Royal Challengers Bengaluru pull off record chase to win WPL title, Delhi Capitals fall short again

Image Courtesy: WPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru scripted one of the great finals in Women’s Premier League history, chasing down 204 to beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets and lift their second WPL title at Vadodara.

Led by a breathtaking captain’s knock from Smriti Mandhana and a calm, powerful innings from Georgia Voll, RCB got home with two balls to spare, completing the highest successful chase in a WPL final.

Delhi Capitals would have been pleased with their total of 203 for 4, the highest score ever in a WPL final. Contributions came throughout the top order, with Jemimah Rodrigues top-scoring with a fluent 57, while Laura Wolvaardt added a steady 44.

Shafali Verma gave the innings early momentum, and Chinelle Henry provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 35 off just 15 balls, pushing the Capitals past the 200 mark.

RCB’s chase began with an early setback when Grace Harris fell in the second over, but what followed completely shifted the Final.

Mandhana and Voll stitched together a stunning 165-run partnership, combining timing, power, and smart shot selection. Mandhana was aggressive from the outset, finding gaps at will and clearing the ropes with ease on her way to 87 off 41 balls. Voll played the perfect supporting role before turning dominant herself, scoring 79 off 54 deliveries.

RCB flew through the powerplay and never allowed Delhi to regain control. Over after over went for big runs as the Capitals struggled to contain the onslaught.

The dismissal of Voll with 30 still needed and the quick loss of Richa Ghosh added late tension. Mandhana fell in the penultimate over, leaving RCB needing 10 off the final six balls.

Radha Yadav, dropped off her first delivery, responded in style. Two clean boundaries through the off side sealed a famous win and sent the RCB dugout into celebration.

Mandhana finished the season as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 377 runs and later called the title “special” for the franchise.

For Delhi Capitals, it was another painful night. This defeat marked their fourth loss in four WPL finals, despite strong performances throughout the season. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues praised her team’s resilience and character after the match.

RCB’s triumph also saw them draw level with Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in WPL history, underlining their rise as a powerhouse in the women’s game.