The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is heating up and Match 4 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) is grabbing headlines with over 50,000 searches on Google Trends. Fans are eagerly tracking this blockbuster clash as Smriti Mandhana’s RCB takes on Meg Lanning’s DC at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Monday, February 17.
Match preview: A battle of powerhouses
Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first, putting Delhi’s strong batting lineup under early pressure. DC boasts world-class batters like Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, who will be looking to improve after a shaky performance in their last game. On the other hand, RCB’s batting firepower, featuring Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and Richa Ghosh, looks formidable.
However, bowling remains a concern for RCB, especially with Perry unable to bowl due to injury. The onus is on Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham to contain Delhi’s hard-hitting batters after struggling in their previous outing.
Delhi Capitals’ game plan
Delhi’s bowling attack, led by Shikha Pandey, was impressive in their last match against Mumbai, but facing RCB’s deep batting lineup is a different challenge. With in-form all-rounders and explosive batters, Delhi will have to strike early and restrict the run flow.
Playing XIs: Delhi Capitals (DC)
Meg Lanning (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Beth Mooney (wk), Simran Shaikh, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Dayalan Hemalatha, Tanuja Kanwar, Kashvee Gautam.
Playing XIs: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Uma Chetry (wk), Chamari Athapaththu, Vrinda Dinesh, Kiran Navgire, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Poonam Khemnar, Deepti Sharma (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor.
Key Players to Watch
Smriti Mandhana (RCB) – The captain’s form will be crucial at the top.
Meg Lanning (DC) – An experienced leader who can anchor DC’s innings.
Shafali Verma (DC) – Can provide an explosive start if she gets going.
Ellyse Perry (RCB) – Even though she’s not bowling, her batting remains a threat.
Shikha Pandey (DC) – Will lead Delhi’s bowling attack in a crucial contest.
Match expectations
With both teams eyeing an early advantage in the tournament, this promises to be a thrilling encounter. RCB’s explosive batting vs. DC’s all-round balance makes for an exciting match-up, keeping WPL fans on the edge of their seats! Stay tuned for live updates and analysis.