WPL 2026: RCB Opts to Bowl First Against Delhi Capitals in Thrilling Clash

In an exciting matchup at the Women's Premier League 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted to bowl first after winning the toss against Delhi Capitals. With key player changes on both sides, including Lucy Hamilton making her debut for Delhi, the match promises to be thrilling. RCB's captain Smriti Mandhana emphasized the importance of teamwork and focus on fundamentals, while Jemimah Rodrigues of Delhi expressed confidence in her squad's strategy. Read on for detailed insights and playing lineups.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 19:49 IST

Match Overview

Navi Mumbai: In the 11th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and chose to bowl first against Delhi Capitals at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy.

Delhi Capitals have made a strategic change by including Lucy Hamilton as a substitute for the injured Chinelle Henry. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru revamped their lineup, bringing in Georgia Voll, Prema Rawat, and Sayali Satghare to replace Arundhati Reddy, Linsey Smith, and Dayalan Hemalatha.

RCB's captain, Smriti Mandhana, expressed, "We always receive tremendous support wherever we play. We prefer to field first today. We have made three changes: Voll replaces Linsey, Prema comes in for Hema, and Sayali steps in as Aru is unwell today."

Mandhana added, "Aru's absence was unavoidable. We felt we were one batter short. Despite winning our first three matches, we are not panicking; it’s all about team dynamics."

She emphasized the importance of focusing on the fundamentals, stating, "Everyone is committed to executing the small things correctly. Our performance on the field reflects our hard work, and this team is dedicated to putting in the effort."

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals' captain, Jemimah Rodrigues, commented on facing Mandhana, saying, "I have led against her in domestic cricket before. It’s always an enjoyable rivalry. We were fine with either batting or bowling first."

Rodrigues noted, "Sometimes losing the toss can work in your favor. They will bat fourth on this pitch. We have made one change: Chinelle Henry is out due to injury, and Lucy Hamilton is making her debut tonight. She has previously played with me at Brisbane Heat and has a solid head on her shoulders."

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shreyanka Patil, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Gautami Naik, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Lauren Bell

Delhi Capitals Women: Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Lucy Hamilton, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma