Women’s Premier League 2026: A Final for the Ages — RCB vs Delhi Capitals

The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) final delivered a spectacular night of cricket on 5 February 2026 at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara, India. In what will surely go down as one of the most thrilling finals in the short history of the tournament, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB) faced off against the Delhi Capitals Women (DC) in a high-octane clash that had fans on the edge of their seats from ball one to the final delivery.

This match was more than just a decider; it was the culmination of a season filled with fierce competition, remarkable individual performances, and the continual rise of women’s T20 cricket in India. The two teams brought contrasting narratives into the final — RCB entered as the dominant force of the season, while DC fought their way through the knockout stages in pursuit of their elusive first title.

Setting the Stage: Build-Up to the Final

From the outset of the tournament, RCB made a statement. Led by their inspirational captain Smriti Mandhana, the franchise topped the league table with consistent all-round performances across batting, bowling, and fielding. Their road to the final included emphatic wins and clutch performances that showcased their depth and balance. 

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals Women’s journey was one of resilience. After an inconsistent start to the league stage, DC rallied in the latter half, stringing together crucial victories and navigating a high-pressure Eliminator to book their place in the final. Their campaign, while roller-coaster in nature, highlighted a growing maturity within the squad and a hunger for silverware. 

The stage was set: two well-matched sides with contrasting paths but with one common goal — lift the WPL trophy. The Vadodara pitch, known for its competitive nature offering something for batters and bowlers alike, added yet another layer of intrigue to the title match. 

Toss, Tactics, and Team Decisions

As the sun dipped and floodlights glowed on a cool evening in Vadodara, the captains met for the toss. RCB skipper elected to bowl first — a strategic decision influenced by the pitch conditions and the potential advantage of chasing under lights. With dew expected to play a role later in the evening and a historically solid second-innings record at BCA, the choice seemed sound. 

Both teams named strong line-ups with marquee international stars and local talents ready to seize the moment. It wasn’t just a battle of teams — it was a showcase of women’s cricket excellence, power, and skill.

DC’s Inspiring Batting Display

Electing to bat first, the Delhi Capitals Women went out with intent. Their innings was anchored by impressive contributions from some of the world’s best batters. At one stage, DC posted a formidable 203/4 in 20 overs — a score that reflected both aggression and composure in equal measure. 

Despite a steady start, DC accelerated through the middle overs. They rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries, building partnerships when it mattered most. This total was one of the highest in WPL final history and represented DC’s best batting performance on the biggest stage. 

Their top order’s determination and calculated risk-taking were testaments to the hard work put in throughout the season. For many spectators, DC’s innings was a reminder that the champions of tomorrow are not just defined by past victories but by the belief and courage shown under pressure.

RCB’s Chase: Poise, Power, and Precision

Chasing 204 was never going to be easy — especially in a final. But RCB approached their run chase with precision that only champions can bring. Led by the incomparable Smriti Mandhana, they crafted their innings around building partnerships and maintaining scoreboard momentum.

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Despite the early pressure and a total that demanded a flawless chase, RCB raced past the target with flair and confidence, finishing on 204/4 inside 20 overs. 

Mandhana — once again proving why she is one of the world’s premier T20 batters — anchored the chase with an innings full of class, timing, and temperament. Her performance not only propelled RCB to the title but also reinforced her standing as a match-winner in crunch situations. Alongside her, fellow batters played their part by rotating strike and keeping the momentum steady.

In particular, watchful partnerships and aggressive yet disciplined stroke penalties ensured that RCB never trailed for long. Their victory in the chase was a demonstration of calculated aggression — knowing when to accelerate and when to preserve wickets.

The Turning Point Moments

Every memorable final has defining moments — and this one had several:

DC’s Mid-Innings Surge: After a careful start, Capitals’ middle overs where they found boundaries and rotated strike efficiently set up a challenging total. It was a collective effort; no individual dominated, but the sum of contributions built a strong foundation.

RCB’s Opening Response: Starting confidently, RCB’s openers ensured there was never a collapse or panic, setting the tone for an assured chase.

Mandhana’s Masterclass: As both a captain and batter, Mandhana’s innings was one for the ages — calculated risks, perfect pacing, and an understanding of the moment that only true champions possess.

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These moments defined not just the match, but also underscored the evolution of skills and strategy in women’s franchise cricket today.

Aftermath: What the Victory Means

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, the victory was a reaffirmation of excellence and consistency. After topping the league, they translated strong form into championship success — a hallmark of a truly balanced and mental-tough side. The win not only brought them the WPL crown, but also inspired young cricketers across India and beyond.

For Delhi Capitals Women, the journey — though ending in defeat — was far from disappointing. Their push to the final, the fighting spirit shown in every match, and the belief they displayed throughout the tournament will only add fuel to their next campaign. They showed their fans that they are a force to be reckoned with and that their first WPL title could be just around the corner.

Conclusion: A Landmark for Women’s Cricket

The 2026 WPL final wasn’t just another T20 game — it was a statement. A showcase of talent, grit, and entertainment. From a packed stadium in Vadodara to millions watching globally, the match highlighted how far women’s cricket has come in terms of competitiveness, star power, and global reach.

As the tournament concluded, fans walked away with memories of stellar batting, strategic masterstrokes, brilliant fielding, and an unforgettable title chase. It wasn’t just about who won — but how the game was won that made this final a classic.

Congrats to RCB Women for lifting the WPL 2026 Trophy, and huge respect to Delhi Capitals Women for a heroic season that won hearts around the cricketing world.