In an electrifying finale to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second WPL title with a breathtaking six wicket win over the Delhi Capitals (DC) at Vadodara, completing the highest successful chase in WPL history. Spearheaded by a stunning innings from captain Smriti Mandhana and a powerful partnership with Georgia Voll, RCB’s victory not only highlighted their dominance this season but also extended DC’s run of heartbreaks in the title decider their fourth consecutive loss in as many finals.
Author : Aashiya Jain | EQmint | Sport News
RCB Overcome a Massive Target
The final, played on 5 February 2026, was a display of high drama and elite cricketing skill. Electing to bat first, Delhi Capitals posted a formidable 203 for 4 in their 20 overs the highest total ever posted in a WPL final. Their innings was built around key contributions from skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a brisk 57 off 37 balls, and Laura Wolvaardt, who added 44 not out off 25 deliveries. Lizelle Lee also contributed valuable runs earlier in the innings.
From the outset, DC looked in control, with solid partnerships and late-innings acceleration through the likes of Chinelle Henry (35 runs off 15 balls), pushing the scoreboard past the 200 run mark a daunting target in any T20 contest, let alone a final. Their pressure on RCB was real, and momentum initially rested with the Capitals.
Mandhana and Voll Deliver a Record Chase
Chasing 204, RCB faced both pressure and expectation. But what followed was cricketing artistry. Captain Smriti Mandhana delivered a breathtaking performance, smashing 87 runs off just 41 balls, including a blistering 23 ball fifty the fastest in a WPL final. Her aggressive yet controlled innings set the tone for a chase for the ages. Joining her at the crease was Georgia Voll, who matched her strike, scoring 79 off 54 balls. Together, they forged a 165 run partnership for the second wicket, which became the highest partnership for any wicket in WPL history and effectively turned the match in RCB’s favor.
Despite losing an early wicket, RCB’s chase never lost rhythm. The Mandhana Voll duo kept the required run rate in check, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike with precision. When Georgia fell late, RCB still needed only a handful of runs and Radha Yadav’s boundaries sealed the win with just two balls to spare.
A Tough Night for Delhi Capitals
For Delhi Capitals, the final was another chapter of near misses. Despite posting a record total and batting with intent, their campaign ended in heartbreak yet again. This was DC’s fourth consecutive final appearance without ever capturing the WPL trophy, a streak that has become a talking point among fans and analysts alike. The pattern of strong performances in the league followed by disappointment in the final has been bittersweet for the Capitals and their supporters.
Still, there was much to admire in DC’s performance Rodrigues’ half century under pressure and the middle order’s ability to build partnerships showed resilience and character. But cricket often turns on partnerships and momentum, and on this night, Mandhana and Voll were simply unstoppable.
RCB’s Moment of Glory
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the 2026 final was a statement of intent and consistency. Having dominated the league stages and shown balance in both batting and bowling departments, they carried that form into the final with poise and aggression. Under Mandhana’s inspirational leadership, RCB now shares the distinction of being one of the most successful teams in WPL history, drawing level with Mumbai Indians with two championships in the competition’s brief but exciting existence.
The scenes that followed jubilant celebrations, emotional embraces, and accolades from fans and peers underscored the moment’s significance for both players and supporters. RCB’s victory was about more than runs or records; it was about seizing the moment when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead
The WPL 2026 final will be remembered not just for its numbers, but for its narrative a thrilling chase, historic partnerships, and the rise of women’s cricket as a marquee sporting spectacle. Smriti Mandhana’s knock, Georgia Voll’s fearless batting, and DC’s spirited challenge made this final a fitting climax to an enthralling season.
Cricket lovers will long remember how RCB’s chase rewrote the record books and how, amid cheers and heartbreaks, women’s cricket delivered a spectacle deserving of its grand stage.
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