The Delhi Capitals commenced the WPL final in their trademark fashion, with Meg Lanning and Shafali Varma dictating terms during the powerplay phase. Together, they amassed 61 runs in the initial six overs, with Varma leading the charge aggressively.
Despite this, the Royal Challengers Bangalore had a golden opportunity to break their partnership early on, but faltered under pressure on the grand stage.
In a pivotal moment during the second ball of the innings, Lanning elegantly guided a wide delivery from Renuka Singh towards short third-man and called for a quick single. However, Varma, eager to respond, dashed down the pitch only to find her skipper stranded a few yards away from the crease, engrossed in watching the ball.
By the time Lanning signaled her to halt, Varma had already reached the opposite end. Initially, Lanning attempted to retreat to safety but quickly realized her error and reversed her course, sprinting back towards the bowler’s end.
Remarkably, luck favored Lanning as Shreyanka Patil, fielding the ball, found herself in a compromised position, allowing the ball to float lamely towards Renuka, stationed midway on the pitch.
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In the ensuing chaos, as Renuka retrieved the ball and aimed for the stumps, Lanning executed a sprawling dive, miraculously escaping from what seemed like an inevitable dismissal.
