Mandhana, Voll power RCB to second WPL title
VADODARA, Feb 5: Displaying absolute dominance, a Smrit Mandhana-inspired Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their second Womens Premier League trophy with a six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, who failed to seize the moment on the biggest stage despite playing in their fourth final here on Thursday. RCB captain Mandhana looked in imperious touch on way to a magnificent 87 off 41 balls, while Georgia Voll smashed 79 in 54 deliveries during a 165-run partnership for the second wicket with her skipper, [] The post Mandhana, Voll power RCB to second WPL title appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Royal Challengers Bengaluru players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Womens Premier League 2026 final against Delhi Capitals, at Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday. (PTI)
WPL 2026: Dedicate This Win To Smriti As She Went Through A Lot In Last Few Months, Says Shreyanka
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru off-spin bowling all-rounder Shreyanka Patil said their Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 triumph was very special and dedicated the victory to skipper Smriti Mandhana, citing challenges the skipper faced in the last few months. RCBs six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara sealed their second WPL crown, with Smritis 87 and Georgia Volls 79 forming the backbone of the chase. Would love to mention three people - number one, Smriti, because she has gone through a lot in the last couple of months. Would love to dedicate this win to her. Malo and Anya. Today is Anya's son's birthday - first year. And again, Malo - first time he's the head coach and it's a special win for all of us, said Shreyanka to broadcasters after the title win was sealed. Shreyanka, who returned to the side this season after missing last year due to a shin injury, said the triumph was particularly meaningful. Very special for me. My comeback WPL season. Couldn't have asked for more. Lovely crowd here - supported us throughout, no matter what. 200 on the board, but they had that faith and belief in us. I thank each and every member who has come out and supported us. Also, the people watching us in Bangalore and Karnataka would like to say big thanks to you guys, she said. She added that the positive atmosphere in the dugout had been crucial in chasing down 204. After the first innings got over, me and Aru (Arundhati Reddy) and I were walking towards the dugout and were like 'we're going to pull this off'. We had that very positive environment in the dugout. That's how the dugout has been throughout the season. We win, we lose, we never stop smiling, said Shreyanka. Reflecting on the final moments, Shreyanka admitted she was stunned by the dramatic finish. I'm still in shock - the last ball, the bails fell, and the ball went to the boundary, and I'm like, what's happening. Is it a hit wicket, is it a boundary, what should I do? And I'm like 'Malo, what is it?' and he was like 'we won'. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Radha Yadav, who hit the winning runs, praised the managements role in supporting the players and preparing them for high-pressure situations. Everyone is very happy. This team has worked very hard. The management has backed the players and given us whatever we asked for. They've actually given us more than we asked for. This win is for them. As players, we put in the hard work - sometimes we get the result, sometimes we don't. But the hard work put in by the management - hats off to them. We used to do situational practice - trying to achieve a certain number of runs in a certain number of balls. Our management helped a lot. Whatever skills we had, how can we improve on those? They backed us to find those ways, she said. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Radha Yadav, who hit the winning runs, praised the managements role in supporting the players and preparing them for high-pressure situations. Everyone is very happy. This team has worked very hard. The management has backed the players and given us whatever we asked for. They've actually given us more than we asked for. This win is for them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Was the management's decision to give us some time off so that we come back fresh and recharged. (wWheredoes this win rank for you?) My first IPL title. The World Cup is obviously first and above all. This comes second, she said. Article Source: IANS
Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy Congratulate RCB Women's Team For Lifting WPL Trophy
Ee Sala Nu Cup Namde: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday congratulated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) womens team for lifting their second Womens Premier League (WPL) trophy after defeating the Delhi Capitals by seven wickets. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, Once again, the RCB womens team has lifted the WPL trophy. It was a joy to watch our RCB team, which delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament, emerge as champions by defeating the Delhi team in todays final. Congratulations to our RCB women for winning the trophy through a united and determined fight. The performance of the Delhi team, which fought hard for victory till the very end, is also commendable. Ee Sala Cup Namdu, CM Siddaramaiah. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has congratulated the RCB womens team for their spectacular victory over the Delhi team in the Womens Premier League. He said that the RCB women, by winning the 2026 Womens Premier League title, have written yet another proud chapter in womens cricket, and extended his heartfelt congratulations to the team. Under the inspirational leadership of Smriti Mandhana and with the excellent, collective performance of every team member, the RCB women delivered a top-class display to clinch their second championship, he said. This remarkable achievement, he added, has once again inscribed in golden letters the glorious legacy of dedication, discipline and excellence shown by women sportspersons in India, Kumaraswamy said. BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated, Ee Sala Nu Cup Namde! (The cup is ours this time as well). Congratulations to the RCB Women for lifting the WPL trophy for the second time and stamping their authority as the most dominant team of the season. A campaign filled with consistency, confidence, and champion spirit. Proud moment for every fan! Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Womens Premier League (WPL) title after beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the BCA Stadium at Kotambi in Vadodara on Thursday. After captain Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 57 to take DC to 203/4, RCB completed the highest successful chase in a WPL final in 19.4 overs with immaculate ease. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Womens Premier League (WPL) title after beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the BCA Stadium at Kotambi in Vadodara on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Captain Smriti Mandhana produced her finest WPL innings, scoring 87 off 41 balls, laced with 12 fours and three sixes. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Smriti, Georgia Lead RCB To Second Title Win With Six-wicket Victory Over DC
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Womens Premier League (WPL) title after beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the BCA Stadium at Kotambi in Vadodara on Thursday. After captain Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 57 to take DC to 203/4, RCB completed the highest successful chase in a WPL final in 19.4 overs with immaculate ease. The victory also made RCB the first team to win the title after finishing top of the group stage standings, and the first franchise to hold both IPL and WPL crowns simultaneously. Captain Smriti Mandhana produced her finest WPL innings, scoring 87 off 41 balls, laced with 12 fours and three sixes. She managed only six runs from her first five deliveries but accelerated spectacularly thereafter, striking boundaries almost every over. Her knock also made her the tournaments leading run-scorer. Smriti became the backbone of RCBs chase. Smriti shared a decisive 165-run partnership off 92 balls with Georgia Voll, who made 79 off 54 balls, studded with 14 boundaries. Every over of the chase featured at least one boundary, a statistic that underlined the dominance of their batting effort. Despite a little wobble at the end, Radha Yadav ensured RCB crossed the line with successive boundaries and triggered celebratory scenes in the dugout. DC, who were appearing in their fourth consecutive final, were left ruing missed chances and suffered yet another painful defeat, despite posting the highest total in a WPL final. Chasing 204, Grace Harris hit two early boundaries off a drive and inside edge against Marizanne Kapp in the opening over, before being beaten by movement and low bounce from Chinelle Henry to be castled through the gate for nine. Smriti got going with a stylish off-drive for four, while Georgia opened her account with a flick and drive off Marizanne, fetching her boundaries. Georgia continued her strokeplay by flicking Chinelle through midwicket and scooping her over short fine leg for boundaries, before cutting and driving Marizanne for back-to-back fours. Despite Nandni Sharmas introduction, there