Royal Challengers Bengaluru made history by executing the largest successful chase in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, securing their second title in this franchise-based Twenty20 league. This accomplishment came at the expense of Delhi Capitals, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in the finals.
Delhi Capitals set a formidable target by scoring 203 runs for four wickets after being asked to bat first. In response, Bengaluru showcased a remarkable performance in Vadodara, led by an impressive 165-run partnership for the second wicket between captain Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll.
With the game on the line and eight runs required from the final four deliveries, Radha Yadav secured the victory for Bengaluru by hitting two consecutive boundaries, sealing the six-wicket win. This triumph adds to their previous WPL title won in 2024.
Player of the match Smriti Mandhana expressed her confidence in the batting surface but acknowledged the difficulty of chasing over 200 runs in a final. She credited her teammate Voll, highlighting her aggressive intent throughout the innings.
Delhi’s innings began strongly with openers Shefali Verma and Lizelle Lee contributing 49 runs in the first six overs. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues played a significant role with her 57 runs, while Laura Wolvaardt’s 44 off just 25 balls helped build a strong foundation. The pair added 76 runs for the third wicket.
In the final three overs, Wolvaardt and the unbeaten Chinelle Henry, who scored 35 off 15 balls, added 49 runs to push Delhi past the 200-run mark for the second time this season. Bengaluru’s Lauren Bell delivered a tight spell, conceding only 19 runs in her four overs, which was crucial to restricting Delhi.
Chasing a record 202 from their previous season’s performance against Gujarat Giants, Bengaluru lost their opener Grace Harris early. However, Voll quickly turned the tide, smashing six boundaries in just three overs to ignite the chase.
Mandhana then took charge, scoring an explosive 87 runs off 41 balls, while Voll contributed 79 runs off 54 before falling to Minnu Mani. At that juncture, Bengaluru needed just 27 runs with three overs remaining to clinch victory.
Despite a late fightback from Delhi, which saw Henry take two wickets in the 19th over, the team could not capitalize on a dropped catch, allowing Bengaluru to complete their chase successfully.
Following the match, Jemimah Rodrigues reflected on her team’s journey, expressing pride in their hard work that led them to a fourth consecutive final. However, this season ended in disappointment for Delhi, underscoring the challenges of reaching the pinnacle repeatedly.