In a thrilling finale at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history by winning their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title. The Smriti Mandhana-led side chased down a mammoth 204 with six wickets in hand, defeating Delhi Capitals in a match that will be remembered for explosive batting displays.
Delhi Capitals set the tone after losing the toss, posting an imposing 203 for four. Openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee provided a fiery start with 49 runs in just 5.5 overs. Verma fell for 20, but Lee anchored with 37 before the innings hit turbulence at 72 for two.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt then steadied the ship with a crucial 76-run stand. Rodrigues smashed 57 off 37 balls, laced with eight boundaries, while Wolvaardt contributed 44. Chinelle Henry finished unbeaten on 35, partnering Wolvaardt for 54 runs to propel Capitals past 200. RCB’s Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, and Nadine de Klerk picked up one wicket each.
RCB’s chase began shakily with Grace Harris out for 9 at 9 for 1. But captain Mandhana and Georgia Wolvaardt unleashed mayhem, forging a match-defining 165-run partnership off 92 balls. Wolvaardt blazed 79 off 54 deliveries with 14 fours before departing at 174 for 2.
Mandhana followed soon after, her 87 off 41 balls featuring 12 fours and three sixes. Richa Ghosh managed just 6, but Radha Yadav sealed the victory with an unbeaten 12 off 5 balls, including two fours. Chinelle Henry took 2 for Capitals, with Nandini Sharma and Minnu Mani claiming one each.
This triumph marks RCB’s second title after 2023/24, while Capitals rue a fourth straight final loss. Mumbai Indians had won the first and third editions.