was no respite for DC as Georgia swiped her for four, before Smriti slogged and swept her for two boundaries. The duo took a boundary each off N Sree Charani Georgia, hitting her over mid-off, while Smriti pierced off-side field with precision, before the former and latter took a four off Minnu Mani and Shafali Verma respectively. Smriti pulled a short ball from Nandni over square leg for six, before dancing down the pitch to loft Charani over long-on. After Georgia raised her fifty, Smriti brought up her half-century by lofting Sneh Rana over extra cover for four. It also helped that DC fed them the lengths RCB needed Georgia cutting and pulling Sneh Rana for fours. Chinelle returned to be greeted with a sweep from Smriti that cleared backwards square leg, before Georgias powerful pull beat the deep fielder to get another boundary. Charanis return in the 13th over saw Smriti pull and punch off the back foot to get fours, while Georgia got low to pull for the third boundary of the over. Marizannes reintroduction in the 14th over was met with lofted drives from Smriti going straight down the ground and over mid-off. After Georgia hoicked Nandni over midwicket and Smriti again danced down the pitch to loft Minnu over mid-off to get more boundaries, RCB were cruising in the chase. Though Georgia and Richa Ghosh fell in quick succession after holing out to long-on off Minnu and Nandni respectively, Smritis dismissal for 87 after Chinelle uprooted her leg-stump left RCB on a tricky pitch. But Radhas consecutive boundaries off Charani lofting over cover-point and crunching over cover sealed the trophy win in RCBs favour. Marizannes reintroduction in the 14th over was met with lofted drives from Smriti going straight down the ground and over mid-off. After Georgia hoicked Nandni over midwicket and Smriti again danced down the pitch to loft Minnu over mid-off to get more boundaries, RCB were cruising in the chase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals 203/4 in 20 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 57, Laura Wolvaardt 44, Lizelle Lee 37, Chinelle Henry 35 not out; Arundhati Reddy 1-40, Sayali Satghare 1-46) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 204/4 in 19.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 87, Georgia Voll 79; Chinelle Henry 2-34, Minnu Mani 1-19) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Rodrigues, Wolvaardt, Henry Propel Delhi Capitals To 203/4 In Decider Against RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues struck a fluent 57 off 37 balls as Delhi Capitals posted a formidable 203/4 in their 20 overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final of the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL) at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Thursday. Inserted to bat first, DC posted the highest-ever total in a WPL final and also the highest score in Vadodara. After Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma provided the early momentum, Jemimah took charge with a sparkling knock showcasing her sublime timing and ability to pick gaps with immaculate ease to get eight boundaries. Laura Wolvaardt chipped in with a useful 44 off 25 balls, where she accelerated towards the end, while Chinelle Henry played a blistering cameo of 35 off just 15 balls to power Delhi past the 200-run mark. Such was the effect of Chinelles finishing touch that DC plundered 55 runs in the last four overs to put themselves in prime position for a maiden WPL title. For RCB, Lauren Bell was the lone bright spot with the ball with her spell of 0-19 in four overs, but the rest of the attack struggled with their lines and lengths, offering scoring opportunities almost every over. RCB staged a brief comeback after Jemimahs dismissal in the 16th over, but Chinelles late fireworks dashed their hopes. DC began by making only nine runs in the first three overs before Lizelle broke free by walloping Sayali Satghare for two sixes and set the tone for what turned out to be one of their most complete batting performances in the competition. Shafali Verma opened up by striking successive boundaries off Arundhati Reddy before perishing to a sharp catch by Richa Ghosh for 20. But Lizelle continued to attack, hammering Shreyanka Patil for three fours and a six in the seventh over, but Nadine de Klerk provided the breakthrough by removing her for 37 miscuing slog to long-on. Jemimah came in and was fluent against both pace and spin from the get-go, striking boundaries through cover, extra cover, and point. With Laura settling in, the pair kept the scoreboard ticking. The 12th over proved to be pivotal, as Jemimah showcased her full range cover-driving, sweeping, and cutting Shreyanka for three boundaries, before slicing fiercely off Radha Yadav. Jemimah soon reached her half-century in the 15th over, before falling for 57, as she was caught by deep square leg off Sayali Satghare. But Laura and Chinelle unleashed a brutal assault in the death overs. Chinelle, in particular, tore into Nadine de Klerk in the 18th over, smashing four boundaries and a six to collect 24 runs. The duo took a boundary each off Sayali in the final over, yielding 15 runs, before Laura was run out while attempting a desperate second run, as DC put RCB on the path of a daunting chase. The 12th over proved to be pivotal, as Jemimah showcased her full range cover-driving, sweeping, and cutting Shreyanka for three boundaries, before slicing fiercely off Radha Yadav. Jemimah soon reached her half-century in the 15th over, before falling for 57, as she was caught by deep square leg off Sayali Satghare. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals 203/4 in 20 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 57, Laura Wolvaardt 44; Arundhati Reddy 1-40, Sayali Satghare 1-46) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Both Teams Unchanged As RCB Elect To Bowl First Against DC In Title Clash
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and elected to field first against Delhi Capitals in the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL) final at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Thursday. Both teams are unchanged from their wins in their last games in the competition. RCB won the WPL in 2024 and are aiming to add their second title. DC, meanwhile, are three-time runners-up and are keen to break their losing jinx in a WPL title clash. RCB qualified for the final as table-toppers, while DC edged Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator to enter their fourth straight summit clash. Of course, it's been a trend in the tournament, but having said that, on a good wicket, it's always good to know what you're going to chase. It's been brilliant, I feel. First 2-3 days, we all had a good time off. We didn't think a lot about cricket. Of course, in the last two or three days, we came back together, practised hard. Again, there's nice nerves, nice anxiousness, and nice excitement, and I feel you all have to embrace it. We've all had a chat about it - don't run away from it, just embrace it, said RCB captain Smriti Mandhana. I'm not sure that it's different. What's worked for us is keeping things as simple as we can. I think nothing will change for us today as well. Everyone had that calm energy today. But of course, the excitement level is high. For sure, I mean, we know that we have to turn up and play our best cricket, she added. DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues said it is better to lose the toss in such games, but conceded that she would have bowled first too. Firstly, in such big games, it's better to lose the toss because sometimes it always works out for good. So, we would have also bowled first, but we're happy with what came. Just kept it very simple. Didn't try to overthink it too much. Kept it simple, kept our plan simple. One good thing is playing the Eliminator; we're playing on the same pitch again. So we know what it's going to look like and we're ready for today, she said. The final will be played on pitch number five, the same surface used for the Eliminator clash. Former New Zealand womens keeper Katey Martin said shorter boundaries were expected to favour batters. The square boundaries are at 54m and 58m respectively, with a straight boundary of 66m. Katey also noted that less grass across the cracks could still offer assistance to bowlers if they hit consistent areas, as DC seam-bowling all-rounder Chinelle Henry did in the Eliminator when she claimed three wickets. Playing XIs: The square boundaries are at 54m and 58m respectively, with a straight boundary of 66m. Katey also noted that less grass across the cracks could still offer assistance to bowlers if they hit consistent areas, as DC seam-bowling all-rounder Chinelle Henry did in the Eliminator when she claimed three wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (capt), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell Article Source: IANS
RCB vs DC Women WPL Final predicted playing 11: Smriti Mandhanas RCB eyes a second title, while Jemimahs DC seeks their maiden trophy in Vadodara.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Women final Live Streaming: Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals are set for a thrilling WPL 2026 final rematch at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. RCB topped the league stage with six wins, while DC advanced after defeating Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator, marking their fourth consecutive final appearance.
