A Season of Triumphs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has etched its name in cricketing history by achieving an unparalleled feat: securing both the men's Indian Premier League
and the Women's Premier League championships within the same calendar year. This remarkable accomplishment marks the first time any franchise has achieved such a double, igniting widespread jubilation among fans and solidifying the club's dominance. The men's squad broke an 18-year jinx, claiming their inaugural IPL title on June 3, 2025, by narrowly defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Following this historic victory, the women's team continued the winning momentum, clinching their second WPL championship on February 5, 2026. They triumphed over Delhi Capitals in a hard-fought final, building on their maiden WPL win in 2024 against the same formidable opponents. This unprecedented double championship run has united fans in celebrating the iconic 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' slogan across both formats of the game, showcasing a new era of success for RCB.
Mandhana and Voll's Masterclass
The WPL 2026 final witnessed an exceptional batting performance from Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, spearheaded by a sensational partnership between captain Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. After an early wicket fell, Mandhana took charge, delivering one of the most impactful innings in WPL final history. She amassed an incredible 87 runs from just 41 deliveries, peppering the boundaries with 12 fours and three sixes, all at a blistering strike rate of 212.20. Her aggressive batting demoralized the Delhi Capitals Women's bowling attack. Complementing Mandhana perfectly was Georgia Voll, who played a crucial anchor role. Voll displayed remarkable composure, scoring a well-crafted 79 runs off 54 balls, including 14 boundaries. This ensured that RCB Women maintained their strong momentum throughout the innings, even as wickets fell at the other end. Together, Mandhana and Voll forged a decisive 165-run partnership that effectively took the game away from Delhi, setting a commanding total. Late contributions from Richa Ghosh, Nadine de Klerk, and Radha Yadav provided the finishing touches, propelling RCB Women past the 200-run mark with ease and sending their dugout into a frenzy of celebration.
Delhi's Record Score
Despite the eventual outcome, Delhi Capitals Women produced a remarkable batting display in the WPL 2026 final, setting a new benchmark for the highest total ever recorded in a WPL final. At the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, they posted a formidable 203 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. The innings saw an explosive start after a slightly cautious beginning, with Lizelle Lee contributing a rapid 37 runs. Shafali Verma also provided valuable quick runs with her brisk 20 before being dismissed by a sharp catch from Richa Ghosh. The momentum truly shifted with captain Jemimah Rodrigues taking control. She delivered a masterful 57 runs off just 37 balls, featuring eight boundaries, and dictated play in the middle overs, significantly boosting Delhi's chances. The innings concluded with a powerful finishing flourish from Laura Wolvaardt and Chinelle Henry. Wolvaardt scored 44 runs from 25 deliveries, while Henry smashed an explosive 35 runs off a mere 15 balls. Henry’s aggressive 18th over, in particular, yielded 24 runs, effectively propelling Delhi to their record-breaking total. RCB's bowlers struggled to contain this onslaught, with only Lauren Bell managing to keep the runs relatively contained, while the rest of the attack conceded runs at a high rate, leaving RCB with a daunting 204-run target to chase for the championship.
A Fourth Final Heartbreak
For Delhi Capitals Women, the WPL 2026 final marked yet another instance of final-night disappointment, as they succumbed to their fourth consecutive loss in the championship match. This extended their unwanted record of falling short at the final hurdle, despite showcasing a strong batting performance that set a new record for the highest total ever in a WPL final. The contrast in emotions at the end of RCB's innings was stark: while the RCB players celebrated their commanding position, the DC-W players stood with heads down and hands on hips, facing a seemingly insurmountable chase in a high-stakes final. The bowling unit for Delhi struggled to find the necessary penetration under the immense pressure of the final. Chinelle Henry emerged as the lone bright spark, taking two wickets, but the rest of the attack found it difficult to contain the relentless strokeplay from the RCB batters, consequently conceding runs at an alarming rate exceeding 10 runs per over. As RCB Women celebrated their impending victory, it was clear that Delhi Capitals were left searching for answers once again, enduring another painful collapse in a crucial final.
