RCB Women Script History: 204-Run Chase, a Sisterhood of Fire, and a Crown That Sparkles Louder Than Ever.

2026 Women’s Premier League final will stand as one of the most iconic chapters in the story of women’s cricket in India. On a night defined by courage, composure, and sheer belief, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women produced a performance for the ages, defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. In successfully chasing down a monumental target of 204 runs, RCB Women not only secured their second WPL title in three seasons but also completed the highest successful chase ever seen in a WPL final.

This was not just a victory on the scoreboard. It was a moment that reflected the evolution of women’s cricket, the rise of fearless leadership, and the power of teams that refuse to accept limits.

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A Final Charged with Expectation

The stage was set perfectly for a classic final. Delhi Capitals, a side that has consistently reached the final stages of the WPL yet fallen short of the ultimate prize, came into the match determined to rewrite their story. Batting first on a good surface, they displayed intent and discipline from the outset. Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a fluent 57, showcasing maturity and control under pressure. Supported well by her teammates, Delhi Capitals built steadily before accelerating in the latter stages, eventually finishing on a formidable 203 for 4.

In the context of a final, the total carried immense weight. History suggested that such a target was beyond reach, especially with the pressure of silverware on the line. As the Delhi players walked off the field, there was a sense that they had done enough to finally lift the trophy.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, however, had other plans.

Leadership Under Pressure

Smriti Mandhana’s role in this final cannot be overstated. As captain, she carried not just the responsibility of leading a chase, but the expectations of a franchise that has always dreamed big. From the moment she took guard, Mandhana exuded calm authority. Her shot selection was precise, her footwork assured, and her intent unmistakable.

Rather than allowing the required run rate to dictate rash decisions, Mandhana chose control. She assessed the field, targeted gaps, and punished anything loose. Her innings was a lesson in how to chase under pressure, especially in a final where one mistake can alter the course of the match.

Mandhana’s performance was also the culmination of a remarkable tournament. Finishing the season with 377 runs, she claimed the Orange Cap and reaffirmed her position as one of the most consistent and influential players in the league.

Georgia Voll and a Partnership That Changed the Game

If Mandhana provided stability, Georgia Voll delivered momentum. Her innings of 79 was fearless, built on clean hitting and unwavering confidence. Together, the duo forged a match-defining 165-run partnership, a stand that will be remembered as one of the greatest in WPL history.

What made this partnership extraordinary was not just the number of runs scored, but the manner in which they were accumulated. Under relentless pressure, Mandhana and Voll rotated the strike seamlessly, ensured the scoreboard kept moving, and prevented Delhi Capitals from settling into defensive plans. Boundaries came at crucial moments, shifting the momentum irreversibly toward RCB.

By the time the partnership ended, the impossible had become inevitable.

Composure in the Closing Moments

Finals are often decided in the last few overs, where nerves can undo even the strongest positions. RCB Women showed maturity beyond their years. Even as wickets fell late in the chase, there was no sense of panic. The batters trusted the work done earlier and stayed focused on the finish line.

Crossing the target with six wickets in hand, RCB Women completed a chase that will be talked about for years. The celebrations reflected not just joy, but relief and pride; a recognition of what they had just achieved.

Smriti Mandhana was rightly named Player of the Match, her innings setting the tone for one of the greatest finals the league has witnessed.

A Franchise That Sets the Standard

With this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the only franchise to hold both WPL and IPL titles, a rare and remarkable achievement. Two WPL trophies in three seasons highlight the franchise’s commitment to excellence, strong leadership, and belief in building winning cultures across both men’s and women’s teams.

RCB Women are no longer a team chasing success; they are the benchmark others aspire to reach.

Delhi Capitals and the Weight of Near Misses

For Delhi Capitals, the loss was yet another painful chapter. Reaching four WPL finals without lifting the trophy is a testament to their consistency, but also a reminder of how cruel sport can be. Their performance in the final, especially with the bat, showed quality and intent. Yet once again, the final hurdle proved too high.

Their journey continues to be one of promise and perseverance, and the search for that elusive title remains unfinished.

A Defining Moment for Women’s Cricket

Beyond the result, this final carried significance far greater than a trophy. It showcased the growing depth, competitiveness, and appeal of women’s cricket. Packed stadiums, high viewership, and performances of the highest calibre demonstrated that the WPL has firmly established itself as a premier sporting event.

The record-breaking chase by RCB Women symbolized a broader shift; one where women’s cricket is no longer measured against past limitations, but celebrated on its own terms for its quality and drama.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 WPL final will be remembered as the night Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women chased down 204 runs and redefined what is possible in a championship match. It was a night of leadership, fearless batting, and collective belief. Smriti Mandhana’s season of consistency, Georgia Voll’s match-winning contribution, and the team’s unshakable composure combined to produce a triumph that transcended numbers.

More than a title, this win represented progress, inspiration, and the growing confidence of women’s sport on the biggest stage. RCB Women did not just lift a trophy; they left behind a legacy, one that will inspire future generations to play bold, dream big, and never doubt what they can achieve.