Historic Double Achieved
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has etched their name in Indian cricket history by securing both the IPL and WPL titles in the same calendar year. Following
the men's team's maiden IPL trophy win on June 3, 2025, the women's squad clinched their second WPL championship on February 5, 2026. This remarkable feat makes RCB the first franchise to achieve such a dominant sweep across both major franchise leagues in a single season. The "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" slogan, long cherished by fans, now resonates across both men's and women's cricket, uniting the fanbase in unprecedented celebration and marking a new era of success for the club.
Mandhana-Voll Partnership Dominates
The WPL 2026 final witnessed a batting masterclass from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, spearheaded by an extraordinary partnership between captain Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. After losing an early wicket, Mandhana took charge, delivering a stunning 87 off just 41 balls with a blistering strike rate of 212.20, featuring 12 fours and 3 sixes. She was brilliantly supported by Georgia Voll, who played a composed anchor innings of 79 off 54 balls, including 14 boundaries. Together, they forged a match-defining 165-run stand that demoralized the Delhi Capitals Women's bowling attack and laid the foundation for a massive total. Late cameos from Richa Ghosh, Nadine de Klerk, and Radha Yadav further propelled RCB's score beyond the 200-run mark, setting a daunting target.
Delhi's Strong Reply
Earlier in the final, Delhi Capitals Women had posted a record-breaking 203/4 in their 20 overs, establishing the highest total ever in a WPL final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Despite a cautious start, Lizelle Lee provided an aggressive impetus with a rapid 37, while Shafali Verma contributed a quickfire 20. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues then took command, crafting a superb 57 off 37 deliveries, punctuated by eight boundaries. Her aggressive middle-overs play, particularly an explosive 12th over, significantly shifted the momentum in Delhi's favor. The innings concluded with a powerful flourish from Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 44 off 25 balls, and Chinelle Henry, whose blistering 35 off just 15 balls included a brutal 18th over worth 24 runs, propelling Delhi to their formidable total and setting RCB a challenging target of 204.
Bowlers Struggle Under Pressure
The Delhi Capitals Women's bowling unit found themselves unable to contain the relentless pressure exerted by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters in the final. Despite Chinelle Henry's commendable effort in picking up 2 wickets, the rest of the attack struggled to find penetration, consistently conceding runs at over 10 per over. Under the immense pressure of defending a significant total in a high-stakes final, the bowlers appeared to lack the necessary effectiveness. This difficulty in restricting RCB's scoring meant that Delhi was consistently behind in the game, ultimately leading to their defeat. The contrast was evident, with RCB's dugout erupting in celebration as they neared their target, while the Delhi players were left contemplating a challenging chase.
Fourth Final Heartbreak
For the fourth consecutive time, Delhi Capitals Women have faced the bitter disappointment of losing a WPL final. Despite putting up another dominant batting performance in the 2026 summit clash, their efforts were ultimately thwarted. The team, having posted a record score in the final, found themselves on the losing side once again, extending an unfortunate streak. This recurring pattern of reaching the final but failing to secure the championship highlights a persistent challenge for the franchise. The players were observed with heads down and hands on hips, facing the daunting task of chasing a near-impossible score set by RCB, and ending the season with another painful final-night collapse.
