In pursuit of a hat-trick of victories, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Smriti Mandhana elected to field first against Delhi Capitals.
The latter made a strong start thanks to their top order, but the hosts put up a fierce fight, particularly evident in the eleventh over when leg-spinner Georgia Wareham’s exceptional fielding denied Shafali Verma a six.
After Alice Capsey’s powerful six off the first ball of the eleventh over, Shafali Verma aimed to replicate the feat just two deliveries later. Nadine de Klerk delivered a fuller ball at the stumps, prompting Verma to clear her front leg and send it towards deep mid-wicket.
Although the timing wasn’t perfect, the ball seemed destined for the boundary until Wareham, stationed at the edge, stretched her hands towards it.
With remarkable judgment and timing, Wareham leaped to intercept the ball, almost catching it. However, realizing she was about to land beyond the ropes, Wareham adeptly redirected the ball back into play while still airborne.
— Shanaka Kundu (@KunduShanaka) February 29, 2024
What A Save…..!! 😍👏
— ಕರ್ಣ🏹 (@Democracy_08) March 1, 2024
Abd ನೆನಪಿಸಿದ ವೇರಂ. #RCBvDC #RCBWvsDCW #IPL2024 #GeorgiaWareham #abdevilliers pic.twitter.com/KtNyN0JGVS
This incredible effort by the Australian all-rounder saved four runs for her team, earning widespread praise from the Twitterverse for her acrobatic display.