Heartbreak in Vadodara: The Final Jinx Continues
The Delhi Capitals 4th consecutive WPL final loss has left the cricketing world in shock as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off the highest successful run chase in WPL history. Chasing a daunting target of 204 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, RCB’s top order displayed nerves of steel. Despite Delhi posting a record-breaking total for a final, they once again fell at the final hurdle, cementing a tragic pattern of near-misses that has haunted the franchise since the league’s inception in 2023.
Match Summary: A Record-Breaking Night
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – Final
Women’s Premier League 2026 • BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
In a high-octane summit clash, Delhi Capitals seemed to have one hand on the trophy after piling up 203/4, thanks to a steady 57 from skipper Jemimah Rodrigues and a late blitz by Chinelle Henry. However, the joy was short-lived. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana and youngster Georgia Voll systematically dismantled the DC bowling attack with a record 165-run partnership. Despite a late wobble where Mandhana and Voll fell in quick succession, RCB crossed the line with two balls to spare, securing their second WPL title and leaving Delhi to reflect on another missed opportunity.
Etched in history 🏆
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026
Written in 𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐃✍️
A special moment for Smriti Mandhana and @RCBTweets 🥳
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0XSZa#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/FkTqfYOovU
Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
Smriti Mandhana (c), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell
Delhi Capitals Women
Lizelle Lee (wk), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma
Innings Breakdown
1st Innings: DC Breach 200 with Clinical Batting
After being put in to bat, Delhi Capitals overcame a sluggish start where Lauren Bell conceded just 9 runs in the first three overs. Lizelle Lee (37) and Shafali Verma (20) broke the shackles before Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the middle overs. The Jemimah Rodrigues 57 off 37 balls was a masterclass in gap-finding, especially during her 76-run stand with Laura Wolvaardt. Chinelle Henry 35* off just 15 balls provided the final flourish, helping DC become the first team to cross 200 in a WPL final.
2nd Innings: RCB Rewrite History in Record Chase
Chasing 204, RCB lost Grace Harris early, but what followed was absolute carnage. The highest successful run chase in WPL was built on the back of a record 165-run partnership between Mandhana and Voll. They reached 100 in just 10 overs, treating the DC spinners with disdain. Even though Chinelle Henry struck twice late to remove both set batters, the damage was done. Radha Yadav kept her cool to hit the winning boundaries, ensuring the trophy returned to Bengaluru.
- The Powerplay Surge: RCB scored 72/1 in the first six overs, their highest Powerplay score of the season.
- The Henry Impact: Chinelle Henry’s 35* came at a staggering strike rate of 233.33, the highest in the match.
- Boundary Count: RCB hit 26 fours compared to DC’s 22, proving that finding the fence was the key to chasing 204.
𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗? 🤩
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026
An incredible finish to #TATAWPL 2026 as @RCBTweets clinch an absolute thriller to win their Title No. 2⃣ 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0XSZa#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/sTZtNXQ3Ue
Turning Point: The "Over that Changed it All"
The 12th Over Explosion: RCB needed 100+ runs with 9 overs left. Sneh Rana came on to bowl, and Mandhana took her for 15 runs, including a massive six that brought up the RCB 100. This over demoralized the DC fielders and brought the required rate down from 11.5 to 10.4, making the chase feel “achievable” for the first time.
The Night Records Tumbled
The WPL 2026 Final wasn’t just a cricket match; it was a statistical overhaul of the record books. From the highest successful chase in the tournament’s history to Smriti Mandhana becoming the first Indian to claim the elusive Orange Cap, every over seemed to etch a new milestone. While the Delhi Capitals 4th consecutive WPL final loss will be remembered for the heartbreak, the sheer brilliance of the RCB top-order redefined what is possible in a high-pressure summit clash.
| Record Broken / Milestone | New Record / Stat | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Successful WPL Chase | 204/4 (RCB) | 191 (MI, 2025) |
| Highest WPL Partnership (Any Wicket) | 165 Runs | 162 (Lanning/Verma) |
| First Indian Orange Cap Winner | Smriti Mandhana | N/A (Overseas) |
| Most WPL Titles (Joint-Most) | 2 (RCB) | 2 (Mumbai Indians) |
| Consecutive Final Appearances/Losses | 4 (Delhi Capitals) | 3 (Delhi Capitals) |
The Fourth Heartbreak: Delhi’s Final Jinx
The Delhi Capitals 4th consecutive WPL final loss has evolved from a streak of bad luck into a psychological hurdle that defines the franchise. Since the league’s inception in 2023, Delhi has been the most consistent team, reaching every single summit clash. However, they have now lost twice to Mumbai Indians and twice to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Whether batting first and failing to defend a massive 203, or chasing and falling agonizingly short by 8 runs, the Capitals seem to lose their clinical edge the moment the trophy is in sight.
| Year | Opponent | Result | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mumbai Indians | Lost by 7 Wkts | Batting collapse in middle overs. |
| 2024 | RCB | Lost by 8 Wkts | Failed to post a competitive total. |
| 2025 | Mumbai Indians | Lost by 8 Runs | A narrow, agonizing chase failure. |
| 2026 | RCB | Lost by 6 Wkts | Failed to defend a record 203. |
Top Performers
Smriti Mandhana (87 off 41 balls) - Captain's Knock
The RCB skipper played the innings of her life. Mandhana was in a “murderous mood,” reaching her fifty in just 23 deliveries—her fastest in WPL history. She struck 12 fours and 3 sixes, specifically targeting the mid-wicket boundary. Her ability to rotate strike during the rare quiet overs kept the required rate under control, and she eventually finished the season as the leading run-getter, becoming the first Indian to win the Orange Cap.
Georgia Voll (79 off 54 balls)
The young Australian was the perfect foil for Mandhana. While the captain attacked, Georgia Voll 79 vs DC was a knock of immense maturity. She hit 14 boundaries, showing incredible strength through the covers. Her composure during the record 165-run partnership allowed RCB to breathe easy even when the target seemed out of reach. It was a breakout performance on the biggest stage of them all.
Jemimah Rodrigues (57 off 37 balls)
Despite being on the losing side, the DC captain led from the front. Walking in at 49/1, she balanced aggression with stability. Her 8 fours were precisely placed, and she became only the third player to score a half-century in a WPL final. Her leadership throughout the tournament was exemplary, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to break the Delhi Capitals 4th consecutive WPL final loss streak.
What This Result Means: Dynasty vs. Jinx
For RCB, this victory draws them level with Mumbai Indians as the most successful franchise with two titles (2024, 2026). It solidifies Smriti Mandhana’s legacy as one of the greatest captains in the shortest format. For Delhi Capitals, the questions will only get louder. To reach every single final in the league’s history and remain trophy-less suggests a mental block that needs addressing before the 2027 season.
First time was nice, we had to do it twice. ❤️🔥
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 5, 2026
pic.twitter.com/S9FAYUZgtv
The EverythingCric Edge: The Unsung Hero
While the headlines will belong to the centurions, the real difference-maker was Lauren Bell. In a match where over 400 runs were scored at 10 runs per over, Bell’s figures of 4-0-19-0 were gold dust. Her ability to deny DC width in the Powerplay meant they were always 10-15 runs short of where they could have been. In a game decided by two balls, those early dot balls were the silent architects of RCB’s triumph.
Check out related news:
