Disappointment turned into tears for Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Meg Lanning after her side fell short in the WPL 2024 final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday night. This marked a heartbreaking repeat for Lanning and her team, having reached the WPL final for the second consecutive year but ending as runners-up on both occasions.
RCB bowlers restrict DC for just 113
DC started promisingly after electing to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Openers Lanning and Shafali Verma stitched a 64-run partnership before their crucial separation. However, the tide turned dramatically in the seventh over. DC lost three crucial wickets, all to left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, derailing their momentum completely.
RCB’s spin attack tightened the grip further. Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil emerged as the star bowler with a four-wicket haul, ably supported by Asha Sobhana‘s two wickets. DC’s batting order crumbled, and they were eventually bundled out for a meagre 113.
Chasing a modest target, RCB displayed composure and chased down the total comfortably, losing only two wickets. Richa Ghosh struck the winning boundary, sparking jubilation in the RCB camp.
Also READ: WPL 2024 – Cricketing world extends heartwarming wishes to RCB women’s team after their title-clinching victory
Fans console Meg Lanning
In stark contrast, the DC dugout presented a scene of despair. Skipper Lanning was visibly emotional, consoled by a member of the support staff. Fans too took to X (formerly Twitter) to shower praises for the Aussie superstar and console her.
Here are the reactions:
Meg Lanning 💔
Chin up, champ 🐐
📸 – JioCinema#WPLFinal #WPL2024 pic.twitter.com/FzvlbN2nVe
— shreya (@shreyab27) March 17, 2024
Feel for her. Meg lanning. Coolest one in women’s cricket.🥺pic.twitter.com/EYdbasnwXd
— 🕊️ (@retiredMIfans) March 18, 2024
Won 5 T20 World Cups, 2 ODI World Cups, and a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal
Meg Lanning still has tears in her eyes for losing WPL Final. Her hunger for trophies remains unquenched.Keep your head up, Meg Lanning! 💪❤ #WPLFinals #WPL2024Finalpic.twitter.com/hk3QvW3smm
— Lalit Jha (@financesperm) March 18, 2024
Meg Lanning won 5 T20 WC, 2 ODI WC, Gold Medal in Commonwealth Games 👏
But, still can’t win WPL 💔 That’s why winning IPL & WPL is every captains dream 💯
Chin up Meg Lanning 💪#MegLanning #WPL2024 #WPLFinal#RCBvDC #IPL2024 #RCBUnbox pic.twitter.com/PZZyLMgMZu
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 18, 2024
Meg Lanning got emotional & tears in her eyes after WPL Final lose at last night.
– Chin up, GOAT you played really well..!!! 👏🐐 pic.twitter.com/necEmnKxY4
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 18, 2024
The greatest ever captain, who won almost everything during her international stint. The most down-to-earth leader out there. Missing out on that WPL title two times in a row stings bad. Keep your head up, Meg Lanning! https://t.co/i4CQHWjFC1
— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) March 18, 2024
meg lanning you’ve led this team beautifully throughout the tournament. Hold your head high pic.twitter.com/GFfiSiamQs
— Shau (@shxuryaa) March 17, 2024
This is sport this captain won everything except league trophy she was in tears yesterday that was sad 💔
Chin up skip you & your team played best cricket throughout the tournament 🙏#WPL2024 #RCBvsDC #DCvsRCB #MegLanning pic.twitter.com/mcuimpPVSF— Prajwal (@Prajwal2742) March 18, 2024
Sourav Ganguly congratulates both RCB and DC
Despite the loss, DC’s efforts were acknowledged by their Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly. Taking to X, Ganguly lauded both finalists. He praised DC for reaching consecutive finals, highlighting their consistency throughout the tournament, and stating their belief in a future championship win.
He also commended RCB for their remarkable comeback journey, transitioning from the third-ranked team in the league stages to clinching the trophy after defeating the last year’s champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the playoffs.
“Well done Delhi Capitals .. Two back to back finals .. the trophy may not have come our way .. but we will get to finals again and win .. well done Meg Lanning and the team.. u we’re the best team in the tournament.. well done RCB .. to come back from 3rd team in the league to beat two strong teams in 3 days is special .. enjoy the trophy,” tweeted Ganguly.
Well done delhi capitals .. Two back to back finals .. the trophy may not have come our way .. but we will get to finals again and win .. well done megh lanning and the team.. u we’re the best team in the tournament.. well done RCB .. to come back from 3rd team in the league to…
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) March 17, 2024
While RCB celebrates their historic victory, DC can take heart from Ganguly’s words and use this experience to fuel their determination for the next season.
Also READ: WPL 2024 – Complete list of award winners and the prize money
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