Selection Committee Awaits BCCI CoE To Provide Details On Sundar's Recovery: Report
The Indian Men: The Indian Men's National Selection Committee is not in a rush to announce any replacement for the all-rounder Washington Sundar, who is yet to join the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which will start on February 7. Sundar, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), was part of Indias playing XI in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, when he suffered a rib injury while bowling, but despite that, he came out to bat and helped India secure a win. According to a report in Cricbuzz on Thursday. The selection committee is waiting for the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to provide more details, but as of Thursday, Sundar seems part of the team management and selectors' plans for the World Cup. According to Cricbuzz report, the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to provide more details but as of Thursday (February 5) Sundar seems part of the team management and selectors' plans for the World Cup. The final decision will depend on the advice of the trainers and physios of CoE, and they do not seem to have given up hope of Sundars readiness for the marquee event as yet, the report added. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav also gave an update about Sundar's availability after India clinched the five-match T20I series against New Zealand by 4-1. Skipper said the all-rounder has started batting and bowling practice, and the captain is expecting him to join the team soon. The final decision will depend on the advice of the trainers and physios of CoE, and they do not seem to have given up hope of Sundars readiness for the marquee event as yet, the report added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Indian cricket team has already assembled in Mumbai for their first match of the T20 World Cup to be played on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium against the USA. Article Source: IANS
Modi Expected to Officiate at Rollout of First Tata-Airbus Aircraft from Vadodara
The military transport aircraft, C295, is the first Made in India project from the Vadodara assembly line, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus
Tata-Airbus aircraft: PM Modi expected to officiate at first C295 rollout from Vadodara facility
India's defence capabilities are set to receive a significant boost. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officiate the delivery of the first 'Made in India' C295 military transport aircraft. This aircraft is produced at the Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara. This marks a major milestone for indigenous defence manufacturing. The facility will supply 40 aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
Maharashtra man arrested for stealing ornaments worth 14L
MoU to train first responders, toll booth workers on states highways
Consider treatment needing anaesthesia as day care: Court
VMC raises charges for several civic facilities
Gujarats folk arts find new life in modern interior decor
Indian women cricketers World Cup journey on display
Airbus inaugurates aerospace CoE at GSV
Vizag to host Supercross Championship finale on Feb. 7
The championship has already travelled to the cities of Vadodara, Combatore, Nasik, Raipur and Goa, and will now come to Visakhapatnam.
Working Hard At The CoE In Bengaluru, Will Be Back On The Playing Field Soon: Rishabh Pant
World Pickleball League: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant said his recovery from a side strain is progressing well at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and he expects to return to competitive cricket soon. Pant has been sidelined after sustaining a side strain on his right side during a practice session on the eve of the ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara, when he was struck above the waist by a ball from a throwdown specialist. My fitness is getting better day-by-day. I am working hard in the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and I feel I am going to be out on the playing field soon, said Pant while being on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League, where he was present as co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power team. He also emphasized the need to remain engaged with the sport during lengthy rehabilitation periods and credited his love for cricket and his support network for sustaining him through the recovery process. When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the game and the support from the people around you. As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay, he said. Pant further said his repeated comebacks from injury have shaped his perspective on cricket and life, though he acknowledged that missing top-level competition remains the most difficult aspect of being sidelined. When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the game and the support from the people around you. As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, but you also enjoy it while playing it at the top level. Thats something I miss truly, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Backed By Former Coach To End Trophy Jinx On Fourth Attempt
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Delhi Capitals will attempt to shake off three successive final defeats when they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) decider clash in Vadodara on Thursday, with the sides former fielding coach Milap Mewada backing the side to finally break their jinx in the title clash. DC have always reached the WPLs summit clash since the tournament's inception in 2023, but are yet to lift the trophy, a record that weighs on a squad now led by Jemimah Rodrigues in her first season as their captain. Their route to this year's WPL final was far from smooth - they lost three of their first four matches, before DC clawed back in the Vadodara leg by winning four out of five games to finish third in the league stage and then eliminated Gujarat Giants in the eliminator clash, indicating that they are peaking at the right time. According to me, the mind works towards a feeling that whenever you walk on the road and fall down, you always have that fear of falling down again after reaching a certain point. But in order to avoid, remove or nullify this, first of all you have to be very positive. Second, every day is a new day and its another game of cricket. Here, the thing is you have to work out a little bit on a game plan and take some good suitable decisions in the final. Plus, this is like a new place where they will play the final and the only thing DC have to do is to believe in themselves now and believe in this momentum, said Mewada, who kept track of DCs progress while being busy with his commitments as Goa senior mens team head coach, to IANS on Wednesday. DC have emerged as the tournament's most efficient fielding unit, with their catching percentage at 83.6 percent, according to data provided by CricViz analysts embedded with the franchises scouting team. They held 41 chances and dropped only eight across nine matches, thus placing them comfortably ahead of finalists RCB, which stands at 79 percent. While they looked initially out of sorts, DCs bowling attack has picked up pace as the season progressed. Four DC bowlers feature in the tournament's top 10 wicket-takers the impressive young pacer Nandni Sharma (16 wickets), left-arm spinner N Sree Charani (14), as well as overseas seam-bowling all-rounders Chinelle Henry (12) and Marizanne Kapp (10). Delhi Capitals were the best fielding side in the league by objective measures. The group assessed Vadodara conditions early, where the pitch was lower-scoring compared to DY Patil, and adjusted their approach accordingly. Jemimahs captaincy improved over the season. Even during losses, selection and messaging stayed consistent, which helped maintain morale. The team made only two changes across the entire tournament, the fewest in the league, aiding continuity. Batters largely played straight, and bowlers consistently kept the stumps in play, which suited the conditions, said CricViz analysts, who are a part of the DC scouting team, to IANS. Mewada, who was in the DC camp when they