Mandhana’s Near-Century Powers RCB to Dominance—But Was It Enough to Silence the Critics?

Mandhana falls 4 short of maiden WPL century, guides RCB to fourth consecutive win

They say records are meant to be broken—but sometimes, the near-miss speaks louder than the milestone itself. In a thrilling WPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, scoring an unbeaten 96 off just 63 balls. She fell agonizingly short of her maiden WPL century—by a mere four runs—but her innings wasn’t about personal glory. It was a statement: RCB isn’t just winning; they’re dominating .

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Match Recap: RCB’s Clinical Chase

Chasing Delhi Capitals’ total of 158/7, RCB never looked in trouble. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry laid a rock-solid foundation with a 78-run partnership before Perry departed for 32. But Mandhana barely missed a beat. With support from Richa Ghosh (28* off 18), she accelerated in the death overs, sealing the match with 18 balls to spare—an eight-wicket victory that felt even more comprehensive than the scorecard suggests .

The Smriti Mandhana WPL Century That Almost Was

At 92*, with two overs remaining, the stadium buzzed with anticipation. Every boundary brought chants of “Century! Century!” But cricket, ever the dramatist, had other plans. On 96*, Mandhana lofted a slower ball from Jess Jonassen toward long-on—only for it to be caught right on the rope. The crowd groaned; she smiled, shrugged, and walked off having done far more than enough.

Her 96* included 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, showcasing her trademark cover drives and innovative sweeps. While the Smriti Mandhana WPL century remains elusive, this knock reinforced her status as the tournament’s most consistent batter—and perhaps its most clutch performer.

Why Delhi Capitals’ Strong Start Fizzled Out

Delhi Capitals weren’t without firepower. Shafali Verma blazed her way to a 42-ball 61, launching RCB’s spinners into the stands with fearless intent. But once she was dismissed in the 14th over, the innings lost momentum. The middle order crumbled under pressure from RCB’s disciplined attack, particularly leg-spinner Kanika Ahuja (2/24) and pace spearhead Renuka Singh (2/28).

Key failures:

  • Meg Lanning scored just 8 before edging to slip.
  • Jemimah Rodrigues managed only 12, struggling against spin.
  • The last 6 overs yielded just 32 runs—a fatal slowdown.

Delhi’s total was competitive on paper, but lacked the late surge needed to challenge a batting unit as deep as RCB’s.

RCB’s Unstoppable Run: Four Wins and Counting

This victory marks RCB’s **fourth consecutive win** in WPL 2026, a feat unmatched by any other franchise this season. Their campaign has been defined by balance: explosive top-order batting, economical bowling, and sharp fielding. Unlike previous seasons where they relied heavily on star power, this RCB side operates as a true unit—coached brilliantly by Thomas Moore and led with calm authority by Mandhana [INTERNAL_LINK:rcb-wpl-2026-team-analysis].

Beyond the Bat: Mandhana’s Quiet Leadership Revolution

Mandhana’s impact isn’t limited to her bat. As captain, she’s fostered a culture of trust and accountability. She promotes young talent (like debutant G Kavitha), backs her bowlers unconditionally, and makes bold tactical calls—like opening the bowling with spin in high-pressure chases.

Former India captain Mithali Raj once said, “Great captains make others better.” Mandhana embodies that. Under her leadership, even seasoned players like Perry and Ghosh are performing at career-best levels.

What This Win Means for the WPL Points Table

With this win, RCB leapfrogs to the **top of the WPL 2026 standings** with 8 points from 4 matches. They now hold a superior net run rate over Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, putting them in pole position for a playoff berth. More importantly, they’ve sent a psychological message: they’re not just contenders—they’re favorites.

Conclusion: A Century May Wait, But Legacy Is Building Now

Smriti Mandhana didn’t get her WPL century—but in many ways, she didn’t need it. Her 96* was the engine of a near-flawless team performance that underscores RCB’s transformation from perennial underdogs to title frontrunners. In a league where individual brilliance often overshadows collective success, Mandhana is proving that true greatness lies in lifting everyone around you. The century will come. But what she’s building right now? That’s legacy.

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