Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) was special by a lot of yardsticks. They became only the second Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise to secure two titles,
outplayed some excellent teams in different scenarios, and did it while missing key players like Ellyse Perry.
Moreover, their final-over chase of 204 runs against DC at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, to secure the title, was also a record-breaking one. Before Thursday, no team had ever chased that many runs in a WPL match, let alone in a knockout or the biggest game of the season.
Highest successful chases in the WPL:
| Rank | Target | Match | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 204 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara | 2026 |
| 2 | 202 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants | Vadodara | 2025 |
| 3 | 193 | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants | DY Patil | 2026 |
| 4 | 191 | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants | Delhi | 2024 |
| 5 | 189 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants | Brabourne | 2023 |
How did Smriti Mandhana’s team script history?
Put in to bat, the Capitals recovered from a cautious start to post a formidable 203 for four. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues led the charge with a fluent 57 off 37 balls, while Chinelle Henry provided late impetus with a blazing 35 off 15.
In reply, RCB lost Grace Harris early but skipper Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll took complete control. The pair stitched together a match-defining 165-run partnership, with Mandhana producing a sublime 87 off 41 balls and Voll smashing 79 off 54.
RCB kept pace throughout and sealed a record chase with two balls to spare, joining the Mumbai Indians as the most successful WPL side.
“We did think it was a good surface to bat on. 203 is a good score in the final,” Mandhana said after the match. “It was a match winning spell from Lauren Bell. 400 in the match and she goes for just 20 (19 in four overs). One thing has stood out this season the support staff the way have supported us. Roles were clear for all of us. That makes our job easier on the field. The girls are working extremely hard and that shoots up your belief. They are working hard in the gym and that gives confidence to chase down any score. But what Volly did was special. Everyone going back to their home will say this is what we have contributed.”
