Lauren Bell provided another match-shaping performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in their 11th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, dismantling the Delhi Capitals Women’s top order with two early wickets in the opening over. Her fiery new-ball spell set the tone for RCB’s bowling dominance and reinforced her status as one of the most threatening pace bowlers in the tournament so far.
RCB’s perfect start with the ball
From the first over of the match at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, Bell wasted no time making an impact. Bowling with disciplined accuracy and sharp movement, she struck early to remove two of DC’s key batters.
The first breakthrough came when she bowled Lizelle Lee with a delivery down the leg, bamboozling the batter. Two deliveries later, Bell clean bowled Laura Wolvaardt with a ball that nipped back sharply and crahsed into the stumps, leaving the DC batter absoloutely clueless.
These quick strikes left Delhi Capitals reeling at 5 for 2 inside the first over, placing immediate pressure on them.
Bell’s consistent match-winning form
Bell’s performance against DC was the latest in a string of influential spells for RCB this season. Her ability to deliver early breakthroughs and maintain tight lines in the powerplay has repeatedly given her team control during crucial phases of matches. Prior to this game, she had already impressed with consistent dot balls and key dismissals, regularly putting opposition lineups on the back foot early in their innings. Analysts have noted her improved seam position and variation as core reasons behind her effectiveness this campaign.
How Bell’s spell influenced the match
Bell’s early strikes forced Delhi Capitals into rebuilding mode from the outset. With two key batters back in the hut quickly, DC were unable to build lasting partnerships, allowing RCB’s bowlers to maintain pressure throughout the innings. The early success with the new ball laid the foundation for RCB to restrict DC to a below-par score.
Fans and experts react
The two wickets in the first over drew praise across social media, with RCB fans hailing Bell’s impact and consistency. Many highlighted how her new-ball aggression has become a defining feature of RCB’s bowling strategy and credited her with swinging momentum early in games.
