Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women delivered one of the most memorable performances in Women’s Premier League history, pulling off a record-breaking run chase to defeat Delhi Capitals Women by six wickets in the WPL 2026 final. On a night where pressure was relentless and the stakes sky-high, RCB rewrote the script with composure, power, and fearless intent.
Chasing the highest target ever successfully hunted down in a WPL final, RCB overhauled Delhi’s imposing 203/4 with authority, sealing their second WPL title and further cementing their rise as one of the league’s most formidable sides.
Batting first, Delhi Capitals Women laid down a daunting challenge after a strong top-order display. Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a fluent 57, pacing her knock perfectly to keep the scoreboard moving. She was well supported by Laura Wolvaardt, who struck a composed 44, and Lizelle Lee, whose quickfire 37 gave DC early momentum.
The Capitals finished on 203/4, a total that looked match-winning on a big final night, especially considering RCB’s history of chasing under pressure. RCB’s chase began on uncertain footing as an early wicket left them reeling at 9/1. What followed, however, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll stitched together a breathtaking 165-run partnership off just 92 balls, the highest partnership for any wicket in WPL history. Their stand completely dismantled Delhi’s bowling attack and swung the momentum decisively in RCB’s favour.
Mandhana led from the front, producing a captain’s knock of 87 off 41 balls, blending elegance with ruthless intent. Voll complemented her perfectly, matching the tempo with clean, powerful hitting and ensuring the required run rate never spiralled out of control. Together, they turned a nervy chase into a commanding statement.
RCB crossed the finish line with six wickets in hand, completing the highest successful run chase the tournament has ever witnessed.
The victory marked RCB Women’s second WPL championship, a reward for their consistency and bold brand of cricket throughout the season. For Delhi Capitals, the loss extended a painful trend, as they fell short in a WPL final for the fourth time, despite another strong campaign.
WPL 2026 Awards & Prize Money
Player of the Final: Smriti Mandhana – 87 runs (Prize Money: INR 2.5 Lakhs)
Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (INR 6 Crores)
Runners-up: Delhi Capitals Women (INR 3 Crores)
Emerging Player of the Tournament: Nandni Sharma
Player of the Tournament: Sophie Devine (Prize Money: INR 5 Lakhs)
Highest Run-Scorer: Smriti Mandhana – 377 runs (9 innings)
Most Sixes: Harmanpreet Kaur & Sophie Devine – 13 sixes each
Highest Wicket-Taker: Sophie Devine – 17 wickets (9 innings)
Best Bowling Figures: Shreyanka Patil – 5/23
Most Catches (Non-Wicketkeeper): Ashleigh Gardner – 12 catches
