Vadodara: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana praised the team’s fighting spirit and unwavering support from fans after RCB posted a record 204 and defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets in the 2026 Women’s Premier League final in Vadodara. Mandhana’s explosive 87 and Georgia Voll’s elegant 79 led Bengaluru to their second WPL title and left Delhi heartbroken for the fourth time in a row.
Vadodara witnessed one of the greatest chases in the history of the Women’s Premier League as Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the 2026 title with a fearless batting performance. It’s never easy to reach 204 in a final but the Mandhana-led side made it happen with a mix of aggression and calm.
Smriti Mandhana led from the front, hitting 87 off just 41 balls. Her 165-run partnership with Australian star Georgia Voll turned the contest on its head and completely silenced the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack. Voll contributed a brilliant 79, showing maturity beyond her years and captaining the game shot for shot.
After the win, an emotional Mandhana thanked the RCB faithful. “Very happy. RCB fans are, in my opinion, the best in the world. Wherever we play, we get support. Whatever we do is for them. Three titles in three years for the franchise, that’s incredible,” she said, referring to the success of the RCB brand.
Mandhana admitted that while the pitch looked good for batting, it was always a challenge to cross the 200 mark in a final. “We definitely thought it was a good surface to bat on. But 200-plus is a good score in a final. We bowled well in the last few overs. Credit to Bell – 400 in a match and she manages 20 odd runs,” she added, praising pacer Lauren Bell’s control despite the high-scoring competition.
The captain reserved special words for her batting partner Voll. “Voll led the way. She had almost all the shots on the power play and her intent was right. I had a feeling she was going to score the game-winning goal in the final. She’s been practicing a little bit more the last few days. I’m glad it paid off for her. What Voll did was really special.”
Mandhana also highlighted the positive atmosphere in the dressing room. “When we win, we can always say that calm and composure works. The way the supervisors looked after the girls made sure the roles were clear. We thank everyone and if it is done in the right way, it is quite easy to step into our job and take the lead. The girls work extremely hard and that is one thing that strengthens your faith.”
She made it clear that the title belonged to every member of the team, not just those on the field. “The campaign we had, everyone who goes home will say what they contributed. PK (Prathyoosha Kumar) was a girl who didn’t play a game, but she was there. And then Gautami and Prema, they are two special youngsters. I want to thank all the RCB fans. This is for you. I have said this in 2024 and I will say it again: ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ – this year the cup is ours.”
For the Delhi Capitals, the night brought familiar pain. This was their fourth consecutive defeat in a WPL final after defeats in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues tried to keep her emotions in check and praised her team’s performance.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team. It wasn’t easy for us, but I can be proud of the character that our girls showed. Not only them, but the support team worked tirelessly for us. Every single person, even the fans around the world, thank you very much,” said Rodrigues.
Reflecting on the game, she concluded that 204 was a strong score. “I think 204 in a final is a great result. Hats off to the way we played. If we ever wanted our team to click it was today and we did it. Everyone fought hard and gave it their best and sometimes that’s all that matters.”
Rodrigues also praised the young Indian talent in the squad. “The review was great. When we start a tournament well it becomes easier for us, but we pick ourselves up – they showed the depth there is in Indian cricket. Even Nandani and Minnu.”
Several outstanding artists of the season were honored at the awards ceremony. Grace Harris won the best strike award while Delhi’s Lucy Hamilton bagged the best catch of the season as she dismissed Mandhana for 96 in the league phase on January 17. Harmanpreet Kaur finished the tournament with the most sixes.
Sophie Devine was recognized for her game intelligence and also received the Purple Cap for leading wicket-taker and the Most Valuable Player award. Lauren Bell received the award for bowling the most dot balls and Delhi’s Nandani Sharma was named Emerging Player of the Season. Mumbai Indians honored with Fair Play Award.
Appropriately, Mandhana was named player of the match and also received the Orange Cap as the top run-scorer. As fireworks lit up the Vadodara sky, RCB celebrated an evening that will be remembered for years to come – a triumph built on faith, fearless cricket and the cheers of loyal fans.
