The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have once again etched their names in the history books, clinching their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in a high-octane final against the Delhi Capitals (DC). In a match that will be remembered for its record-breaking chase and clinical execution, Smriti Mandhana’s side proved why they are the “Queens of the Chase,” hunting down a daunting target of 204 to secure a 6-wicket victory at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
This victory is a landmark moment for the franchise, making RCB the first team to hold both the IPL and WPL trophies simultaneously, following the men’s team’s triumph last year. It also draws them level with the Mumbai Indians for the most WPL titles (2).
The First Innings: Delhi Sets the Bar
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Delhi Capitals, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, came out with intent. Despite the heartbreak of losing three previous finals, DC looked determined to post a match-winning total.
Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a brilliant 57 off 37 balls, showcasing her trademark elegance and power. She was well-supported by a late-inning explosion from Chinelle Henry, who blasted 35 off just 15 deliveries, and an unbeaten 44 from Laura Wolvaardt. Delhi finished with a formidable 203/4, the highest score ever recorded in a WPL final, setting what many believed to be an insurmountable target.
RCB’s bowling effort was led by Lauren Bell, whose spell was nothing short of miraculous given the high-scoring nature of the game. Amidst a flurry of boundaries, Bell finished with figures of 1/19 in her four overs, maintaining an economy rate that kept RCB in the hunt.
The Chase: Mandhana and Voll Take Command
Chasing 204 in a final requires nerves of steel and a clear tactical blueprint. After the early loss of Grace Harris (9), Captain Smriti Mandhana and the young sensation Georgia Voll took center stage. What followed was a masterclass in T20 batting.
-
The Mandhana Magic: Smriti Mandhana played the innings of her life, smashing 87 off 41 balls. Her innings was a perfect blend of timing and aggression, finding gaps with surgical precision. This knock also secured her the Orange Cap for WPL 2026, finishing the season with 377 runs.
-
Voll’s Vital Support: Georgia Voll proved to be the perfect partner, contributing a vital 79 off 54 balls. Together, they shared a record 165-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively breaking the back of the Delhi bowling attack.
The pair’s synergy ensured that the required run rate never spiraled out of control. Even when Voll was eventually dismissed by Minnu Mani, the foundation had been laid.
The Final Flourish
The closing stages were not without drama. With the pressure of a final mounting, the dismissal of both set batters in quick succession gave Delhi a glimmer of hope. However, the experience of the RCB middle order, featuring players who had tasted success in the 2024 season, shone through.
RCB stayed calm under the lights, rotating the strike and finding the boundary when needed. They eventually crossed the finish line with two balls to spare, completing the highest successful run chase in WPL history.
Key Takeaways and Historic Feats
The 2026 WPL Final was more than just a game; it was a testament to the growth of the league and the dominance of the Bengaluru franchise.
| Milestone | Achievement |
| Highest Successful Chase | RCB (204 runs) |
| Highest Individual Score in Final | Smriti Mandhana (87) |
| Orange Cap 2026 | Smriti Mandhana (377 runs) |
| Franchise Record | First to hold IPL & WPL titles at once |
The Legacy of the “Queens of the Chase”
After the match, an emotional Smriti Mandhana credited the “unwavering belief” of the squad and the support of the fans. “Three titles in three years for the franchise is amazing,” she noted, referring to the 2024 WPL, 2025 IPL, and now the 2026 WPL titles.
For the Delhi Capitals, it was a fourth consecutive silver medal. While the result was heartbreaking, Jemimah Rodrigues’ leadership and the team’s consistent ability to reach the final have established them as a powerhouse in their own right.
As the confetti settled in Vadodara, the message was clear: the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have built a winning culture that thrives under pressure. They are, without a doubt, the undisputed Queens of the Chase.
