The Women’s Premier League 2026 final ignited at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) seizing the initiative. Captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss against Delhi Capitals (DC) and chose to bowl, betting on their bowling attack to set up a chase.
Mandhana’s rationale was clear: ‘We prefer bowling first. Tournament trends back it, and knowing the target on a solid pitch is advantageous.’ RCB fields the identical XI from their prior win, emphasizing team synergy.
DC’s Jemimah Rodrigues remained upbeat: ‘Toss losses in finals can be blessings. Same team for us, and this pitch’s nuances from the eliminator are known quantities.’
Delhi’s fourth final berth underscores their dominance, yet heartbreak lingers—beaten by MI twice and RCB once. Victory here would mark their first WPL crown.
RCB eyes a repeat triumph, blending experience with youth. Conditions at the venue suggest a batsman-friendly surface with later assistance for spinners.
DC playing XI: Lizelle Lee (keeper), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (leader), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Sri Charani, Nandini Sharma.
RCB’s selection: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (skipper), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (keeper), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell.
As play unfolds, expect fireworks from top-order aggressors and middle-overs guile, culminating in a fitting WPL finale spectacle.