Finals test nerves. They also reveal character. On the grandest stage of the Women’s Premier League, Smriti Mandhana proved she had both.
Chasing the highest total ever posted in a WPL final, Mandhana owned the moment with composure and authority. Her sublime 41-ball 87 anchored a historic chase as Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second WPL title in three years.
With the win, RCB achieved a rare milestone in franchise cricket history — becoming the first team whose men’s and women’s sides have both lifted IPL and WPL trophies. The six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, however, was not built on brute force but on control, clarity and a ruthless partnership.
Mandhana and Georgia Voll stitched together a decisive 165-run stand that broke the back of the chase. Before the final, Voll had spoken about successful teams doing the simple things well for long periods — and she lived up to her words. Walking in as early as the second over, Voll played with freedom and precision, scoring a commanding 79 off 54 balls.
RCB suffered an early blow when Grace Harris departed for nine, but Voll seized control, reaching her half-century in 37 deliveries as Mandhana initially played the supporting role. Once Mandhana found her rhythm, she looked unstoppable, attacking with trademark elegance and intent.
Voll’s innings, decorated with 12 boundaries and three sixes, ended at a strike rate of 212.2. While she had set the tone, Mandhana soon elevated the chase to another level.
Delhi Capitals briefly clawed their way back, dismissing Voll, Richa Ghosh (6) and Mandhana in quick succession. With 10 runs needed off the final over, Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk held their nerve, sealing the title with two balls to spare.
Earlier, Delhi Capitals had produced a batting effort worthy of a final. Determined to avoid yet another heartbreak, their top order rose to the occasion. From Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma to Laura Wolvaardt and Chinelle Henry, DC’s batters embraced the challenge.
Captain Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front, guiding her side to a formidable 203/4 — the highest total in a WPL final and the highest at the venue.
After a cautious start that yielded just nine runs in the first three overs, Lee and Shafali switched gears emphatically. Lee struck consecutive sixes off Sayali Satghare as DC powered to 53 without loss in the Powerplay. She continued her onslaught against Shreyanka Patil, who conceded 19 runs in her opening over.
Shafali looked set for a big knock before falling for 20 to a short ball from Arundhati Reddy. Nadine de Klerk then removed Lee for 37, offering RCB a brief opening. But Rodrigues shut the door with one of her finest knocks of the season.
Apart from Lauren Bell’s tidy spell (0/19), RCB’s bowlers struggled for control. Rodrigues capitalised, scoring a fluent 57 off 37 balls and putting DC firmly in command through the middle overs. She added 76 runs with Wolvaardt, acting as the primary aggressor in the partnership.
After Rodrigues’ dismissal, Chinelle Henry provided the final flourish with a blistering 35 off just 13 balls, pushing DC past the 200-run mark.
Yet, once again, it proved to be a case of so close, yet so far for Delhi Capitals.
Brief scores:
Delhi Capitals 203/4 (Jemimah Rodrigues 57, Laura Wolvaardt 44)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 204/4 in 19.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 87, Georgia Voll 79)
RCB won by 6 wickets
