Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana won hearts with an emotional embrace of Delhi Capitals (DC)’s Jemimah Rodrigues after the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final on Thursday (February 5), which has gone viral on social media.
While Mandhana’s team secured its second consecutive WPL title with a six-wicket win in Vadodara, Rodrigues’ Capitals suffered a crushing fourth runners-up finish on the trot. Rodrigues was appointed the captain before the season and had expressed belief that the team would finally pass the final hurdle — they looked like doing it with excellent performances throughout –, but RCB were just a level above on the day.
Rodrigues was understandably emotional, but would have been glad that her opposite number
was also her best friend. Watch the moment here:
when I burst into tears… pic.twitter.com/HF84VunYv3
— megh/মেঘ • (@hazeyjanei) February 5, 2026
The duo has gone through several ups and downs of international cricket together. Even in their personal lives, Rodrigues is quite close to Mandhana, as was seen when she took a leave from her Big Bash League (BBL) duties when the latter’s wedding was called off.
Batting first, the Capitals recovered from a cautious powerplay to post a challenging 203 for four. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee provided stability before Rodrigues anchored the innings with a classy 57 off 37 balls. Chinelle Henry added crucial late fireworks, blasting 35 off 15 deliveries to push DC past the 200 mark.
In response, RCB suffered an early blow with the loss of Grace Harris but soon took control through Mandhana and Georgia Voll. The duo dismantled the DC attack with a commanding 165-run partnership, ensuring the asking rate never spiralled. Mandhana starred with a brilliant 87 off 41 balls, while Voll struck a composed yet powerful 79 off 54. RCB closed out the record chase with two balls remaining.
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