Bengaluru, March 19, 2024 In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) men’s team paid a well-deserved tribute to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 champions during the RCB Unbox event held at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Led by the dynamic Smriti Mandhana, the WPL champions received a guard of honor from their male counterparts, creating a memorable moment for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The RCB men’s team, comprising cricketing stalwarts such as Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Reece Topley, Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Karn Sharma, and others, formed a solemn corridor as the victorious WPL team walked past. Applause and cheers echoed through the stadium as the stars of the men’s team acknowledged the remarkable achievement of their female peers.
The WPL 2024 final witnessed an exhilarating clash between the Delhi Capitals and the RCB women’s team. Chasing a challenging target of 195, Smriti Mandhana played a scintillating innings, scoring 74 runs off 43 balls, including 10 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her aggressive strokeplay and unwavering determination propelled the RCB women to a resounding victory.
Spinners Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil played pivotal roles in restricting the Delhi Capitals to a modest total of 113. Their disciplined bowling and strategic variations stifled the opposition’s batting lineup, setting the stage for RCB’s successful chase. The women’s team displayed excellence in all aspects of the game, securing an emphatic 8-wicket win and clinching the coveted WPL trophy.
Following the guard of honor, the RCB women’s team embarked on a celebratory victory lap around the stadium, waving to fans who cheered and celebrated this historic moment. During the lap, Smriti Mandhana engaged in a heartwarming video call with star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, further adding to the festive atmosphere.
We have the trophy
We have the streets
We have/had the greatest cricketersShow me better team than RCB i will da my account for forever. pic.twitter.com/7rog5byHPp
— Kevin (@imkevin149) March 19, 2024
As the RCB men’s team gears up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, they draw inspiration from their female counterparts. With a squad that combines talent, youth, and experience, the return of star batter Virat Kohli to the field is a significant boost. Kohli’s presence not only bolsters the batting lineup but also provides invaluable leadership on and off the field.
The RCB franchise, known for its passionate fan base, eagerly anticipates the start of the IPL season. With seasoned players like Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell joining the squad, RCB aims to dominate the powerplay phase of matches and mount a strong challenge for the championship title.
In Virat Kohli’s own words, “It is really good to be back, firstly playing cricket. Also, exciting to come back to Bangalore for the start of the IPL season. Similar emotions, similar feelings. I have not been off the media radar for two months, I have been into normalcy you can say. I am pretty happy to be back, and I hope all the fans are happy and excited as well” .
The stage is set, the players are ready, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits the thrilling clashes that the IPL promises to deliver. Let the games begin!