WPL 2026 Final: Smriti Mandhana shines as RCB beats Delhi Capitals to win second title

Royal Challengers Bengaluru completed a stunning Women’s Super League record run to lift their second title and inflict a fourth successive defeat in the Delhi Capitals final.

RCB, who won their first title in 2024, chased down 204 balls to spare after memorable innings from skipper Smriti Mandhana (87 off 41) and Australia’s Georgia Phule (79 off 54).

The pair put on a record 165 off 92 balls after losing Grace Harris at second for nine.

They exploited their matches brilliantly and Mandana’s brilliant innings saw her finish as the tournament’s top scorer with 377 goals.

Phule was dismissed for 30 and Richa Ghosh followed suit seven balls later, before Mandhana was dropped in the penultimate over when she was bowled by Chenille Henry.

Radha Yadav was dropped off her first ball, but with 10 balls needed from the final over, she hit the third and fourth balls over the covers for four to seal victory.

The defeat was another disappointment for the Capitals, who have lost every final match in the tournament’s four-year history.

“I’m very happy. Three titles as a privilege [two women’s and one men’s] “The last three years it’s been amazing,” Mandana said.

“We knew over 200 was a good score but we pulled it back the last four times and I would say to Lauren Bell, conceding 19 in four times, that was a game-winning spell.”

Despite another defeat, Capitals captain Jemima Rodriguez praised her team’s spirit.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team. This season hasn’t been easy for us, but the character we showed to get to the finals – I couldn’t ask for more.”