focus on the crucial '1 per cent small things' that can lead to victory. In a thrilling match, Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll led RCB to a remarkable win against Delhi Capitals (DC), who faced their fourth consecutive runners-up finish. RCB successfully chased down a daunting target of 204 runs, making them the holders of both the IPL and WPL trophies simultaneously.
In a video shared on RCB's official social media, Kohli emphasized the importance of giving their all on the field. He stated, "Those 1 per cent small things make all the difference at the very end. If you have the opportunity to put your body on the line for that ball, do it. Congratulations on reaching the finals again; it has been thrilling to watch your high-pressure games this season."
He acknowledged the team's strong performance throughout the season, noting their top position in the league and the momentum they maintained from the beginning. Kohli highlighted the significance of the final match, stating it is not just another game but a moment every player aspires for, filled with opportunities to make impactful plays.
Summary of the WPL Final Match
In the final match, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first. DC got off to a strong start with Lizelle Lee scoring 37 runs off 30 balls and Shafali Verma contributing 20 runs off 13 balls. A pivotal 76-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 57 runs off 37 balls, and Laura Wolvaardt, who added 44 runs off 35 balls, helped DC recover. Chinelle Henry's explosive 35 runs off just 15 balls propelled DC to a total of 203/4, the highest score in a WPL final.
During the chase, RCB faced an early setback with Grace Harris dismissed for 8 runs. However, a remarkable 165-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana, who scored 87 runs off 41 balls, and Georgia Voll, who made 79 runs off 54 balls, significantly boosted RCB's chances. Despite losing three quick wickets towards the end, Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk secured the win with six wickets remaining and two balls to spare. Mandhana was named 'Player of the Match' for her outstanding performance.