Vadodara: Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title with a memorable six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in a high-octane final at Vadodara International Cricket stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a daunting target of 204, RCB reached 204 for 4 in 19.4 overs, finishing the chase with two balls to spare to register the first successful 200-plus run chase in a WPL final.
Batting first, Delhi Capitals posted a formidable 203 for 4 in 20 overs. The Capitals were powered by a strong opening stand from Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma, who provided early momentum. Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues kept the tempo high through the middle overs, ensuring the scoring rate never dipped, while Chinelle Henry supplied the late flourish to push Delhi past the 200-run mark.
Despite a disciplined effort in the closing overs—highlighted by Lauren Bell’s economical spell—RCB were unable to prevent Delhi from posting a towering total.
In reply, RCB produced a sensational chase led by skipper Smriti Mandhana, who smashed 87 off 41 balls to earn the Player of the Match award. She was brilliantly supported by Georgia Voll, whose attacking 79 saw the duo add a match-defining 165-run partnership.
Though the chase became tense after a few late wickets, RCB’s lower order held their nerve to get the job done.
The final also crowned several standout performers. Mandhana finished the season as the Orange Cap winner with 377 runs, while Sophie Devine claimed the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award after scoring 243 runs and taking 17 wickets. Devine also walked away with the Purple Cap, while Delhi Capitals’ Nandni Sharma was named the Emerging Player of the Season for her 17-wicket haul.
With the win, RCB lifted their second WPL trophy and drew level with Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in the league’s history. For Delhi Capitals, another strong campaign ended in heartbreak, as their search for a maiden WPL title continues.
For RCB and their fans, it was a night of celebration—Ee Sala Cup Namdu, once again.
Source: WPL
Photo credit: RCB/Instagram
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