Delhi Capitals Thrash Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Secure Playoffs Berth in WPL 2025

Image credits: PTI Photo

The Delhi Capitals have become the first team to secure a playoffs berth in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 after thrashing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 9 wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The victory was powered by an unbeaten 146-run second-wicket stand between Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen, who remained unbeaten on 80 and 61 respectively. The Capital city-based team chased down the target of 148 with 4.3 overs to spare, losing only one wicket in the process.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, losing all four of their games at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ellyse Perry was the lone bright spot for RCB, scoring an unbeaten 60, while Raghvi Bist chipped in with 33. However, the team's over-reliance on Perry was once again exposed, as they were unable to put up a competitive total. The bowling attack of the Delhi Capitals was able to restrict RCB to 147/5 in 20 overs, with Shikha Pandey and Nallapureddy Charani picking up two wickets each.

The Delhi Capitals' batswomen were in fine form, with Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen taking the attack to the RCB bowlers from the outset. The pair struck several boundaries and sixes, taking the game away from the hosts. Verma was particularly aggressive, racing to 22 off just 13 balls, while Jonassen provided solid support, punishing the RCB bowlers for any loose deliveries. The partnership between the two was the highlight of the match, as they took the Delhi Capitals to a convincing victory.

The match scores were as follows:

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 147/5 in 20 overs (Ellyse Perry 60*, Raghvi Bist 33; Shikha Pandey 2-24, Nallapureddy Charani 2-28)
• Delhi Capitals: 151/1 in 15.3 overs (Shafali Verma 80*, Jess Jonassen 61*; Renuka Singh Thakur 1-28)

The Delhi Capitals' victory has taken them to the top of the WPL 2025 table, with 10 points from seven games. They have become the first team to qualify for the playoffs, and will look to continue their winning momentum in the remaining games.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reassess their strategy if they are to make a comeback in the tournament. They are currently placed fourth in the table, with just two victories in six games. The team will need to work on their batting and bowling departments if they are to make a serious challenge for the title.

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