Last season's finalists aim to build on winning starts

Both finalists from last season, RCB and DC, have started the new season with thrilling wins. RCB achieved an all-time record run chase against Gujarat Giants, while DC registered the highest successful run chase ever by any team against Mumbai Indians. These victories, gained from difficult positions, will have boosted team morale.

Injuries and sickness have affected both squads. RCB has faced injuries, causing squad adjustments, while DC has dealt with sickness, causing key players to miss the opening game. Managing resources will be crucial for RCB, as top players like Sophie Molineux, Sophie Devine, and Shreyanka Patil cannot be easily replaced.

DC missed Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen in their first match but still put up a strong bowling performance. Their availability for this clash is uncertain, but with a short turnaround, they might be given more time to rejuvenate. DC's depth in both departments was evident in their successful run chase against Mumbai Indians.

RCB's bowling is a concern, and they'll rely on batting firepower to compensate for the bowling's fragility. On paper, DC has the edge, but RCB can produce special performances, as Gujarat Giants can attest.

Match Details

• When: Monday, February 17, 7:30 PM local time
• Where: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
• What to expect: High-scoring matches due to black-soil surfaces and short ground dimensions. Captains will prefer chasing, considering dew factors.

Probable XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

• Smriti Mandhana (c)
• Danny Wyatt-Hodge
• Ellyse Perry
• Raghvi Bist
• Richa Ghosh (wk)
• Kanika Ahuja
• Georgia Wareham
• Kim Garth
• Prema Rawat
• Joshitha VJ
• Renuka Thakur

Delhi Capitals:

• Shafali Verma
• Meg Lanning (c)
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Marizanne Kapp/Alice Capsey
• Annabel Sutherland
• Niki Prasad
• Sarah Bryce (wk)
• Shikha Pandey
• Radha Yadav
• Arundhati Reddy
• Minnu Mani

Should Kapp and Jonassen both be available, a selection headache may arise for DC's think tank. Sarah Bryce's excellent keeping and lower-order batting could make her a strong candidate for selection.