Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB-W) opener Dannielle Wyatt Hodge credited her captain Smriti Mandhana for coaching her during their match-winning partnership against Delhi Capitals (DC-W) in Match 4 of the Women’s Premier League 2024 (WPL 2024). RCB hammered Delhi by eight wickets as they chased down the target of 142 in 16.2 overs to register their second successive win of the tournament.
After bundling out DC for a low score, RCB got off to a perfect start to their chase as openers Mandhana and Wyatt Hodge added a whopping 107 runs for the first wicket off 65 balls. The duo complemented each other really well as Wyatt scored 42 (33) while Mandhana registered her fastest half century in WPL off 27 balls.
Following their partnership, Hodge praised Smriti for her magnificent innings, saying she had the best seat in the house to watch her bat. She also mentioned how batting together in The Hundred for the Southern Braves helped them build good understanding, which came to fruition on the pitch.
“We said before this game, I spoke in the huddle that lets do this! Had the best seat in the house with Smriti batting like that. Our catching has been exceptional. She keeps me very calm. She was coaching me a little. We bat a lot together for the Southern Brave. Great franchise. Everyone has been so welcoming. The slower balls were gripping. Some helpful messages from her. Pleasure to bat with Smriti,” said Wyatt in the post-match presentation.
RCB vs DC, Highlights
RCB go to top of points table
Mandhana played a breathtaking innings of 81 (47) smashing ten fours and three sixes as she registered her highest score in WPL. Earlier in the day, Renuka Singh (3/23) and Georgia Wareham (3/25) ran through Delhi’s batting order to bundle them out for 141. Courtesy of her three-wicket haul, Renuka has become the leading the wicket taker of the tournament so far having scalped five wickets from two matches.
The right-arm seamer was also adjudged Player of the Match as RCB climbed to the top of the WPL points table after another clinical win.