lost the WPL 2025 final to Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium, listed his advice for the side ahead of the title clash at BCA Stadium. First thing, they do not have to think that we have been a fourth time finalist and we could not win. But there could be reasons behind being a fourth time finalist. That means, there is something in you. At least, you are consistent in being the finalists. Number two is, you handle yourself well for that particular three hours. That's as simple as it is. You have to handle yourself and take good decisions, which is most important. Take very good decisions and play peacefully. So, I think, they can make it to the trophy this time, as everybody has that belief. As per the analysts, the fate of DC in the final against Smriti Mandhana-led RCB will depend on how openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee fare, especially in the face of in-form new-ball pacer Lauren Bell. The explosive batting duo have three 50-plus stands (all of them resulting in wins) in nine innings so far, the most by any opening pair this season. Their partnership has averaged 40.11 runs (the fourth highest for a batting pair in WPL), while their highest partnership of 94 came at a brisk run rate of 8.84 and smacking 75 in the power-play in the Eliminator showcased their ability to combine aggression with stability. Though they havent yet registered a century stand, their aggregate of 361 is the second-highest partnership total in the tournament, only behind 383 runs made by Smriti and Grace Harris. The moment I saw Lizelle Lee batting in WPL for the first time, I felt she is actually made for opening in white ball cricket. DCs plan should be in a way that Lizelle and Shafali bat for beyond 6-8 overs. If they can do this and even when they are chasing, like if it's 200, then it is possible, as both of them are game changers. After them, Laura, Jemi, Henry and others will manage the scoring. But the most important thing is, as long as these two bat for long and set the tone, it will be very beneficial for DC. The momentum they have now after winning the eliminator, it is a very good thing that they have come up from behind and into the final. So chances are high for them to get over the line in the final this time, added Mewada. Jemimah's leadership has evolved through the tournament, even as her own batting required adjustment. A week ago, a three-run loss to GG that saw Jemimah being bowled while attempting a scoop shot, DC's campaign appeared to be unraveling. But in the Eliminator on Tuesday, Jemimah sprinted across the outfield to encourage her bowlers, and hit her boundaries with a trademark delight that appeared to galvanize the entire squad. Winning the Eliminator is a good omen for DC as the one whos won that game has gone on to win the WPL. Jemimah's leadership has evolved through the tournament, even as her own batting required adjustment. A week ago, a three-run loss to GG that saw Jemimah being bowled while attempting a scoop shot, DC's campaign appeared to be unraveling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Now her strike rate is much better than it was last year. That means as a cricketer and as a leader, she is grooming herself. I am sure there will be staff and guys helping her in this decision making and tactical plans. Playing the final for the fourth time, I am sure if they forget about what has happened before and this is the only moment where we are going to give our best, they can manage to get the trophy, concluded Mewada. Article Source: IANS
Airbus has opened a new Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara. This center will boost aerospace research and innovation in India. A key focus is developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel from waste. The collaboration aims to train skilled professionals and advance future aviation technologies.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Head coach Michael Klinger felt the Gujarat Giants' WPL 2026 season demonstrated noticeable progress, despite an overall sense of unfinished goals, as the side concluded their campaign with a loss to Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator on Tuesday. Securing second place on the points table marked a positive advancement and showed that the Giants maintained composure in close matches throughout the league phase. However, it also identified areas for improvement, especially during the most critical moments. They achieved a clean sweep of UP Warriorz, ending a long winless streak against the Mumbai Indians, and narrowly defeated Delhi Capitals twice in last-over finishes, with Sophie Devine's calm under pressure playing a key role. The margins of victory were often very close, and their confidence was clear, even though losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in both encounters prevented a higher league-stage position. As Klinger noted, the season ended in disappointment once again, with the Giants missing out on successive Eliminators in 2025 and 2026. Yeah, certainly, finishing outright second this year is a huge improvement. Probably the two finals (Eliminators) we played, both last year and this year, we just didn't play at our best. We spoke about it today in our team meeting - that when we play close to our best, we're a chance to beat any team in this competition - and we just weren't quite there today, in our batting and our bowling, Klinger said, addressing the media after the Giants' loss to DC. Nonetheless, the overall evaluation stayed positive. We've learned a lot about our squad this year. Whether we won the final or not, or the championship or not, we're pretty clear on the areas we need to improve next year. We've got plenty of time - about 10 months now - to watch more cricket from both local and overseas players, tinker a little bit, and hopefully come back bigger and stronger next year. To qualify two years in a row, there are always teams who would much prefer to be where we are than already gone home. So we're satisfied with that, but at the same time we're aiming for bigger things. It didn't happen this year, but we'll keep giving ourselves a chance by qualifying, and hopefully next year we'll play stronger cricket in the bigger games, he said. Klinger expressed optimism about the Indian talent in the squad, viewing this season as a foundation rather than a ceiling. I think it's about players taking the next step. Anushka (Sharma) had a good season for her first year. She got a lot of good starts, which for a young player is fantastic. The next step for her is realising how good she is, and that she can be a 300-plus run WPL player going forward. She's a fantastic player and person, and she's probably a big chance to play for India before next year's WPL. I hope she does, because that international experience will help her for us next year as well. I thought Bharti (Fulmali) started the season really well and played some fantastic innings. Potentially, the lower bounce here (in Vadodara) didn't quite suit her, so she couldn't get going. It's more about belief - that they don't just have to contribute, but can dominate, like some of the other Indian batters in the competition. If they come in with that attitude next year, they'll be fine. Obviously, we'll have Yastika (Bhatia) next year, touch wood, if she's fit and healthy, which will add another quality Indian player, said Klinger. Klinger discussed effort, balance, and potential improvements from a bowling perspective. He highlighted the narrow victories over DC as proof of the team's fighting spirit, which they highly value. The two wins against Delhi showed our fighting spirit - even when we were up against it in the last six balls. We talk about that a lot. In our team room, we have a big sign that says 'fight'. We'll certainly speak to all the players - maybe not tonight with emotions running high, but over time. Everyone's going back to domestic cricket, and there are areas everyone can work on, whether it's our quicks or our spinners. Klinger discussed effort, balance, and potential improvements from a bowling perspective. He highlighted the narrow victories over DC as proof of the team's fighting spirit, which they highly value. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Regarding the spinners, who played a smaller role, Klinger said, Our spinners didn't get as many overs this year - TK (Tanuja Kanwer) and Raj (Rajeshwari Gayakwad) - but that was more about our team make-up. We had a lot of all-rounders: Ash (Gardner), Georgia (Wareham), Sophie Devine. We didn't have Georgia last year. With three overseas all-rounders bowling, it wasn't a reflection on the spinners, just how we balanced our overs. Article Source: IANS
