I don't think I've ever been part of a game like that – Lauren Bell

Lauren Bell concluded WPL with another powerful show with the ball. Her figures of 4-0-19-0 were the best by a mile from any other bowler on a day where runs were scored for fun. Bell’s overall haul of 128 dot balls exceeded anyone else in the tournament. Out of the 216 balls that she bowled, the number of dot balls bowled by her constituted close to 60 percent. That changed a lot of things for RCB throughout the tournament.

Talking in a post-match interview, Bell opened up on what was going on in her mind when things got tight towards the end. She also revealed the chat which she had with Anya Shrubsole throughout the innings as Georgia Voll and Smriti Mandhana sprinkled their stardust in the center.

Talking about the final and whether she was ready to bat or not, Bell said, “No, I wasn't padded up. That wouldn't have been a good sign. Yeah, no, I was. I think it was a bit tense, but, I'm just glad we got over the line. 200 plays 200, it was up and down. I think there were good patches and not so good patches but obviously we got over the line.”

Shedding light on Delhi’s innings, Bell added, “Their opening partnership, obviously, come at you, and we knew that. And I think once we got them two down, we thought we were back in the game. And then Jemi and Laura both batted really, really well. So, they got to a good total, but we back our line-up to chase anything.”

Spilling the beans on what discussion she had with Anya in the dugout, Bell said, “I actually sat with Anya (Shrubsole). I think we were pretty calm. We sat at the top for most of it. We looked up and we were like, we're going all right here, actually. This is looking pretty good. And then obviously it came down and there was a couple of wickets. But, I think we chased it really well and obviously Georgia and Smriti were outstanding. So, they set the chase up for us.”

Talking about how close the game was, Bell added, “I don't think I've ever been part of a game like that where it's been so close. I guess the fans behind us and I think we've been waiting a long time for this final. So, it was really special to watch and I'm just glad we got over the line.”

She had a very special message for the fans, stating, “I think they've been amazing this whole tournament. Every day we've had loads of support and a lot of noise and tonight was no different. They've definitely helped us tonight and all through the tournament.”

Bell concluded by talking about her feelings for RCB, stating, “I've absolutely loved it. The whole month's been so good. Obviously finishing it off with a win's been amazing. But yeah, the whole month and the girls, the coaching staff, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.”