Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Seal Second WPL Crown in Thrilling Final
In a spectacular display of power-hitting and composure, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru women's team captured their second Women's Premier League title, defeating the Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a high-octane final. The victory marks another monumental chapter in the franchise's recent resurgence across cricket formats.
Mandhana's Emotional Dedication to the Faithful Fans
Captain Smriti Mandhana, beaming with pride, summed up the historic evening with the now-iconic chant, "Ee sala cup namdu" (This time the cup is ours), adding "2!" to signify the second WPL triumph. "Very pleased. RCB fans are the best in the world, wherever we play we get a lot of support. Three titles in three years for the franchise — it is amazing," Mandhana declared post-match, dedicating the moment to the loyal fan base. "This one’s for you guys."
The win completes a remarkable trifecta for RCB, following the women's landmark 2024 WPL victory and the men's IPL trophy lift last year, solidifying the franchise's dominance in Indian cricket.
Chasing Down a Daunting Target with Clinical Precision
Faced with a formidable target of 204 set by Delhi Capitals, RCB's chase was anchored by aggressive intent from the outset. Mandhana credited opener Georgia Voll for setting the explosive tone. "Volly led the way… I had a feeling 10–15 days back that she would play a match-winning knock in the final. She has been working extremely hard and I’m happy it paid off," the skipper revealed.
Despite conceding 203 runs, the dressing room remained remarkably calm. Mandhana pointed to the bowling in the death overs as crucial. "We definitely thought it was a good surface to bat on. Of course, 200-plus in a final is a good score, but the way we bowled in the last four overs helped," she said, specifically highlighting Lauren Bell's economical spell as a pivotal, match-winning contribution.
Strategic Clarity and Collective Work Ethic Fuel Success
A recurring theme in Mandhana's remarks was the exceptional role clarity provided by the coaching staff. "Right from the auction, everyone knew what was expected — the batting order, the phases to bowl. That makes our job easier," she stated, praising head coach Malolan Rangarajan and the management group for their meticulous planning.
The captain also emphasized the team's unwavering collective work ethic as the foundation of their self-belief. "When girls are putting in hard yards in the gym and training, you feel you can chase any score," Mandhana noted, underscoring the dedication behind their championship mentality.
Delhi Capitals' Valiant Effort Falls Short Yet Again
For the Delhi Capitals, the defeat represents a fourth consecutive loss in a final, a heartbreaking pattern of near-misses. Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, while disappointed, expressed immense pride in her team's effort. "Could not be more proud of this group… everyone gave their best," Rodrigues said, acknowledging the fierce contest.
The 2025 WPL final will be remembered as a showcase of women's cricket at its most thrilling, with RCB's clinical chase under pressure cementing their status as a powerhouse and delivering another iconic moment for their legion of supporters worldwide.
