For years, the chant “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” (This year, the cup is ours) echoed through the streets of Bengaluru as a mixture of hope and heartbreak. While the men’s side had built a legacy of "near misses," it is the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women who have fundamentally rewritten the franchise's destiny. On February 5, 2026, they didn't just win a trophy; they secured their second WPL title in three years, officially establishing the first true dynasty of the Women’s Premier League.
The Red Crown: RCB Women Clinch Second WPL Title in Record-Breaking Final
In a high-octane final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, RCB Women pulled off the unthinkable. Facing a daunting target of 204—the highest ever set in a WPL final—Smriti Mandhana’s side displayed a champion's poise to chase it down with six wickets and two balls to spare. This victory marks a "Double Crown" era for the franchise, as RCB now simultaneously holds both the WPL and the IPL titles (following the men's historic 2025 win).
The Anatomy of a Record Chase
When Delhi Capitals (DC) posted 203/4, spearheaded by a brilliant 57 from Jemimah Rodrigues and late fireworks from Chinelle Henry, the mountain seemed too steep. The atmosphere was tense; no team had ever successfully chased more than 175 in a major women’s T20 final.
However, RCB’s blueprint for success in 2026 was built on fearless intent. Despite the early loss of Grace Harris, the foundation was laid by a historic 165-run partnership between captain Smriti Mandhana and the young Australian sensation, Georgia Voll.
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Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass: The skipper played what many are calling the "Innings of the Decade," smashing 87 off just 41 balls. Her ability to pierce the gaps and find boundaries at will earned her the Player of the Match and the Orange Cap for the season (377 runs).
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The Georgia Voll Factor: Complementing Mandhana was Voll, whose 79 off 54 balls provided the aggressive cushion RCB needed to stay ahead of the required run rate.
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The Finishing Touch: When the partnership finally broke, the nerves were settled by Radha Yadav, who struck back-to-back boundaries in the final over to trigger wild celebrations in the dugout.
A Quote from the Champion
Reflecting on the emotional journey and the unwavering support of the fans, Captain Smriti Mandhana spoke at the post-match presentation:
"I feel RCB fans are the best in the world; wherever we play, we get a lot of support. Three titles in three years for the franchise (WPL 2024, IPL 2025, WPL 2026) is amazing. This one is for them. Ee Sala Cup Namdu 2!"
The Pillars of Success: Beyond the Stars
While Mandhana and Ellyse Perry are the faces of the brand, this second title was won through tactical depth and a "team-first" culture fostered by head coach Luke Williams.
| Feature |
The RCB Winning Edge |
| Tactical Bowling |
Lauren Bell’s economical spell (0/19) was the silent hero in a high-scoring game. |
| Emerging Talent |
The rise of Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana provided the spin-throttle in the middle overs. |
| Leadership |
Mandhana’s calm under pressure allowed the middle order to flourish during the tense final overs. |
What This Victory Means for Indian Cricket
RCB’s back-to-back triumphs have done something profound: they have built a massive, loyal fanbase that idolizes the women’s team with the same fervor as the men’s. Little girls across the country now have a dynasty to look up to—a team that proves Indian women can be dominant, consistent champions on the global franchise stage.
As Mandhana hoisted the trophy, she summed it up best for the roaring crowd: "Three titles in three years for the franchise—it’s amazing. This one is for the fans." The dynasty isn't just coming; it's already here, dressed in red and black.
WPL 2026 Final: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who won the WPL 2026 Final? Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women won the WPL 2026 title by defeating Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets on February 5, 2026, in Vadodara.
Q2: How many WPL titles has RCB won? RCB Women have now won two WPL titles (2024 and 2026), making them the joint-most successful team alongside Mumbai Indians.
Q3: Who was the Player of the Match in the WPL 2026 Final? Captain Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her blistering knock of 87 runs off 41 balls.
Q4: Who won the Orange Cap in WPL 2026? Smriti Mandhana won the Orange Cap, finishing the season as the leading run-scorer with 377 runs.
Q5: What was the highest partnership in WPL final history? The 165-run stand between Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll in the 2026 final is now the highest partnership in WPL tournament history.
