Shafali-Verma. (Photo Source: WPL)
Despite being one of the most dominating teams in the tournament, Delhi Capitals failed to put up a fight on the night of the finals as they lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by eight wickets. Batting first, openers Shafali Varma and Meg Lanning played some brilliant cricket and stitched a partnership of 64 runs, which put Bangalore under pressure. Shafali, particularly looked ruthless in the middle as she made 44 runs off 27 deliveries at a strike rate of 162.96.
However, soon after she got out, wickets fell like a house of cards. Seven of Delhi players scored in single digits as they posted just 113 runs in the middle. RCB’s Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil tore apart DC’s middle order as they picked up three and four wickets each respectively. Meanwhile, when it came to the chase, Delhi put up a good show but Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana proved superior as RCB went on to win the match by eight wickets.
Also Read: ‘I thought it was fantastic captaincy’ – DC head coach applauds Meg Lanning’s leadership in WPL 2024
Following the loss, DC players were in tears as they lost two back-to-back finals in the tournament. In 2023, the Meg Lanning-led side lost to Mumbai Indians in the final and this time, they once again got close but ended up being heartbroken. After the match, Shafali took to Twitter (now X) to express her sorrow and stated that they will work harder to win the third edition of WPL.
“Tough night yesterday, and even tougher morning today. It will take a while to realise how much we have achieved as a team, but really proud to be part of it. Grateful for all the support we have received over the last few months. Congratulations to everyone at RCB,” Shafali tweeted.
Tough night yesterday, and even tougher morning today. It will take a while to realise how much we have achieved as a team, but really proud to be part of it.
Grateful for all the support we have received over the last few months.
Congratulations to everyone at RCB. #WPL2024 pic.twitter.com/0RngCpMzUd
— Shafali Verma (@TheShafaliVerma) March 18, 2024
“A big thank you to the owners, the staff, the support staff and you fans who helped us to a second straight final. Teesri baar aur zyaada koshish karenge,” she added.
A big thank you to the owners, the staff, the support staff and you fans who helped us to a second straight final. Teesri baar aur zyaada koshish karenge🤞🏻
— Shafali Verma (@TheShafaliVerma) March 18, 2024
Meanwhile, RCB players were jubilant after their win as star India cricketer Virat Kohli also congratulated them via a video call.
Also Read – Virat Kohli looked happy, there was a bright smile: Smriti Mandhana