Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) once again etched their name into Delhi Women’s Premier League history with a breathtaking victory over Delhi Capitals, securing their second WPL championship in a pulsating final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. In front of a packed crowd and millions watching worldwide, RCB chased down a formidable target with nerves of steel, winning by six wickets with four balls to spare.
The final was everything fans hoped for big scores, fearless batting, tactical bowling changes, and a captain’s knock that will be remembered for years to come.
WPL Final 2026: RCB vs Delhi Capitals A Night of High Drama
Delhi Capitals, sent in to bat first after Smriti Mandhana opted to field, wasted no time in attacking RCB’s bowling unit. Their innings gathered momentum through fluent stroke play and calculated aggression in the middle overs.
The standout performer for Delhi was Jemimah Rodrigues, whose classy 57 anchored the innings and kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate. Her timing and placement frustrated the fielding side, particularly through the covers and mid-wicket region.
Late fireworks from Chinelle Henry ensured Delhi surged past the 200-run mark, eventually finishing on an imposing 203 for 4 a total that placed enormous pressure on any chasing side in a high-stakes final.
Yet RCB’s bowlers and fielders managed to prevent the total from ballooning further. Tight overs at the death and sharp athleticism in the field restricted Delhi from accelerating beyond reach, a factor that would later prove crucial.
Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass Lights Up the WPL Final
When RCB began their chase, the task was clear: score at more than ten runs an over against one of the tournament’s most disciplined bowling attacks. What followed was nothing short of spectacular.
Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a scintillating 87 off just 41 deliveries, unleashing a breathtaking range of shots elegant drives, fearless pulls, and lofted hits straight down the ground. Her innings included the fastest half-century ever recorded in a WPL final, sending the stadium into raptures.
Mandhana’s intent was visible from the opening over. Instead of playing cautiously, she chose controlled aggression, taking calculated risks and ensuring the required run rate never spiraled out of control. Her knock didn’t just provide runs it injected belief into the RCB camp.
Georgia Voll’s Crucial Partnership Changes the Game
While Mandhana dazzled at one end, Georgia Voll played the perfect supporting role at the other. Calm under pressure and precise in shot selection, Voll compiled a vital 74 off 50 balls, forming a match-defining partnership with her captain.
Together, the duo dismantled Delhi’s bowling plans, rotating the strike efficiently before punishing loose deliveries. Their stand shifted the momentum firmly in RCB’s favor and left the Capitals scrambling for breakthroughs.
Even when Mandhana eventually departed, the foundation had been laid. The remaining batters kept their composure and finished the job, ensuring RCB crossed the line in dramatic fashion.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Road to the WPL Trophy
RCB’s triumph was no accident it was the culmination of a dominant campaign marked by consistency, bold strategies, and team unity. Throughout the season, they showcased depth in both batting and bowling, adapting seamlessly to different conditions and opponents.
Their fielding, in particular, stood out in the final. Diving stops, sharp throws, and clever placement in the ring saved precious runs when Delhi were threatening to post an even larger total.
Choosing to bowl first also proved a tactical masterstroke from Mandhana, who later explained that her side backed themselves to chase under lights and trusted their batting firepower.
Mandhana Dedicates Historic Win to Her “Queens”
After lifting the trophy amid fireworks and roaring applause, Mandhana spoke with emotion, dedicating the victory to her teammates.
Calling them her “Queens,” the RCB skipper praised their fearless cricket and resilience throughout the tournament.
“This team has played bold cricket from day one,” she said. “Everyone stepped up when it mattered most, and that’s what championships are made of.”
Her words summed up RCB’s season a squad built on confidence, chemistry, and an unshakeable belief in their ability to rise on the biggest stage.
What This WPL Title Means for Women’s Cricket in India
RCB’s second WPL crown is another major milestone for the league, which continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness each year. The final showcased the best of women’s cricket power-hitting, tactical awareness, and elite athleticism captivating fans across the country.
With stars like Mandhana, Rodrigues, Henry, and Voll producing world-class performances, the WPL is rapidly cementing its status as one of the premier women’s T20 tournaments globally.
The packed stadium in Vadodara and the surge in digital viewership further underlined how deeply the league has connected with audiences, inspiring the next generation of young cricketers.
Key Takeaways from the RCB vs Delhi Capitals WPL Final
- RCB lifted their second Women’s Premier League title after a dramatic chase.
- Smriti Mandhana smashed 87 off 41 balls, recording the fastest fifty in a WPL final.
- Georgia Voll’s steady 74 anchored the pursuit.
- Delhi Capitals posted a strong 203/4, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues and Chinelle Henry.
- Brilliant fielding and calm finishing sealed RCB’s victory.
A Championship to Remember
The WPL 2026 final will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most electrifying contests. From Delhi’s commanding batting display to Mandhana’s iconic innings and RCB’s ice-cool finish, the night had every ingredient of a classic.
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated under the floodlights with their second trophy in hand, one thing became clear the Women’s Premier League has entered a golden era, and performances like these are only pushing the sport to greater heights.
For cricket fans around the world, this was more than just a final. It was a reminder of how thrilling, unpredictable, and inspiring women’s cricket has become.
