On a historic night at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their names into the record books by clinching their second TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) title. In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in the tournament’s history, RCB defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets to become only the second team, after Mumbai Indians, to win multiple WPL trophies.
The final was a showcase of elite talent, grit, and record-breaking performances. Chasing a monumental target of 204—the highest ever set in a WPL final—RCB produced a masterclass in aggressive batting to secure the highest successful run chase in the league’s history.
Delhi Capitals Set the Tone with Record Total
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Delhi Capitals made their intentions clear from the outset. They posted an imposing 203/4, the highest first-innings total ever recorded in a WPL final. The foundation for this massive score was laid by an aggressive opening partnership between Shafali Verma (20) and Lizelle Lee (37), who combined for 49 runs within the powerplay.
Despite losing both openers in quick succession to Arundhati Reddy and Nadine de Klerk, DC did not slow down. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues took the helm, playing a superb knock of 57 off just 37 balls. She found a steady partner in Laura Wolvaardt, who contributed a vital 44 off 25 deliveries. The innings reached a crescendo when Chinelle Henry unleashed a blistering cameo, smashing 35* off 15 balls. Her explosive 55-run partnership with Wolvaardt in the final overs propelled Delhi past the 200-run mark, leaving RCB with a daunting task.
A Captain’s Masterclass and Georgia Voll’s Brilliance
RCB’s chase began with an early setback as Grace Harris fell for just 9 runs in the second over. However, this paved the way for a legendary 165-run partnership for the second wicket between captain Smriti Mandhana and the young sensation Georgia Voll.
Mandhana’s performance was nothing short of heroic. Battling a severe flu and high fever from the previous night, she produced a majestic 87 off 41 balls. Her innings was a blend of timing and power, featuring 12 boundaries and 3 sixes. This knock not only guided her team toward victory but also secured her the Orange Cap as the season’s leading run-scorer with 377 runs.
At the other end, Georgia Voll was equally clinical. She anchored the chase with a composed 79 off 54 balls, ensuring the required run rate remained under control. Together, they took RCB to 100/1 at the halfway mark and effectively took the game away from Delhi.
High-Stakes Drama in the Final Overs
Despite the dominance of Mandhana and Voll, the match saw a late twist. As the target drew near, RCB lost three wickets in quick succession, including both set batters. The momentum seemed to shift when the match went into the final over with 10 runs required.
Bowling the final over, Shree Charani faced off against Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk. Displaying nerves of steel, Radha Yadav emerged as the hero of the closing moments, hitting back-to-back boundaries to seal the win with two deliveries to spare. The victory sparked wild celebrations, marking RCB as the first team to win the TATA WPL after finishing the league stage as the table-toppers.
Season Honors and Award Winners
The conclusion of the tournament saw several players recognized for their outstanding contributions throughout the 2026 season. RCB’s leadership and individual brilliance swept many of the top honors.
Smriti Mandhana took home the Orange Cap for her 377 runs and was named Player of the Match for her performance in the final. Her teammate, Sophie Devine, had a stellar season with the ball, earning the Purple Cap with 17 wickets and being named the Most Valuable Player of the Season. The Emerging Player of the Season award went to Nandni Sharma for her consistent performances.
Through this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru proved their dominance, ending a season where they were the team to beat from start to finish. For Delhi Capitals, it was a valiant effort that fell just short, but the 2026 final will certainly be remembered as a night where the standard of women’s cricket reached new heights.
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