WPL: RCB’s 5-game winning run ends with defeat to Delhi Capitals

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a superb bowling performance in the Powerplay against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. After being restricted by Delhi Capitals to a modest 109, they struck twice in the first six overs, dismissing openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee to ignite hopes of defending their lowest total this season.However, the target of 110 proved too little as Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 42 (38b; 4x4; 1x6) saw Capitals halting RCB’s five-match winning streak with a sevenwicket win at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium on Saturday. Wolvaardt shared a 52-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues (24 off 26) for the third wicket and an unbeaten stand of 35 with Marizanne Kapp (19 not out of 15) for the fourth to revive Capitals’ playoff hopes.Earlier, Jemimah Rodrigues made shrewd use of her bowlers and their collective response to their captain’s demands saw them skittle out the undefeated RCB for a meagre 109 in 20 overs. Seasoned seamer Marizanne Kapp and her new-ball partner Chinelle Henry were not only economical but also claimed two wickets each to peg their rivals back.But it was the Capitals’ highest wicket-taker and the Purple Cap owner, Nandani Sharma, who inflicted maximum damage on RCB by claiming three wickets to finish with impressive figures of 3/26. The spinners, Minnu Mani (2/18) and Shree Charani also chipped in.Brief scores: DC 111/3 in 15.4 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 42*; Sayali Satghare 2/18) beat RCB 109 (Smriti Mandhana 38; Nandani Sharma 3/26) by seven wkts.