RCB Clinch Second WPL Title with Thrilling Final-Over Win vs Delhi Capitals, Mandhana shines

 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted a memorable victory in the WPL 2026 final at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) in a nail-biting contest to lift their second WPL title. For Delhi, it was another heartbreaking chapter, as they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in a WPL final.

After winning the toss, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana opted to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed questionable as Delhi Capitals posted a daunting total of 203 runs. Lizelle provided a brisk start with 37 off 30 balls with Shafali looking good for her 20 in 13 balls having a good powerplay. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with Wolvaardt with a superb half-century executing several glorious drives in her 57  . Towards the end, Wolvaardt’s (44) & Henry's (35 * in 15 balls)  explosive hitting pushed Delhi beyond the 200-run mark, setting a formidable target of 204.  While Wolvaardt looked elegant even during her power hitting , Henry played a brutal innings with big hits . 

RCB’s chase got off to a shaky start with Grace Harris departing early for just 9 bowled middle stump by Henry .  However, Georgia Voll and Smriti Mandhana turned the match on its head with a magnificent partnership of over 150 runs. Voll, who had endured a quiet season, rediscovered her best form with a superb 79, while Mandhana led from the front with a classy 82. Both matched each other stroke for stroke as the Delhi Capitals bowling made no impression.  

The match swung again when Voll was caught near the boundary and Richa Ghosh (6)  was dismissed soon after. Tension escalated further as Mandhana was bowled leg stump , leaving RCB in a precarious position. Yet, De Klerk held her nerve to keep the chase alive.

The final over demanded 10 runs. Radha Yadav and De Klerk managed singles off the first two balls, leaving eight needed from four deliveries. Radha then rose to the occasion, smashing two consecutive boundaries to seal a dramatic victory and spark wild celebrations in the RCB camp.

Radha Yadav remained unbeaten with a priceless 12, while De Klerk contributed 7, including a vital four. Together, they ensured RCB crossed the line in one of the most thrilling finishes in WPL history.

For Delhi Capitals, the defeat was especially painful. Reaching the final for the fourth straight season under Jemimah Rodrigues, they once again fell at the final hurdle, extending their unfortunate reputation as perennial runners-up.

Smriti Mandhana’s RCB, on the other hand, displayed remarkable composure and self-belief. Having dominated the league stage to qualify directly for the final, they conquered a challenging pitch that traditionally favoured spinners and where even chasing 160 was considered difficult. Chasing 204 under pressure made their triumph even more special.

In the end, the long-standing question was answered: Delhi’s title drought continues, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru reaffirmed their supremacy by lifting the WPL trophy for the second time in glorious fashion.

While Sophie Devine became the most valuable player of this season with impactful  all round show she was also the purple cap winner with 17 wickets . Smriti Mandhana won the orange cap with 377 runs in the season - the highest.