The stage is set for a blockbuster finale as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the WPL 2026 Final. After a grueling league stage and a high-stakes Eliminator, these two powerhouses meet at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara to determine who will lift the trophy.
Team form & journey
RCB: The 2024 season champions have been the team to beat this season. Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB finished at the top of the table with 6 wins from 8 matches, earning a direct ticket to the final. Their campaign has been defined by clinical consistency and a balanced attack that hasn’t relied on just one or two stars.
DC: Delhi continues its remarkable streak of reaching the final in every single WPL edition. However, they are still searching for their maiden title. After a rocky start to the season, Jemimah Rodrigues and her squad found their rhythm at the right time. They secured their spot in the final after a dominant 7-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator.
Players to watch out for
RCB
- Smriti Mandhana (c): The tournament’s leading light for RCB with 290 runs this season. She narrowly missed a century (96) against Delhi earlier and will be eager to anchor the innings on the big stage.
- Nadine de Klerk: A genuine match-winner with the ball, she has been outstanding in the middle overs, frequently breaking crucial partnerships and maintaining a tight economy.
- Lauren Bell: The English pacer has been in “dream form,” picking up 12 wickets in 8 games. Her ability to extract swing early on will be the biggest threat to Delhi’s top order.
DC
- Shafali Verma: Known for her explosive starts, Shafali’s ability to take the game away in the Powerplay is legendary. She comes into the final following a blistering half-century in the league stage against RCB.
- Lizelle Lee: The veteran South African has been a pillar of strength for DC’s batting. Her experience in high-pressure chases makes her the “engine room” of the Capitals’ lineup.
- Nandani Sharma: One of the breakout stars of the season, Nandani has been DC’s leading wicket-taker. Her knack for taking wickets at the death could be the difference-maker.
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Star Sports Network; JioHotstar
- Australia: Fox Cricket; Kayo Sports
- USA and Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV [Sign up here]
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket
- South Africa and Sub-Saharan regions: SuperSport
- New Zealand: Sky Sports 1
Also READ: Sarah Taylor reveals how WPL accelerated women’s cricket in India
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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