WPL 2026 Final: The Women’s Premier League 2026 Final delivered everything fans expect from a grand T20 showdown — explosive batting, fearless strokeplay, high-pressure moments, and a finish worthy of a championship night.
At the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chased down a daunting 204-run target to defeat Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets, scripting one of the most memorable finals in WPL history.
Runs flowed freely, boundaries came in clusters, and momentum swung like a pendulum. But in the end, it was Smriti Mandhana’s captain’s knock that separated champions from contenders.
Delhi Capitals Post a Commanding Total
Asked to bat first, Delhi Capitals showed no signs of final-match nerves and piled up a massive 203/4 in 20 overs. Their approach was bold, calculated, and aggressive from the outset.
Lizelle Lee provided the early thrust, smashing 37 off 30 balls with a mix of elegant timing and brute force. Her three sixes ensured DC made full use of the power play.
Shafali Verma added quick momentum with a brisk 20 off 13 deliveries, keeping the run rate high before falling.
The innings then stabilized through a high-quality partnership between Laura Wolvaardt (44 off 25) and Jemimah Rodrigues (57 off 37). Wolvaardt’s classical strokeplay blended perfectly with Rodrigues’ placement and tempo control. Jemimah’s knock, decorated with eight boundaries, looked like a captain’s special under pressure.
Just when RCB hoped to restrict the total, Chinelle Henry exploded at the death. Her unbeaten 35 off 15 balls at a staggering strike rate above 230 pushed Delhi beyond the 200-run mark — a psychological edge in a final.
RCB’s Chase Begins Under Pressure
Chasing 204 in a final is never easy. RCB suffered an early setback when Grace Harris departed for 9, giving Delhi early hope.
But that hope didn’t last long.
Smriti Mandhana — The Final’s Defining Star
If finals are remembered for iconic performances, Smriti Mandhana’s innings will live in WPL folklore.
87 runs off 41 balls
12 fours, 3 sixes
Strike Rate: 212
Mandhana’s innings was a blend of elegance and authority. Her cover drives pierced the field, her pulls carried power, and her footwork against spin was immaculate. She attacked from ball one, refusing to let the scoreboard pressure dictate terms.
Every over brought a boundary. Delhi’s bowlers searched for answers but found none. Mandhana not only scored runs — she dismantled the chase pressure.
Georgia Voll’s Composed Support
While Mandhana dominated, Georgia Voll played the perfect partner’s role with 79 off 54 balls. Her 14 fours kept the scoreboard ticking, rotated strike effectively, and ensured RCB never lost control.
Their partnership broke Delhi’s spirit. It was the stand that decided the final.
Delhi’s Fightback Attempt
Delhi didn’t surrender. Chinelle Henry struck twice, removing Grace Harris and later Smriti Mandhana, briefly reopening the contest. Voll’s wicket added further tension.
For a moment, the final looked alive again.
RCB Hold Their Nerve
Under pressure, RCB’s lower order stayed calm.
Nadine de Klerk (7 off 5)* and Radha Yadav (12 off 5)* finished the job clinically.
Radha’s cameo, striking at 240, sealed the chase in 19.4 overs, as RCB reached 204/4 and lifted the trophy.
Turning Point of the Match
The turning point was unquestionably Mandhana’s fearless assault during the middle overs. Had she fallen earlier, the asking rate could have created panic. Instead, she ensured RCB stayed ahead of the equation throughout.
Why This Final Will Be Remembered
• Both teams crossed 200 runs
• Captains led from the front
• A successful 10+ run-rate chase in a final
• Perfect mix of power and class batting
This wasn’t just a victory — it was a T20 masterclass.
Player of the Match
Smriti Mandhana — for her match-winning 87 that defined the final.
Conclusion
Delhi Capitals did almost everything right with a 203-run total, but RCB proved why finals belong to big-match players. Mandhana’s brilliance, Voll’s composure, and a calm finish under pressure delivered RCB the championship.
This WPL 2026 Final will be remembered for years — for the runs, the drama, and the unforgettable captain’s knock that crowned new champions.
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