Bangalore franchise claims silverware after chasing massive 204 target
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women have etched their name in history by lifting the WPL trophy. In a high-octane WPL Final 2026 at the Kotambi Stadium, the Bangalore franchise defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) Women by 6 wickets in a thrilling run chase.
Winning the toss and electing to field first seemed like a risky decision initially for RCB. Delhi Capitals batters came out swinging, setting a massive target. Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings brilliantly with a composed 57 off 37 balls. She was well supported by Laura Wolvaardt (44) and Lizelle Lee (37). A late aggressive cameo by Chinelle Henry, who smashed 35 runs off just 15 balls, propelled DC to a formidable total of 203/4 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 204 to win a final is never easy, but RCB made it look spectacular. Despite losing Grace Harris early, the match turned on its head due to a match-winning partnership. Captain Smriti Mandhana batting like a woman on a mission, destroyed the DC bowling attack. She scored a breathtaking 87 runs off just 41 balls, including 12 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Mandhana found an able partner in Georgia Voll, who scored a magnificent 79 off 54 balls. Together, they stitched a 165-run partnership that took the game away from Delhi. While both set batters fell late in the innings, the damage was already done. Radha Yadav held her nerve in the final over, scoring an unbeaten 12 to seal the victory with just two balls to spare.
This victory makes the RCB Women champion of the 2025/26 season, bringing joy to their massive fanbase. For Delhi Capitals, it was a heartbreaking loss despite putting a score of over 200 on the board.
