Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph in WPL 2026 Final
On February 5, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their second Women's Premier League (WPL) championship in a spectacular fashion. The thrilling final, held in Vadodara, saw RCB overcome Delhi Capitals by six wickets, chasing down a formidable target of 204 runs with just two deliveries to spare.
Historic Chase Levels Title Count
This monumental victory elevates RCB to an equal standing with the Mumbai Indians, as both franchises now boast two WPL titles each. Conversely, the Delhi Capitals endured their fourth consecutive season finishing as runners-up, highlighting a persistent challenge in clinching the ultimate prize.
Delhi Capitals Set a Daunting Target
Electing to bat first after being asked, Delhi Capitals posted an impressive total of 203 for four. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a brisk 57 off 37 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt contributed a solid 44. The innings concluded with a powerful flourish from Chinelle Henry, who remained unbeaten on 35 from just 15 deliveries, propelling the team past the 200-run mark.
Mandhana and Voll Forge Match-Winning Partnership
RCB's chase began shakily with an early wicket, but the team swiftly regained composure through a phenomenal 165-run stand between skipper Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. Mandhana dominated the bowling attack, smashing a rapid 87 runs that included 12 boundaries and three maximums. Despite late wickets injecting tension into the match, requiring 10 runs from the final over, Radha Yadav held her nerve to hit consecutive boundaries and seal the victory for Bengaluru.
Individual Accolades and Honors
Smriti Mandhana was deservedly named Player of the Match and also claimed the Orange Cap for amassing 377 runs throughout the tournament. Sophie Devine earned the Purple Cap with 17 wickets and was honored as the Most Valuable Player. The Emerging Player award went to Nandani Sharma of the Delhi Capitals, recognizing her promising talent.
Emotional Dedication to Captain Mandhana
RCB bowler Shreyanka Patil dedicated the win to her captain, Smriti Mandhana, citing personal struggles over the past 30-45 days. "A win completely dedicated to Smriti Mandhana because she had suffered a lot from last 30-45 days in her life. She deserved it," Patil expressed, highlighting the emotional resonance of the triumph.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Celebrations
Fans flooded social media with praise for Mandhana's leadership and performance. One supporter noted, "Today, Smriti Mandhana silenced all her critics by scoring 87 runs and leading her team to victory in the WPL." Another commented, "Champions don’t react to the noise outside — they answer with performance. Smriti Mandhana proves it yet again."
Enthusiasts hailed her as "the Queen of Cricket" and celebrated RCB's third title in three years, ending an 18-year drought. The victory sparked a wave of memes and joyous celebrations among Bengaluru fans, underscoring the significance of this achievement in the franchise's history.
