The dream of a Women’s Premier League (WPL 2024) title remained elusive for the Delhi Capitals (DC) as they fell short in a thrilling final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday. Captain Meg Lanning, who has led Australia to numerous World Cup victories, was left devastated by the loss, even shedding tears on the field.
WPL 2024 Final: From Commanding Start to Crushing Collapse
DC initially appeared to be cruising towards victory. Openers Lanning and Shafali Verma put on a dominant display, dictating the pace against the RCB bowlers.
However, the tide turned dramatically with Sophie Molineux’s dream spell. Her three wickets in a single over dismantled the DC batting lineup, reducing them from a comfortable position to a state of disarray. Shreyanka Patil capitalized on the momentum shift, picking up crucial wickets and restricting DC to a meagre 113 runs.
RCB Clinches Maiden WPL Title
Despite Lanning’s valiant effort with the ball, restricting RCB to a chaseable target, the Bangalore batting lineup proved too strong. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine laid the foundation with a solid partnership, and later, Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh ensured a comfortable eight-wicket victory for RCB, securing their maiden WPL title.
Meg Lanning emotional response
The contrasting emotions on the field were stark. While RCB players erupted in jubilation, Lanning stood alone, overcome with disappointment. Tearful and visibly heartbroken, she received consolation from the DC support staff.
This loss marked the second consecutive WPL final defeat for Meg Lanning and the Delhi Capitals, having lost to the Mumbai Indians in the previous season.
However, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly offered significant support to the DC team. He acknowledged their strength and resilience, highlighting their back-to-back finals appearances. In a tweet, he praised Lanning’s leadership and labelled the Delhi Capitals as the “best team in the tournament.”
Meg Lanning Gracious in Defeat
Despite the heartbreak, Lanning displayed remarkable sportsmanship in the post-match presentation. She acknowledged RCB’s superior performance on the final day and congratulated them on their well-deserved victory. She also commended her own team’s efforts throughout the tournament, expressing gratitude to the support staff and recognizing the unpredictable nature of cricket.
While the ultimate glory eluded them, the Delhi Capitals can hold their heads high for reaching the final and showcasing their potential. Lanning’s leadership and Ganguly’s recognition of their talent offer a strong foundation for future success in the WPL.
