Vodadra, (UNI) Smriti Mandhana delivered a captain’s performance of exceptional poise and power as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women claimed their second Women’s Premier League title, defeating Delhi Capitals Women by six wickets in a gripping final that was decided amid high drama in the last over at the BCA Stadium here on Thursday.
Chasing a challenging target of 204 in a title clash, RCB were immediately under pressure, but Mandhana responded with fearless intent. The skipper smashed 87 off just 41 balls, striking 12 fours and three sixes, and ensured the asking rate never spiralled out of control.
After the early dismissal of Grace Harris (9), Mandhana found an ideal partner in Georgia Voll, who played a measured yet authoritative innings of 79 off 54 deliveries.
The Mandhana–Georgia partnership, worth 165 runs, became the defining passage of the final, dismantling Delhi bowling attack and swinging the momentum firmly in Bengaluru’s favour. Even after Mandhana fell in the 19th over, the chase remained alive, though the tension inside the stadium was palpable.
A decisive moment came when Radha Yadav was offered a crucial lifeline, one that later loomed large in the context of the result. Attempting to loft a full delivery from Chinelle Henry, Radha mistimed the shot and the ball ballooned towards cover, where Minnu Mani failed to hold on despite getting both hands to it.
The dropped catch not only spared Radha but also allowed RCB to scramble back for two vital runs, subtly tilting the balance in a contest ultimately decided by fine margins.
The match then reached a dramatic climax in the final over bowled by Shree Charani, with 10 runs required from six balls. Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk showed admirable composure under pressure. After trading singles and reducing the equation, Radha struck two consecutive boundaries.
Brief confusion followed as a bail was dislodged at the striker’s end, prompting a pause and hurried on-field discussions, before the umpires confirmed the boundary and Bengaluru’s victory with two balls to spare. Celebrations erupted as players and support staff poured onto the field.
Earlier in the evening, Delhi had set the stage for a grand finale with a strong total of 203 for 4. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with a well-crafted 57 off 37 balls, combining elegance with authority.
Laura Wolvaardt added a brisk 44, Lizelle Lee contributed 37 at the top, and Chinelle Henry provided late impetus with an unbeaten 35 off just 15 deliveries to push Delhi beyond the 200 mark.
RCB’s bowlers found wickets through Chinelle Henry, Minnu Mani, and Nandni Sharma, but could not prevent the Mandhana-led chase from gaining momentum. Despite Delhi’s disciplined effort in the field, the pressure of defending a big total in a final eventually told.
While Jemimah’s leadership and batting ensured Delhi were firmly in the contest, the night ultimately belonged to Mandhana, whose authority at the top and calm leadership under pressure defined the final.
Bengaluru Women finished on 204 for 4 in 19.4 overs, sealing a memorable triumph and lifting the WPL 2026 trophy after a final that lived up to its billing.