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Vadodara: Sacred Procession of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha Held at MSU #Gallery Social News XYZ
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Vadodara: Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women #Gallery Social News XYZ
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Eliminator (N), Women's Premier League at Vadodara, Feb 3 2026 - ESPN India
Eliminator (N), Women's Premier League at Vadodara, Feb 3 2026 ESPN India
WPL 2026: It's Just About Keeping Things Super Simple, Doing What We've Done Well, Says Voll
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru top-order batter Georgia Voll said the key to handling huge expectations around the franchise in the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) final will be keeping things simple, doing what has gone well for them before and not getting overwhelmed by the occasion. Smriti Mandhana-led RCB are in the WPL final for the second time after finishing as table-toppers in the league stage. The franchise won their first WPL title in 2024 after beating Delhi Capitals in the final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. RCB awaits the winner of the Eliminator clash between DC and Gujarat Giants in Thursdays title clash at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. I think obviously it's a big expectation when we see the sort of team that we're a part of and the fan base that we have at RCB is something that I've never been a part of. So, obviously there's that sort of expectation of the fans and outside. But I think within our group it's just about keeping things super simple and doing what we've done well all year and not trying to change that in terms of the final. I think if we can continue to do the small things well and not think too big a picture is what we'll be looking to do and hopefully we can bring that trophy home, Georgia told IANS in a select virtual interaction on Tuesday. The WPL has provided overseas players like Georgia a unique opportunity to share the dressing room with India's domestic players. Georgia, who has made 91 runs in five innings so far for RCB, has taken the mantle of being a researcher for best coffee shops in both Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. She revealed an amusing side to life in the RCB camp, including her ongoing campaign to get skipper Smriti Mandhana to make her a coffee. It's been pretty cool. Obviously, being in these different T20 tournaments around the world, obviously a lot of the Indian girls don't sort of venture over to the Big Bash or the Hundred. You only sort of see a couple of them. To come over here and be sort of a part of their competition and see the way that they go about things as a whole group, we've obviously spent quite a bit of time together and it's been cool to see the way that they go about things and they're pretty quiet off the field as well. I don't see a lot of them other than when they come into my room for a coffee occasionally. I'm still getting Smriti to try and make me a coffee, but that hasn't worked yet. So, hopefully I can get her to make me one by the time we leave here, she said. To come over here and be sort of a part of their competition and see the way that they go about things as a whole group, we've obviously spent quite a bit of time together and it's been cool to see the way that they go about things and they're pretty quiet off the field as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Obviously similar to what Georgia said. I haven't got to play much with the Indian players before. So, especially around training and stuff, it's been really nice to see how they go about things and done a lot of bowling in the nets with Radha and Shrey (Shreyanka Patil) which has been really nice just to see how they approach things and the different things that they work on. It's been nice to explore different ways to train and how they go about things. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Harris Hails 'opposites Attract' Opening Partnership With Mandhana Ahead Of Title Clash
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengalurus big-hitting all-rounder Grace Harris said her contrasting personality with skipper Smriti Mandhana has been key to their successful opening partnership as the team prepares for the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL) final, set to happen at BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday. The Australian power-hitter was handed the role of opening the batting alongside Smriti by head coach Malolan Rangarajan in a practice session ahead of the tournament. Rangarajans words for Grace while being handed the opening slot was that she should go for the cheese and not the cat, which translates to take the extra risk, and not be afraid of getting out. Grace has amassed 228 runs in eight innings at a strike-rate of 180.95 has formed a formidable opening combination with Smriti, whos the third leading run-getter in WPL 2026 with 290 runs at a strike-rate of 141.46. She's been fantastic. She's such a quiet-natured kind of person, probably the opposite of myself come game day. Sometimes opposites work and sometimes they go horrifically bad. But I'm glad to say that opposites have worked this time around, at least from my end. You'll have to ask Smriti how she feels, but she's easy going. She doesn't say a lot out in the middle. She kind of just glove-punches me and then makes sure that we're reiterating how we're going to play and how we're going to play certain bowlers. So, there's a little bit of chat every now and again. Well, a bit of casual chat every now and again. But most of the time, it's just good vibes and a good time, Grace told IANS in a select virtual interaction on Tuesday. Ahead of the title clash, where RCB are aiming to win their second title after emerging triumphant in 2024, the side had a short break in Goa before commencing their practice session for the final. Its something Grace believes was crucial for maintaining mental freshness ahead of the tournament's title clash. Obviously, finals come with higher expectations and pressure, or perceived pressure. But I guess it's just really good. Sometimes when you, again, come to these kind of franchise competitions, you kind of live in a little bubble and it can go south. Well, the mental side of things can go south real quick, especially if you're an overthinker or if you spend a lot of time just watching and thinking about cricket. So, Goa was a fantastic experience. I've never been there before, but I really enjoyed it. I think a lot of the girls did, too. If you work really hard, I think you earn those trips away if you can kind of have too much business and not enough pleasure. But getting that balance right is only the best thing for an athlete or for a performance occupation. Sometimes the mental clarity is more significant or more important than how many hours you train or how your body is going, if that makes sense. So, it was very good fun, she elaborated. Well, the mental side of things can go south real quick, especially if you're an overthinker or if you spend a lot of time just watching and thinking about cricket. So, Goa was a fantastic experience. I've never been there before, but I really enjoyed it. I think a lot of the girls did, too. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So it's just been good fun and we tried to learn a fair bit from the losses or the wins, which has been exciting within our team chats. But we're just kind of trying to adapt quickest to the conditions and then play a successful brand of T20 cricket, which has been good fun. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Season-opening Win Over MI Gave A Lot Of Confidence, Says RCBs Nadine De Klerk
