RCB Script Historic Chase as DC’s Final Curse Continues

The Women’s Premier League 2026 final delivered one of the most dramatic nights in the short yet rapidly growing history of the competition, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women scripted a stunning six-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals Women to secure their second WPL title. Played in Vadodara before a packed crowd, the match saw old records decimated and new ones created, a captain’s knock for the tales and yet another heartbreaking finish for Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals Set the Stage with a Massive Total

Batting first after winning the toss, Delhi Capitals produced a commanding batting performance, finishing with a big total of 203/4 in their 20 overs, one of the highest totals ever recorded in a WPL final. The innings was built on aggressive intent from the top order and controlled acceleration in the middle overs, allowing DC to maintain a scoring rate above ten runs per over for a large part of the innings.

With a total exceeding the 200-run mark, Delhi appeared firmly in control. Historically, totals above 175 in WPL knockout matches have proven extremely difficult to chase and the scoreboard pressure was expected to play a decisive role in the final. At the halfway stage, DC seemed poised to finally break their title drought.

Mandhana Leads the Historic Chase

What followed, however, was one of the greatest chases ever seen in the Women’s Premier League. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana produced a spectacular 87 off just 41 balls, combining elegance with calculated aggression to dismantle the DC bowling attack. Her innings, filled with authoritative drives, lofted shots and fearless stroke play in the powerplay, ensured RCB never allowed the required rate to climb beyond control.

Mandhana’s approach defined the chase early. Instead of consolidating, RCB attacked from the start, scoring quickly during the first six overs and shifting the pressure back onto the Delhi bowlers. Even after her dismissal, the strong foundation laid by the captain allowed the middle order to continue the momentum and keep the target within reach.

RCB eventually completed the chase at 204/4 in 19.4 overs, sealing victory with two balls to spare. The win was not only a championship triumph but also a landmark statistical achievement: it became the first successful 175+ chase in a WPL final, highlighting the growing attacking confidence of teams in high-pressure situations. The chase also stands among the highest successful run chases in the tournament’s history, reinforcing the shift toward high-scoring contests in women’s franchise cricket.

Delhi Capitals Continuing Final Heartbreak

While RCB celebrated a historic night, the defeat marked another painful chapter for Delhi Capitals. The franchise has now lost four consecutive WPL finals, an extraordinary yet unfortunate record that reflects both their remarkable consistency in reaching the summit clash and their repeated inability to convert appearances into championships under the pressure of finals..

Delhi’s performance in the 2026 season once again demonstrated their strength as a tournament side. They dominated the league stage, displayed one of the most balanced squads in the competition and produced a strong batting performance in the final itself. Yet, as has happened in previous seasons, the decisive moments slipped away when it mattered most.

The pattern has now become one of the defining narratives of the WPL’s early years, Delhi Capitals consistently among the best teams across the season, but repeatedly denied the trophy at the final hurdle.

RCB’s Growing Legacy in the WPL

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the victory signals the rise of a championship-winning culture in the women’s setup. Winning the title through a record-breaking chase further underlined the team’s aggressive brand of cricket and their ability to perform under pressure. The triumph also reinforced the importance of the captain leading from the front, with Mandhana’s captaincy and match-winning innings serving as the defining factors of the night.

RCB’s second WPL title places them among the early powerhouse teams of the league and strengthens their reputation as one of the most fearless batting units in the competition. The ability to chase down a 200-plus total in a final demonstrates not only batting depth but also tactical clarity and belief, qualities that often define champion teams.

A Final That Showed the Evolution of the League

Beyond the result, the 2026 final symbolized the rapid evolution of the Women’s Premier League. Totals once considered unbeatable are now being chased successfully, finals are producing record-breaking performances and teams are adopting increasingly aggressive approaches. The spectacle of a 200-plus final, followed by a historic chase, showcased how quickly the standard of women’s franchise cricket is rising.

For fans, the match delivered everything a championship contest promises. It had big totals, fearless batting, shifting momentum and a dramatic finish… Classic T20 experience. For RCB, it was a night of celebration and history. For Delhi Capitals, it was another reminder of how fine the margins can be in championship cricket.

But above all, the WPL 2026 final will be remembered as the night when a seemingly impossible chase became reality, rewriting the record books and adding another unforgettable chapter to the growing legacy of the tournament.