Delhi Capitals’ search for a maiden Women’s Premier League (WPL) title continued on Thursday night as they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL 2026 final in Vadodara. Despite posting their highest-ever WPL total, Delhi fell short once again, losing their fourth consecutive final.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down a formidable target of 204, riding on a commanding 165-run partnership for the second wicket between Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. RCB completed the chase with two balls to spare, sealing their second WPL title and joining Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in league history.
For Delhi Capitals, the emotional toll was evident. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues struggled to hold back tears as she walked straight into the dressing room after the final ball. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, closely associated with the Delhi franchise, watched in silence as another final slipped away.
Rodrigues had led from the front earlier in the evening, producing a fluent half-century under pressure. She shared a crucial 76-run stand with Laura Wolvaardt, keeping the scoreboard ticking with intelligent placement and sharp running. A late cameo from Chinelle Henry, who smashed 35 off just 15 deliveries, powered Delhi Capitals to an imposing 203 for four.
Delhi struck early in RCB’s chase, dismissing opener Grace Harris to briefly gain momentum. However, Mandhana and Voll quickly took control, punishing loose deliveries and maintaining a strong scoring rate. RCB reached 100 at the halfway stage, needing 104 runs from the final 10 overs.
The partnership was finally broken when Minnu Mani removed Voll, offering Delhi a fleeting chance of a comeback. But RCB’s batters held their nerve in the closing moments to complete a memorable run chase and lift the trophy.
With this result, Delhi Capitals became only the second team in women’s franchise cricket history, after Brisbane Heat, to lose four finals. Their previous defeats came against Mumbai Indians in 2023, RCB in 2024, and Mumbai Indians in 2025, extending a painful pattern in championship matches.
