Smriti Mandhana Claims Orange Cap as WPL 2026's Top Run-Scorer
Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana has been crowned the highest run-scorer of the Women's Premier League 2026 season, securing the prestigious Orange Cap. The 29-year-old left-handed batter amassed an impressive total of 377 runs across nine innings, leading her team to a historic second WPL title victory at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday.
Mandhana's Dominant Batting Performance
Mandhana's remarkable consistency throughout the tournament was highlighted by her outstanding average of 53.86 and a blistering strike rate of 150. Her season's highest individual score came during the league stage, where she smashed 96 runs off just 61 balls against the Delhi Capitals. The RCB captain saved her best for the final, playing a match-winning innings of 87 runs that propelled her team to chase down a formidable target of 204 runs and clinch the championship trophy.
This victory marks RCB's second WPL title, following their previous triumph in the 2024 season. Mandhana's 87-run knock in the final now stands as the highest individual score in WPL final history. Her crucial 165-run partnership with Georgia Voll, who contributed 79 runs from 54 balls, was instrumental in RCB's successful chase of the highest total ever recorded in a WPL match.
Sophie Devine Earns Purple Cap for Wicket-Taking Prowess
While Mandhana dominated with the bat, Sophie Devine of the Gujarat Giants emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming the Purple Cap with 17 wickets. Devine's bowling excellence was matched by Delhi Capitals' Nandani Sharma, who also finished the season with 17 wickets but secured the Emerging Player of the Season Award due to her slightly superior economy rate of 8.32.
RCB's Nadine de Klerk completed the top three bowlers' list with 16 wickets from nine innings, contributing significantly to her team's championship campaign.
Other Notable Performances and Final Outcome
In the batting department, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 342 runs from eight innings, while her teammate Nat Sciver-Brunt claimed third position with 321 runs in seven innings.
The 2026 WPL season concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a thrilling final. This loss extends Delhi Capitals' unfortunate streak to four consecutive seasons without a trophy, despite their consistent appearances in the tournament's latter stages.
RCB's successful chase of 204 runs in the final not only secured their championship but also broke their own previous record for the highest successful run chase in WPL history, which they had set last year by chasing 202 runs against the Gujarat Giants.