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Big-hitting all-rounder Nadine de Klerk has pointed to the WPL 2026 opening match, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians by three wickets, as the catalyst for the franchise believing that this could be a special season for them. In that game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, RCB were struggling to get going in the chase of 155 and were reeling at 65/5 in the eighth over. But Nadine, who picked a four-for earlier, came in and got going to hit an unbeaten 63 and pull off a heist for RCB. That game began a dominating run for the Smriti Mandhana-led side, who are now gearing up to play the title clash on Thursday. I think momentum is really a big thing in T20 competitions, especially when the games come thick and fast - like they do in this competition. So I guess obviously it was the first game of the tournament and there's been a massive build-up around that game obviously. I guess just to get over the line and get a win from a difficult position with our backs against the wall and then giving ourselves the confidence that if we end up in that same position again, we can do the same thing, and we have actually (done that). It's been different players doing that for us, whether it was Radha or Smriti or Grace or Richa has done it for us and we've had so many batters that actually stood up when we were under pressure and pulled out some sort of miracle, which is obviously great. I think in the final, we're going to need more of that. So it's great that people have done it in this competition and take that confidence with them as well into the final, Nadine told IANS in a select virtual interaction on Tuesday. The tournament has presented challenges in the second half, when action shifted from high-scoring games in Navi Mumbai to pitches in Vadodara giving assistance to spinners. Nadine explained how she has made that adjustment in terms of her all-round role on Vadodaras slow pitches. Obviously quite hard for the bowlers in Navi Mumbai - high-scoring games and the wickets were pretty good for batting, and boundaries were quite small. I guess the biggest thing for us was to just really again stick to our strengths, use your pace off or use your strengths, stay on the stumps as much as you can. It's been a little different, maybe not as much bounce, maybe a little bit slower as well. But I think we've adjusted really well. We've recognised that maybe going down the ground when you're batting is a better option than going across the line. I think we've adapted really well to the conditions and we've executed pretty well over the last couple of games as well, she said. For a long time, Nadine struggled to be a regular starter in WPL playing elevens for RCB and Mumbai Indians. But this time in the absence of star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, Nadine has become a regular starter for RCB seen from her amassing 126 runs as a finisher and being the second leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps. Nadines mantra of finishing games has been very simple: its all about timing, being in a good position and staying really calm in the last four or five overs, when the onus is on her to pull off jaw-dropping heists. The South African revealed that maintaining a never-give-up attitude under pressure comes from an acceptance that failure is part of the game, combined with a personal ritual keeping her grounded. It's not always easy, but I think a little bit of faith really helps. I think just about, I mean, as a professional cricketer, you do know that things are not always going to go your way. You're not going to pick up wickets every game, you're not going to be economical every game, and you're not going to finish off games every single time and I think that is okay as well. I think making peace with the fact that you are going to fail sometimes, that's just how cricket works. Dealing with it, not trying to get hung up on that too much. I think try and move on quickly, whether you've scored hundred or got a duck. I just try to take the learnings and move on quickly. But like I said, it's very important for me in whatever role I play, whether it's with bat or ball. I mean, any cricketer really is always under pressure. So whatever works for you, but like I said, for me, it's just one small prayer that really does miracles. It really just keeps you calm and I think once you are calm, you just make better decisions and your natural skill set will just kick in as well, she elaborated. In RCBs final league game win over UP Warriorz, the scrambled seam became Nadines go-to option Meg Lanning was caught at cover point, while Amy Jones was trapped lbw on WPL debut. She again used the scrambled seam well to get two more scalps in the back-end and add more sheen to her value as the best bowler in middle and death overs in WPL 2026. Nadine signed off by revealing how her South Africa team-mate Anneke Bosch was the main driving force behind her developing the scrambled seam delivery. Its actually a funny story. I'm obviously an out-swing bowler. We actually played a Test match against England. Weird enough, Anneke Bosch was a seamer back in the day. She said to me, try bowling that cross seam ball for the one to kind of that. She bowled someone through the gate by getting it to nip back. I've actually started working on that a bit because people always expect me to swing the ball away. Nadine signed off by revealing how her South Africa team-mate Anneke Bosch was the main driving force behind her developing the scrambled seam delivery. Its actually a funny story. I'm obviously an out-swing bowler. We actually played a Test match against England. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Then I will mix it up with going seam up, hopefully for the one to just go straight on or try and swing it away. So funny that it came from her, who's now a spin bowler. But you learn from different people on this journey as you go, and sometimes different things work for you. I feel like that specific ball has worked really well for me over the last couple of years. Article Source: IANS
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WPL 2026: 'This Is Just A New Beginning' - How Rajeshwari Gayakwad Silenced The Doubters
How Rajeshwari Gayakwad: On the eve of Gujarat Giants second appearance in a Women's Premier League (WPL) Eliminator at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, Rajeshwari Gayakwad exudes a quiet confidence that belies the tumultuous journey that brought her to this juncture. At 34, left-arm spinner Gayakwad is having her best WPL season 10 wickets coming in seven games at an average of 14.50 and economy rate of 7.63. Nothing much is going on. All we have in mind is to play well at any cost and win tomorrow's match. Simply, that's it. I have that confidence in myself and in my team as well. This time, I feel we will play in the finals. We have the confidence to play in the finals, but winning tomorrow's match is very important for us. All we have in our mind is to play well and win tomorrow's match. We will surely play in the finals for the first time, which is going to be a very happy moment. But we will play with confidence tomorrow, Gayakwad told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Monday. For Gujarat Giants, reaching the final for the first time would be historic. But for Rajeshwari, it would be validation of the hard work done in the last 12 months. She didnt perform well in the last three seasons for her previous team UP Warriorz, but this season shes leading the spin bowling attack for GG. With her wide of the crease deliveries and subtle changes in flight and loop trapping batters on spin-friendly pitches in Vadodara. The secret behind her good showings, as per Rajeshwari, has been the improved fitness work, especially after undergoing a knee surgery in September 2024. I got a lot of break from cricket. Since I was in rehab, I was trying to be mentally and physically fit. I have worked a lot on myself. I have given myself a lot of time. I have tried to work on my weaknesses. I have been wanting to play WPL for a year and this is a big break for a player. I have learnt a lot from this break and got time to implement it. I have always tried to give my best and do