DC suffer heartbreak again as Mandhana–Voll masterclass powers RCB to WPL 2026 glory

Smriti Mandhana after the win (Image: WPL)

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) wait for their maiden WPL title continued as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated them in the WPL 2026 final in Vadodara. A jam-packed Kotambi Stadium witnessed a thrilling finish as RCB registered a six-wicket win in the final over to clinch their second WPL title.

The chase looked like an uphill task, especially after Grace Harris was dismissed early for just nine runs. However, what followed was a batting masterclass from skipper Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. The Smriti–Voll partnership turned the game completely on its head.

During their magnificent 165-run stand off just 92 balls, both batters looked in complete control. They timed the ball beautifully and pierced the gaps with ease. Voll, who had scored only 37 runs in her previous four innings, tore into the DC bowling attack. Along with her conventional strokes, she also brought out a few unorthodox shots to great effect, eventually scoring 79 off 54 balls.

At the other end, Smriti played a true captain’s knock under immense pressure. Often criticised for not delivering in big knockout games, the final provided her with the perfect stage. With RCB needing a calm and commanding presence during a tricky chase, Smriti stepped up in style. Her blistering 87 off just 41 balls not only sealed the title but also helped her finish as the Orange Cap holder, with 377 runs in nine innings.

DC briefly found hope when they picked up three wickets — Voll, Smriti and Richa Ghosh — in quick succession. Suddenly, the equation came down to 13 runs needed off eight balls. It could have been even worse for RCB when Radha Yadav miscued a big shot that went high in the air, but Minnu Mani spilled the chance, leaving DC fans stunned.

Radha then made sure RCB did not let the opportunity slip, as she smashed two consecutive fours in the final over to seal the victory, sending RCB supporters into wild celebrations.

For Jemimah Rodrigues and DC, it was another heartbreaking night. With this defeat, DC have now lost four finals in four WPL seasons, extending their painful wait for a maiden title.

Earlier, they had got off to a solid start through openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee, who added 49.

Laura Wolvaardt then scored a fluent 44 off 25 balls, while skipper Jemimah played a sublime knock of 57 off 37 deliveries. Jemimah looked in fine touch throughout her innings. Chinelle Henry provided the finishing push with a powerful unbeaten 35 at a strike-rate of 233.33. Her 55-run partnership with Wolvaardt helped DC cross the 200-run mark, but in the end, it proved just short.

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