WPL 2026 Final: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Title Clash
The Women's Premier League 2026 final is set to be a thrilling encounter as Delhi Capitals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. The match will commence at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, marking the culmination of an exciting WPL season.
Road to the Final: Contrasting Journeys
Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been dominant throughout the tournament, topping the league stage with six wins in eight matches. This impressive performance earned them a direct berth into the final, showcasing their consistency and firepower.
On the other hand, Jemimah Rodrigues' Delhi Capitals had to navigate a tougher path. After a challenging start to the season, they fought their way through the Eliminator, defeating Gujarat Giants to secure their spot in the championship match. This resilience has been a hallmark of their campaign.
Historical Context and Title Aspirations
This final presents a fascinating narrative of contrasting histories. Delhi Capitals are playing in their fourth consecutive WPL final, having reached every championship match since the league's inception. However, they have yet to lift the trophy, suffering defeats to Mumbai Indians twice and to RCB in 2024.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, are the defending champions from 2024 and are aiming to secure their second WPL title. The pressure will be on both teams, with DC seeking their maiden championship and RCB looking to establish themselves as a dynasty.
Squad Composition and Key Players
The final features two well-balanced squads with international stars and domestic talent:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:
- Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll
- Richa Ghosh (w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk
- Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare
- Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith
- Dayalan Hemalatha, Prathyoosha Kumar, Gautami Naik, Prema Rawat
Delhi Capitals Squad:
- Lizelle Lee (w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt
- Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry
- Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani
- Nandani Sharma, Alana King, Taniya Bhatia
- Lucy Hamilton, Pragati Singh, Eddla Srujana
The Captaincy Duel: Friendship vs Competition
Adding an intriguing personal dimension to this final is the friendship between the two captains. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues have been close friends for years, but for this evening, they will be fierce competitors on opposite sides.
During the pre-match press conference, their camaraderie was evident when Rodrigues playfully asked Mandhana if she should reveal a particular moment that turned their season around. Mandhana's quick "No!" and their shared laughter highlighted the mutual respect between these two leaders, even as they prepare to battle for the ultimate prize.
Venue and Match Details
The BCA Stadium in Vadodara will host this historic final. The venue has witnessed numerous exciting matches throughout the WPL season and is expected to provide an excellent setting for the championship decider. Fans can expect a packed stadium and electrifying atmosphere as these two powerhouses clash for the WPL 2026 trophy.
With both teams boasting explosive batters, crafty bowlers, and strategic captains, this final promises to be a memorable contest that could go down to the wire. Will Delhi Capitals finally break their final jinx, or will Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defend their title?