well whenever I get a chance to bowl. No matter what happens, I always try to do my best to make the team win, she explained. The injury layoff, while devastating at that time, proved to be an unexpected blessing. Away from the intensity of competition, Rajeshwari had the luxury of time to rebuild her fitness, reassess her game, and work on technical refinements that would have been difficult to implement mid-season. When I just came back from rehab, I didn't get a chance to play that many matches last year. I have always learnt a lot of things from the outside whenever I didn't get to play. If a chance to play arrived, I have always tried to implement those things on the field. The physical transformation is evident - fitter and leaner than in previous seasons, Rajeshwari has retained the guile that has always been her hallmark. I did become mentally stronger by learning a lot of things from the outside and I have also taken care of my fitness. You must be thinking that I look fit - I have worked hard on myself. It's my main focus to always do well when on the field and whoever thinks that my time in cricket is over, I have to show them by doing well and saying that 'Yes, I am doing great and I have to play a lot more cricket ahead, she said. For Rajeshwari, the decision to undergo surgery came with the knowledge that the path back would be arduous, and there were no guarantees of returning to her previous best self, including being back in the Indian team. When the surgery was about to happen, I knew that it was not going to be easy for me. I had realized a lot of things like it is going to take time for me to get out of this. At that time, I was mentally very down. When you do know that things are not going to be right in the coming times, it was a very big decision for me to get the surgery done. I knew that it was not going to be easy and will be a tough thing for me. Still, I agreed to get the surgery done. But I did not get a chance to join the team and I was mentally down. It's just that whenever I get a chance to play, I will do my best. That is why I did well in the domestic season as well I was the (third) highest wicket there (in Senior Womens T20 Trophy). What has happened is that age is something everyone talks about, but I don't think that age is a big deal for anyone. Rather than accepting the narrative that her time had passed, especially due to the emergence of young left-arm spinners N Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma, apart from Radha Yadav and Shuchi Upadhaya being given chances, Rajeshwari chose to work hard and come back to playing the game she picked as a kid in Bijapur. As long as I am fit, I can play and I want to drive out that mentality from everyone's mind and make them realise that age is just a number. As long as I want to play, I will play. So, let's see - I have always tried to give my best. A lot of people thought that my cricket career was over, but that is not the case. This is just a new beginning for me and I would like to say that, she said. With WPL 2026 seeing her be back at her best in T20s, Rajeshwari is naturally keen to add more scalps to her international career worth five Tests, 64 ODIs and 58 T20Is. It means a lot to me. Everyone gets a chance after an injury, but I didn't get a chance and I do feel very sad about that. It's okay, as I will play whenever I get a chance. It has felt like everyone gets a chance after an injury, but when it came to me, I didn't get a chance. I should have got a chance and I feel regretful about the fact that I should have got at least one chance. One more thing - I didn't have a bad performance in ODIs, but I am not there in the ODI side. I am on 99 wickets and it does feel that I should have got a chance to play and complete 100 wickets. But I haven't got that chance and I feel I should have got that opportunity, she elaborated. Asked if she still harbors hopes of an India comeback, her response is very direct. If one doesn't look at the age, then I can get a chance. No one cares about the age and if you think about it, you won't get a chance. But if they think I can play, I will get a chance. Through the toughest periods - the surgery, rehabilitation, and being out of action, Rajeshwaris family constantly stayed by her side. There was no one except my family. They have supported me a lot. No one else knew what I was going through. When you do well, people ask about you. But when you need someone, no one supports you and I have noticed this. At that time, no one supported me except my family. Even now, I play for my family because they do think that I can still play cricket. I am able to play now because of my family and their support. Her younger sister, Rameshwari, also a cricketer and played for Karnataka, has become Rajeshwaris most trusted technical advisor and mental support. She plays a very big role in my life. She never thinks about herself when it comes to me. I always consider her more of a mentor than a sister. She is younger than me, but she is more mature than me. Whenever we go home, as of now, I don't have a personal coach for a long time. My sister is everything to me because she understands and tells me everything. We started playing cricket together. She knows what I do wrong and what I do right. We tell and listen to each other about what improvement we can bring to our respective games. She tells me what I am doing wrong or what I used to do right before. She understands everything about bowling and tries to tell me about it and she supports me a lot. The support is unconditional, irrespective of performance or results. She is always happy. My family always supports me - even if I don't get a wicket or pick four-five scalps, they are happy. They just want to see me play well. My family supports me a lot and I can say that I am still playing because of them, she said. This WPL season has seen Gayakwad bowl in contrasting conditions, from the flatter surfaces in Navi Mumbai to the more helpful tracks at Vadodara. Though she didnt get much bowling time in the first half of the competition, the second half has been a productive one for her. The pitches here aid the spinners, while flat pitches were there. But I didn't get many chances to bowl in Navi Mumbai. It was a little challenging for the bowlers there. But the wickets here are slow and the bowlers are getting help. Both the wickets were different, but it is fun to play. Her pre-game preparation, however, eschews the modern trend of elaborate routines like data and analytics. No, nothing like that. I have been playing for so many years. I don't have any routine of that kind. I believe in what is going to happen, will happen. Nothing is the same every day and I believe more in that. The day we do well, the day will be good. If we don't do well, we can't do anything. There are ups and downs in the lives of the players and that's it. Her pre-game preparation, however, eschews the modern trend of elaborate routines like data and analytics. No, nothing like that. I have been playing for so many years. I don't have any routine of that kind. I believe in what is going to happen, will happen. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For her, a crack at playing the WPL final and potentially lifting the trophy will be proof that age is irrelevant, passion endures, and Rajeshwari has no plans of fading away quietly. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Backing From Mandhana Has Given Me Lots Of Confidence At RCB, Says Bell
