"She showed her class": Mithali Raj praises Wyatt-Hodge as RCB triumphs over DC

Former India captain Mithali Raj praised Danni Wyatt-Hodge's innings, highlighting its significance in the context of the match.

"She was a bit tentative at the start, but once she got a few runs, she settled in. The way she lifted her bat and accumulated runs showed her class. As the innings progressed, she played with more conviction, adjusting to every move and variation from the opposition. She steadily grew in confidence, making full use of every opportunity presented to her," Raj said on JioHotstar.

With this win, RCB has two wins in two matches and is at the top of the table. DC is in the third spot, with a win and loss each.

Batting first, Delhi Capitals struggled against RCB's disciplined bowling attack. Renuka Singh and Georgia Wareham produced fiery spells, dismantling DC's batting lineup and restricting them to a modest total of 141. Their precise line and length made run-scoring difficult for the opposition, setting up a strong platform for RCB's batters to chase down the target comfortably.

Chasing the target, RCB got off to a solid start, with Smriti Mandhana leading from the front with a brilliant half-century. Danni Wyatt-Hodge made an impactful knock of 42 runs off 33 balls, which included seven boundaries.

After RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first, they were off a fine start as dangerous Shafali Varma gave a simple catch to Smriti Mandhana at mid-off on a Renuka Singh delivery on the very first ball of the innings.

Following this early setback, Jemimah Rodrigues joined her skipper Meg Lanning for a rebuild. Rodrigues pressed the acceleration in the button against Ekta Bisht and Joshitha, collecting some fours and sixes.

DC reached the 50-run mark in 5.4 overs, thanks to a six by Rodrigues.

The 60-run stand between the duo broke as Georgia Wareham got Jemimah stumped by Richa Ghosh for 34 in 22 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. DC was 60/2 in 6.5 overs. Kim Garth also removed Lanning for 17 in 19 balls, with three fours. DC was 62/3 in 7.3 overs.

Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp took DC to 83/3 in 10 overs, with Sutherland (19*) and Kapp (4*) unbeaten. However, after the fall of Sutherland for 19 in 13 balls to Renuka thanks to a sharp catch by Smriti at extra cover, it was all downhill for DC. DC were restricted to 84/4 in 10.2 overs.

After that, DC had no big partnerships, though Sarah Bryce (23 in 19 balls, with two fours) and Shikha Pandey (14 in 15 balls, with a four) tried to put up a fight.

Wareham, Garth Renuka and Ekta Bisht tore apart the DC batting line-up, cleaning it up for 141 runs in 19.3 overs.

Renuka (3/23) and Wareham (3/25) were the pick of the bowlers for RCB, dismantling DC with their deadly mix of pace and spin. Garth (2/19) and Bisht (2/35) played a good supporting cast as well.

Mandhana set the tone for the chase with two boundaries against Kapp in the opening over, followed by Minnu Mani in the third over.

Hodge picked up as the powerplay's end came closer, hitting Shikha Pandey for two fours.RCB reached the 50-run mark in 5.1 overs, thanks to a four by Danni over short third man.

At the end of powerplay, RCB was 57/0, with Mandhana (32*) and Danni (22*) unbeaten.

Mandhana had her foot on the accelerator, finding boundaries against Jess Jonassen, Sutherland.

The left-hander reached her half-century in 27 balls, with eight fours and a six.

With the help of a fine boundary by Danni through deep cover, RCB reached the 100-run mark in 10 overs.

The 107-run opening stand between Mandhana and Hodge was ended by Arundhati Reddy, removing Wyatt. Rodrigues took a fine catch at deep cover. RCB was 107/1 in 10.5 overs.

Mandhana's bat kept delivering blows after the partnership broke, taking RCB to a brink of a victory. Jonassen and Sutherland were getting pummeled. Shikha ended Mandhana's stay at 81 in 47 balls (with 10 fours and three sixes) thanks to a catch by Arundhati. RCB was 133/2 in 15.1 overs.

Richa finished off things in style with a six, with score of 146/2 in 16.1 overs, with Richa (11*) and Ellyse Perry (7*) unbeaten.Arundhati and Shikha took a wicket each for DC.

Mandhana's aggressive approach and Wyatt-Hodge's composed stroke play ensured that RCB chased down the target with ease, sealing a comprehensive win. The victory further strengthens RCB's position in the tournament as they continue their campaign with renewed confidence. (ANI)