DC vs RCB: In a nail-biting match in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, Delhi Capitals qualified for the playoffs with a comprehensive 9-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Due to a scorching partnership between Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen, Delhi chased down the target of 148 with 27 balls remaining. This is Delhi’s third successive qualification for the WPL playoffs, a reflection of their consistency and good team performance.
Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen Lead Delhi’s Charge in DC vs RCB
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Delhi’s chase involved some explosive batting to form an aggressive partnership of 146 runs, where Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen put a good score of runs, with Shafali Verma being the in-form player with 80* off 43 balls.
Her innings were a superlative example of aggressive batting, with her blasting eight 4s and four 6s. Shafali’s aggressive style took the game from RC in the middle overs while her contribution was vital since the Delhi franchise clinched a win with minimal fuss.
Jonassen had also kept up with the chase, shining throughout the tournament, finishing with another solid 61 not out off 38 balls, including nine fours and a six. The left-right combination worked wonders, with Shafali and Jonassen putting together a partnership that guided Delhi Capitals home to their target of 148 in just 15.3 overs with the loss of just one wicket. This batting performance sealed RCB’s fate, thus pushing Delhi into the playoffs.
Only Meg Lanning’s wicket-captain Darlie saw her back to the pavilion cheaply with just 2 runs. But this first wicket hardly toppled Delhi’s rhythm, as Verma and Jonassen put their cricketing pedigree into the pursuit with intent.
RCB’s Struggles Continue: Ellyse Perry’s Effort in Vain
RCB, who had been struggling with form, suffered defeat once again, their fourth in a row in the tournament. Invited to bat first, they were off to a shaky start, losing early wickets. It was the experienced Alice Perry who saved RCB with a serene 60* off 47 balls. Perry’s innings comprised three sixes and as many fours and formed the foundation of RCB’s innings.
Perry established two key associations: 44 runs with Danni Wyatt-Hodge (21), and a 68-run partnership with Raghavi Bisht (33), which gave RCB some much-needed solidity. Perry’s effort not only took RCB to a total of 147/5 but also made her the highest run-scorer in the WPL 2025 until now. She has scored 295 runs in six games, averaging a staggering 98.33.
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The batting of RCB, for all her efforts, never lived up to its potential and could not avail themselves of Perry’s brilliant knock. Middle and lower order yet again could not deliver, and the team could not push the score ahead of 150.
Impressive Bowling Efforts of Delhi Capitals
Delhi’s bowlers executed their game plan to perfection, restricting RCB to a modest total. Shikha Pandey and rookie Shree Charani were Delhi’s most effective bowlers: both took two wickets for only 28 runs apiece. Their incisive spells during the middle overs played a huge role in choking RCB’s run-scoring.
However, Marizanne Kapp led the bowling assault for Delhi and made an equally strong effort in stemming any further hopes for RCB. Only 18 runs came from her spells with one wicket in her scalp. Overall bowling continued to tighten around RCB, completely constricting any thoughts of a counter-attack in the latter half of the innings.
Delhi Capitals’ Playoff Berth Secured
With this runaway victory, Delhi Capitals earned their third straight playoff entry in the WPL 2025. They have their strong batting depth combined with conservative bowling to establish them as one of the best sides in the league. The win is an impressive confidence boost to the side before they embark on the knock-out phase of the tournament when the stakes are much higher.
For RCB, this loss marked their decline in the tournament. Even with Perry’s heroics with the bat, their failure to cash in on partnerships and lack of effect with the ball resulted in yet another disappointing performance. With four consecutive losses, RCB will need to bounce back quickly and re-strategize to avoid further losses.
Delhi Capitals Continue Their Strong Run in WPL 2025
Delhi Capitals have solidly positioned themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the WPL 2025, with a well-rounded team and remarkable performances both with the bat and ball. Shefali Verma’s blistering innings and Jonassen’s solid backup were instrumental in winning the game comfortably, and their qualification into the playoffs is apt.
RCB, however, must get their act together and sort out their problems with bat and ball. With the stakes in the tournament now higher, the coming matches will be very important for all teams as they battle for a spot in the latter stages of the tournament.
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