Delhi Capitals have chosen to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara, sticking with the trend that has defined every match of this year’s Women’s Premier League so far. Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues explained her thinking at the toss: “might come on slightly better on the this pitch,” she said, before adding that the expected evening dew left her in little doubt about chasing.
The decision coincides with two enforced tweaks to Delhi’s side. All-rounder Chinelle Henry returns in place of teenager Lucy Hamilton, while off-spinner Minnu Mani steps in for Deeya Yadav, ruled out yesterday with a back problem. Both players were part of the Capitals’ early-season plans and have recent domestic overs under the belt, so rhythm should not be an issue.
Across the strip, Bengaluru need just one more win to rubber-stamp a direct berth in the final. They have opted for a single, straightforward change: seam-bowling all-rounder Arundhati Reddy is fully fit again and replaces Prema Rawat. Coach Ben Sawyer hinted during training that Reddy’s extra pace could be handy on a fresh surface that is expected to offer true bounce before it inevitably slows under lights.
A glance at the reverse fixture offers a reminder of Bengaluru’s threat. Chasing 167, they romped home by eight wickets, Smriti Mandhana’s fluent 96 setting the tone. Delhi’s attack bowled too full that evening; today they may prefer hitting back-of-a-length more often, especially with Henry strengthening the seam options.
Playing XIs (in batting order)
Delhi Capitals: Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Minnu Mani, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell.
Quick take
• Dew has influenced every toss this WPL; no captain has yet chosen to bat first.
• RCB’s seam-spin balance tilts slightly towards pace with Reddy’s inclusion, perhaps anticipating powerplay wickets.
• Capitals must win to keep semi-final hopes realistic; defeat leaves them relying on other results.
The match begins at 7.30 pm IST, with clear skies forecast and, yes, more dew on the way.
