Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinch Historic Second WPL Title in Dramatic Final
In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second Women's Premier League championship with a stunning victory over Delhi Capitals in Vadodara on Thursday. The win was not just a sporting achievement but a deeply personal triumph for captain Smriti Mandhana, who delivered a match-winning performance amid recent personal turmoil.
Mandhana's Emotional Masterclass Anchors Record Chase
Smriti Mandhana, who recently faced significant personal challenges including a called-off wedding, responded with one of the most emphatic performances in WPL history. The RCB captain smashed 87 runs in the final, the highest individual score ever recorded in a WPL title clash. Her powerful innings, combined with Georgia Voll's crucial 79-run contribution, propelled RCB to a record-breaking chase of 204 runs, securing the trophy in dramatic fashion.
"This victory means everything to our team, especially for Smriti," said spinner Shreyanka Patil after the match. "She has navigated incredibly difficult personal circumstances over the last few months, and to see her lead us to victory with such determination is truly inspiring."
Patil's Emotional Dedication Highlights Team Unity
Following the championship victory, Shreyanka Patil made an emotional dedication that underscored the team's unity and shared journey. "I would love to mention three special people," Patil stated. "First, Smriti, because she has endured so much recently. I dedicate this win to her. Then Malo and Anya—today marks Anya's son's first birthday, and this is Malo's first season as head coach. This victory holds special meaning for all of us."
Patil, who made a remarkable comeback this season, described the campaign as "very special" and thanked fans for their unwavering support during the daunting 200-plus run chase. The spinner finished the 2026 WPL season with 11 wickets across nine innings, playing a pivotal role in RCB's championship run.
Delhi Capitals' Fourth Consecutive Trophy Drought
While RCB celebrated their historic achievement, Delhi Capitals were left searching for answers after concluding their fourth consecutive season without a trophy. Despite their strong performance throughout the tournament, the team couldn't overcome RCB's determined batting display in the final.
Delhi all-rounder Radha Yadav acknowledged the team's efforts, praising management support and situational training sessions that contributed to their competitive season. "The hard work behind the scenes has been immense," Yadav noted. "While we're disappointed with the result, we recognize the dedication that brought us this far."
Mandhana's Leadership Transforms Adversity into Glory
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the championship night ultimately belonged to Smriti Mandhana—a captain who transformed personal adversity into sporting glory. Her heroic innings not only anchored the highest successful chase in WPL final history but also reinforced her reputation as one of the league's premier match-winners.
The victory marks a significant milestone for RCB's women's franchise, establishing them as a dominant force in the Women's Premier League. As teams prepare for future seasons, Mandhana's leadership and the team's demonstrated resilience will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation.