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Lauren Bell has emerged as the most economical force in this season's Women's Premier League (WPL), and has attributed her success in the competition to the backing from skipper Smriti Mandhana giving her lots of confidence. Lauren has taken 12 wickets in eight games at an average of 15 and an economy rate of 5.63 with a strike-rate of 16. But the numbers also tell about the England pacers story of relentless accuracy - 116 dot balls, which is 13 more than nearest rival, Delhi Capitals all-rounder Marizanne Kapp. I think she knew me really well before I came here because I've obviously played with her more on a personal level and as a friend. Then out here, I've obviously got to know her as a captain and she's been amazing. She's been so clear and has really backed me, as well as giving me lots of confidence. So we work really well together and I think coming out here, knowing that I knew her and I knew my captain had obviously settled a few nerves. But we've got on and we tend to agree on all plans and everything she wants from me. So, it's been pretty seamless, Lauren told IANS in a select virtual interaction organised by RCB on Monday. Bell's bowling has undergone significant evolution since the 2023 Womens Ashes, as she transitioned from an in-swing to an out-swing bowler - a change that came from reassessing her action - from being front-on bowler to now more side-on. I didn't plan to change from an in-swinger to an out-swinger. But I just got finished from my first Ashes series in 2023. I sat down with my coach and my bowling coach at the time. We just chatted about how I could, like, progress as a bowler. Obviously, like, one of my goals is to be one of the best seamers in the world. We kind of just said, how can I do that? We basically said that there are three parts of fast bowling - there's pace, bounce, and movement. My action didn't provide the most pace and bounce that I could get out of like my physicality. So, I just tinkered with my action a bit and tried to get a bit more upright. In doing so, it led to changing the way I swung the ball. But hopefully in time, I'll be able to do both again and it's really exciting. But that was the main reason was to try and get a bit more pace, bounce, and I guess have an action that was a bit safer. So I wasn't at high injury risk, which I think my old action may have been, she elaborated. The modifications have paid dividends for Lauren, whos now being deployed by RCB to win phases, especially the powerplay and early middle overs. It's just nice and reassuring that if you swing the ball, you're massively in the game. I think that's one thing I've always done and always prided myself on was being able to move the ball off the straight seam. If you can do that, whatever format you're playing, it's going to be tricky to face as a batter. So, I guess that's one of my strengths and it's just good that it's been coming off and I've been able to put in consistent performances for the team, she said. Unlike many modern cricketers who rely heavily on data and video analysis, Lauren said she maintains a straightforward approach to preparation. I'm like a super simple cricketer, which you can probably tell by my plans out on the pitch. But I mean, I've played whoever you end up playing. I've already bowled at their opening batters twice this tournament, so I'll know my plan. But I also know what my strengths are. A lot of the time, I just like to go to my strengths and do what I'm best at and hope that it matches up to who I'm playing. I'll obviously have a little look at who it is and what line is the best way to get them out. But I think all in all, I'm very simple and I'll just go in and make sure that I know what my strengths are and what my best chance of getting them out is and I guess go from there, she elaborated. RCB took a short break in Goa ahead of the title clash set to happen on Thursday and Lauren signed off by saying the side used the break to recharge mentally before shifting their focus to winning the trophy for the second time in Vadodara. I'll obviously have a little look at who it is and what line is the best way to get them out. But I think all in all, I'm very simple and I'll just go in and make sure that I know what my strengths are and what my best chance of getting them out is and I guess go from there, she elaborated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So it's just a way to recharge your batteries, spend a bit of time together outside of a cricket environment and then we're back now and we've got a few training sessions to really get ourselves ready. Article Source: IANS
Vadodara: DCW vs UPW WPL 2026 Match #Gallery - Social News XYZ
Vadodara: DCW vs UPW WPL 2026 Match #Gallery Social News XYZ
DC beat Warriorz to reach Eliminator
WPL 2026 Vadodara, Feb 1: Delhi Capitals huffed and puffed but eventually got over the line in a modest run-chase by five wickets to beat UP Warriorz and make their way into the Eliminator clash of the Womens Premier League, here on Sunday. Delhis win, with five wickets and eight balls to spare, also knocked []
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An entrepreneurs journey from two wheels to timeless stays
Over one lakh to run in Vadodara Marathon today
On verge of retirement, SOG cop arrested in Rs 48 lakh heroin case
Western Railway launches indigenous KAVACH train protection system on VadodaraSuratVirar section
Western Railway has commissioned the indigenous KAVACH train protection system on the VadodaraSuratVirar section, enhancing safety on a busy corridor. This advanced technology, developed in India, prevents collisions and over-speeding, adding a crucial safety layer. With this, 435 route km on Western Railway are now operational with KAVACH.
Deadly kite string cuts into crocodiles armour-like skin in Vishwamitri
Seized by bank, car stolen back by its owner in an audacious move
Sanskarinagari In Shambles: VMC digs, blocks, repeats
Two killed as bus crashes into stationary truck on NH-48
Zydus Hospitals acquires VINS Hospital
BCA poll officer assures free and fair election
Automatic train protection system Kavach commissioned on 472-km route: Indian Railways
Indian Railways has achieved a significant safety upgrade, commissioning the Kavach automatic train protection system on a record 472.3 route kilometres in a single day. This expansion across three key sections, including Vadodara-Virar, enhances operational safety and reliability on high-density routes. The system's effectiveness was validated through a successful head-on collision test.
VMC will close three roads for sewerage work
Royal group seeks venue, date change for BCA polls
Robbers invade house, stab and rob man in Lunawada village
BJP announces new office bearers for city unit
Dogs attack schoolboy in Subhanpura
Trailer rams into industrial estate gate on NH-48, one injured
de Klerk, Grace Harris hammer UP Warriorz; RCB enters final
WPL 2026 Vadodara, Jan 29: Former champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hammered UP Warriorz by eight wickets to enter the WPL final and virtually knock the opposition out of the playoff race here on Thursday. Nadine de Klerks superb 4/22 and Grace Harris 2/22 powered a spirited RCB comeback with the ball as UP Warriorz squandered []
Man stabs friend to death in full public view
RCB look to seal final berth in clash against depleted UP
WPL 2026 Vadodara, Jan 28: Table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to make amends with the bat after two consecutive defeats and lock their berth in the final when they take on a depleted UP Warriorz in the Womens Premier League, here on Thursday. RCB (10 points) are the only team confirmed for the WPL []
Son of retired cop booked for drunken driving
Gaekwads plan to turn Kirti Mandir into leisure spot
Protests erupt in Petlad over burial ground being dug up
11 children found begging with parents in CWC drive
Op Sindoor marks shift in Indias counter-terror strategy: Naravane
Ex-India cricketer Jacob Martin booked for drunken driving
ICMTDT-2026 kicks off with focus on precision health
One Nation, One Election could weaken accountability, federalism: S Y Quraishi
VMC clears encroachments around Nyay Mandir
Lenscape Kerala photo exhibition opens in city
Vadodara: RCBW vs MIW Womens Premier League Match #Gallery - Social News XYZ
Vadodara: RCBW vs MIW Womens Premier League Match #Gallery Social News XYZ
Nat Sciver-Brunt smashes first-ever century in Womens Premier League Vadodara: Nat Sciver-Brunt (100 not out) hit the first-ever century of Womens Premier League history in its fourth edition as dominant Mumbai Indians beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 15 runs, despite Richa Ghoshs whirlwind 90, here on Monday. In a must-win game to remain in contention []
Manbhatt storyteller Dharmiklal Pandya to receive Padma Shri
Fake PSI held for cheating people for years
Beer worth Rs 80L seized in Dahod
Bizman admits to illegal forex trade after robbery probe
IKS to be integrated across subjects, says UGC official
