WPL 2024 Final: Smriti Mandhana underscored the importance of peaking at the opportune moment in a tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dominated the Delhi Capitals to claim the championship title of the second season of the Women’s Premier League on Sunday.
Despite initial struggles, RCB rallied back with a remarkable turnaround, clinching a playoff spot after a convincing victory over the Mumbai Indians. Mandhana, reflecting on RCB’s resurgence, credited the team’s management for their unwavering support and resilience.
“In such tournaments, you have to peak at the right time. Last year taught us a lot of things, as a player, as a captain, and as a team. The management, the way they backed me during the review after the season… they have been through a lot and a big thumbs up,” Mandhana expressed during the post-match presentation ceremony.
With Bangalore finishing second from bottom last season, Mandhana highlighted the team’s determination to treat each subsequent game as a knockout, which propelled them to deliver under pressure.
No we’re not crying, you are ?pic.twitter.com/Nb9TKf5NFw
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 17, 2024
“We have been through ups and downs, but they have stuck at it, and the way we have gotten past the line, it was amazing,” Mandhana remarked. “The last league match was like a quarter, then the semi, and then the final.”
Mandhana’s message resonated with RCB’s devoted fanbase, who had eagerly awaited their team’s triumph. “I have a message for all the RCB fans, the most loyal fan base. Nothing would have been possible without their support. Ee Sala Cup Namde always comes up, and now I just want to say Ee Sala Cup Namdu.”
In contrast, Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning acknowledged RCB’s superior performance, admitting that her team had been outplayed in the crucial final match.
“Disappointing to not get it done tonight. We played some good cricket throughout the tournament. But it was about not playing well on the day. Congratulations to RCB, they outplayed us,” Lanning conceded during the post-match presentation.