WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals storm into playoffs with 9-wicket win over RCB

Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals became the first team to secure a playoff berth in the TATA WPL 2025, sealing a dominant 9-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 14. The win further strengthened DC’s position at the top of the table, with 10 points from 7 matches.

A stellar all-round performance saw DC restrict RCB to 147/5 before Shafali Verma (80* off 43) and Jess Jonassen (61 off 38) stitched together a 146-run match-winning stand, chasing down the target with ease. For her blistering knock, Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match.

For Smriti Mandhana’s RCB, it was a fourth consecutive defeat at home, despite a fighting 60 from Ellyse Perry*. Their total proved insufficient against DC’s ruthless chase.

Here are the top five talking points from the match.

1. Shafali Verma’s Fireworks Light Up Chinnaswamy

Shafali Verma was at her destructive best, smashing 80 off 43 balls*, including four sixes. She built a massive 146-run partnership with Jess Jonassen, guiding DC home effortlessly. This was her first fifty of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

2. Jess Jonassen’s All-Round Brilliance

Promoted up the order, Jess Jonassen played a pivotal role, scoring a quickfire 61 off 38 balls. Her left-handed presence balanced the chase, and she formed the perfect partnership with Shafali. Earlier in the match, her tidy bowling also kept RCB’s batters in check.

3. Ellyse Perry’s Lone Warrior Act Goes in Vain

While RCB struggled, Ellyse Perry stood tall with an unbeaten 60 off 47 balls, holding the innings together. She was the only RCB batter who looked in control, but lack of support from the other end meant her efforts went in vain.

4. Delhi Capitals’ Bowling Comeback

After a steady start by RCB, the Delhi Capitals staged a strong comeback with the ball. Shikha Pandey and N. Charani were instrumental in applying pressure, taking crucial wickets at the right moments. RCB managed only 147/5, a below-par total on a batting-friendly surface.

5. DC Becomes the First Team to Enter Playoffs

With this win, Delhi Capitals became the first team to qualify for the WPL 2025 playoffs. Sitting at the top of the table with 10 points from 7 matches, DC has cemented its status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.