DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues and RCB captain Smriti Mandhana during a press conference ahead of the WPL 2026 T20 final cricket match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara, Gujarat. (PTI Photo) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has a chance to lead her team to a second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title and draw level with Mumbai Indians (MI) in terms of trophies, while Delhi Capitals (DC) will look to end their finals losing streak when the two sides meet in the final on Thursday.RCB, the 2024 champions, have had a strong campaign this season. They often responded well in difficult situations and showed consistency early on, becoming the first team in WPL history to start a season with five straight wins. Throughout the tournament, various players stepped up at key moments to shape results.
Indian women cricketers become CROREPATIS after winning the World Cup!
In the previous match, Grace Harris starred with 75 against UP Warriorz to help RCB to an eight-wicket win after a mixed season. Earlier, Gautami Naik scored 73 against Gujarat Giants, which proved crucial in the 61-run victory. RCB will now look to win their second title and match Mumbai Indians.RCB’s batting unit, including Mandhana, Harris, Georgia Voll and Richa Ghosh, has not been consistent throughout the season, but timely contributions have often been enough. In the bowling department, pacers Nadine de Klerk and Sayali Satghare produced important spells.De Klerk is currently the third highest wicket-taker of the season with 15 wickets from eight matches, including a best of 4 for 22. Spinner Shreyanka Patil has also played a key role, highlighted by her five-wicket haul against Gujarat Giants.RCB’s strength is their ability to perform as a unit at crucial moments. Mandhana will be hoping for more players to contribute in the final when they take on Delhi Capitals.Led by Jemimah Rodrigues this season, Delhi Capitals are aiming for their first WPL title after finishing runners-up in all the previous three editions.Their campaign was largely driven by their bowling attack. Pacers Chinelle Henry and Nandani Sharma soon came into their own with the new ball. Nandani has taken 16 wickets this season, making her the second highest wicket-taker, and her performances have put her in contention for higher honours.Delhi’s batting has also shown improvement in recent matches. Lizelle Lee contributed at the top in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants, while Shafali Verma found form and added a half-century stand with Lee. Laura Wolvaardt provided stability at the highest level throughout the season.With both batting and bowling influenced by South African players, the Capitals have benefited from a group that has been playing together for several years. That understanding could help them in the finals as they look to end their wait for a title under Rodrigues, who will be hoping for a strong performance after a quiet season so far.
