Posted on February 6, 2026
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final delivered a night to remember as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted the trophy in stunning fashion. In a high-voltage clash at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, RCB pulled off the highest successful run chase ever in a WPL or IPL final, defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) in a thrilling encounter.
The final had everything fans hoped for big runs, pressure moments, and a captain rising to the occasion. Leading from the front, Smriti Mandhana produced one of the finest knocks in WPL history, guiding RCB to a six-wicket victory with two balls remaining.
Delhi Capitals Post a Massive Total in the Final
Batting first, Delhi Capitals put RCB under immense pressure by posting 203/4 in 20 overs, the highest total ever scored in a WPL final.
It was a strong team effort from DC. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a well-paced half-century, while Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee added valuable runs during the middle overs. Towards the end, Chinelle Henry’s quick cameo pushed the score beyond the 200-run mark.
Given the occasion and the target, Delhi’s total looked formidable and set up a stern challenge for RCB in the title decider.
Smriti Mandhana Leads a Fearless Chase
Chasing a daunting 204-run target, RCB relied on their skipper Smriti Mandhana, who once again proved why she is among the best batters in world cricket. Mandhana played a captain’s knock, scoring 87 runs off just 41 balls, combining elegance with controlled aggression.
Her innings was filled with crisp cover drives, confident lofted shots, and smart strike rotation. Mandhana paced the chase brilliantly starting cautiously before shifting gears as the required run rate increased.
Under immense pressure, she remained composed and ensured RCB stayed in control for most of the chase.
Match-Winning Partnership Turns the Game
Mandhana received excellent support from Georgia Voll, who played a crucial knock of 79 off 54 balls. Together, the pair stitched a 165-run partnership for the second wicket, the highest partnership in WPL history for any wicket.
Their partnership completely changed the momentum of the match. While Mandhana attacked the bowlers, Voll played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and finding boundaries when needed. Their contrasting yet complementary styles kept Delhi’s bowling attack under constant pressure.
A Tense Finish Keeps Fans on Edge
Despite the strong partnership, the chase wasn’t without drama. After Mandhana’s dismissal and a couple of quick wickets, the equation tightened, bringing Delhi back into the contest.
However, Radha Yadav showed great composure in the final moments. She struck crucial boundaries under pressure and ensured RCB crossed the finish line with two balls to spare, sparking celebrations among players and fans alike.
The thrilling finish added another unforgettable chapter to WPL history.
Records, Legacy and What This Win Means
RCB’s triumph was more than just a title win. They became the first team to successfully chase a 200-plus total in a WPL or IPL final, highlighting the evolution of women’s T20 cricket and the fearless mindset of modern players.
Mandhana’s match-winning innings also helped her cross the 1,000-run milestone in WPL, placing her among the elite batters of the league and underlining her consistency and leadership.
For Delhi Capitals, the loss was heartbreaking once again, marking their fourth defeat in a WPL final, despite their consistent performances across seasons.
A Celebration for Women’s Cricket
The scenes after RCB’s victory captured the true spirit of the game joy, relief, and pride. Fans across the country celebrated a final that showcased skill, courage, and high-quality cricket.
RCB’s WPL 2026 win not only cements their status as a powerhouse in women’s cricket but also reflects the growing popularity and global impact of the Women’s Premier League.
Final Verdict
The WPL 2026 final will be remembered as a perfect blend of pressure, performance, and passion. Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy and match-winning knock, supported by a resilient team effort, delivered one of the most iconic victories in women’s franchise cricket.