RCB Win WPL 2026 Title in Record-Breaking Chase, Defeat DC in final match by 6 wickets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chased down a record 204-run target in 19.4 overs against Delhi Capitals to win the Women’s Premier League 2026 final at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. RCB won by six wickets and lifted their second WPL trophy. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front whose fluent 87 off 41 balls set the toneand Australia’s Georgia Voll scored (79 off 54).

Delhi Capitals batted first and posted 203 for 4 in 20 overs. It was the highest total ever seen in a WPL final. Their captain Jemimah Rodrigues played a steady knock of 57 off 37 balls. Laura Wolvaardt scored 44 off 25, and Chinelle Henry smashed an unbeaten 35 off just 15 balls at the end. Lizelle Lee made 37 and Shafali Verma 20 to give them a flying start.

But RCB’s bowlers kept things tight when it mattered. England’s Lauren Bell was the star with an amazing spell of 0 for 19 in four overs. She hardly gave away any runs and helped bring the scoring rate down in the death overs.

Then came the chase. RCB needed 204 to win. Grace Harris fell early for 9, but what followed was pure magic. Captain Smriti Mandhana and Australia’s Georgia Voll built a record-breaking partnership of 165 runs for the second wicket. Mandhana smashed 87 off just 41 balls, hitting boundaries all around the ground. Voll played the perfect supporting role with 79 off 54 balls. Their partnership was the highest ever in a WPL final chase.

By the 14th over, RCB had crossed 150. The asking rate stayed comfortable because both batters played so smartly. Voll got out when 30 runs were still needed, and Richa Ghosh fell soon after. Mandhana was bowled by Chinelle Henry in the 19th over, but by then only 10 runs were left from the last over.

Young Radha Yadav finished the job in style. She hit two boundaries off the third and fourth balls of the final over to seal a famous victory. RCB reached 204 for 4 in 19.4 overs. This was the highest successful chase in WPL history, beating their own record of 202 they chased last year against Gujarat Giants.

The 2026 WPL season saw some outstanding individual performances that were recognised with special awards during the final. Smriti Mandhana of RCB topped the run-scoring charts with 377 runs from nine matches and secured the Orange Cap for the leading run-scorer. Sophie Devine from Gujarat Giants was Purple Cap winner for picking up 17 wickets, making her the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Devine also received the Most Valuable Player award for her all-round impact throughout the season. The Emerging Player of the Season award went to Nandani Sharma from Delhi Capitals, who played a key role in their bowling attack and showed great promise as a young talent. Other notable recognitions included Grace Harris winning the award for the best strike rate of the season, Lucy Hamilton from DC getting the prize for the best catch of the tournament (her stunning dismissal of Mandhana earlier in the season), Harmanpreet Kaur taking the most sixes award, Sophie Devine earning extra praise for the best game intelligence, and Lauren Bell was awarded for bowling the most dot balls. Mumbai Indians were named the winners of the Fair Play award for their sportsman spirit during the season.

After the match, Smriti Mandhana said she was very pleased. “RCB fans are the best in the world. Wherever we play, they support us. Three titles in three years for the franchise is amazing. We knew 200-plus was a good score, but we pulled it back in the last few overs. Credit to Lauren Bell gave away only 19 runs in four overs. Voll led the way with her intent. What she did was really special.”

She also thanked the support staff and youngsters like Prathyoosha Kumar, Gautami, and Prema who did not even play but kept the team spirit high. She ended with the famous line: “Ee Sala Cup Namdu!”

Jemimah Rodrigues was proud of her team even in defeat. “I could not be more proud of this team. It was not easy for us, but the character our girls showed is something I can be proud of. The support staff worked tirelessly. 204 in a final is a great score. Everyone fought hard and gave their all.”

Georgia Voll said, “It was a really nice batting wicket. Disappointing I could not finish it, but what a great season. To play that way in the final was super special. Watching Smriti hit the ball so cleanly was awesome.”

Lauren Bell added, “It was a bit tense but I’m glad we got past the line. Their opening partnership came at us, but we backed our batters. The fans have been amazing.”

Radha Yadav, who hit the winning runs, said, “This team has put in a lot of hard work. We did situational practice for chases. First WPL trophy for me. World Cup is at the top, but this is second.”

Shreyanka Patil called it a brilliant team win. “After the first innings we thought we could pull it off. Everyone in the dugout was cheering. This win is very special – I dedicate it to Smriti, Malo and Anya’s kid who turns one today.”

Grace Harris brought energy and quoted Roger Federer to motivate the team. She also won the award for best strike rate of the season.

This was RCB’s second WPL title after 2024. For Delhi Capitals, it was their fourth straight final loss. RCB have now joined Mumbai Indians as the most successful team in WPL history with two titles each.