RCB or DC? WPL 2026 Final Sets Stage for Defining Moment

By: WE Staff

Under the lights of Vadodara, with a season’s worth of momentum, heartbreak, and belief behind them, the TATA Women’s Premier League 2026 is ready for its defining night.

On February 5, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals will walk into the BCA Stadium carrying very different histories but the same dream. For RCB, it is another chance to turn consistency into silverware. For DC, it is a shot at a maiden WPL title.

RCB’s journey to the final has been one of authority. Led by Smriti Mandhana, they dominated the league stage, finishing on top of the table with six wins from eight matches. Their campaign was built on batting depth, disciplined bowling, and a sustained winning streak that underlined their status as the most balanced side of the season, earning them direct qualification for the summit clash.

Delhi Capitals, captained by Jemimah Rodrigues, have once again taken the tougher road and survived. Finishing third in the league, DC powered into their fourth consecutive WPL final by dismantling Gujarat Giants in the eliminator, chasing down 169 in just 15.4 overs. Contributions from Lizelle Lee, Shafali Verma, and a composed middle order, backed by incisive bowling, showcased a team hardened by pressure.

As the tournament concludes its caravan journey from Navi Mumbai to Vadodara, the stage is set for a final that promises not just a champion but a story of redemption, ambition, and legacy.

RCB’s Commanding March to the Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed direct qualification for the TATA WPL 2026 Final by topping the points table with 14 points, powered by a season of dominance and record-setting performances. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front, scoring 290 runs at an average of 48.33, including a superb 96 against Delhi Capitals. Grace Harris added explosive intent at the top with the league’s best strike rate, while Richa Ghosh emerged as a lethal finisher, playing key roles in multiple high-pressure chases. With the ball, Nadine de Klerk spearheaded the attack as the leading wicket-taker, supported by standout spells from Shreyanka Patil and Lauren Bell. RCB’s historic 202-run chase and six consecutive away wins underlined their authority this season.

From Struggles to Silverware

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s WPL journey reflects steady evolution and growing dominance. After a difficult inaugural season in 2023 and a league-stage exit in 2025, RCB reached its peak by lifting the TATA WPL title in 2024, defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The phase from 2023 to 2025 was marked by standout individual brilliance and record-breaking feats. Ellyse Perry emerged as the franchise’s cornerstone, winning the Orange Cap in 2024 and 2025 and registering a historic 6/15 with the ball. Sophie Devine’s explosive 99 in 2023, Shreyanka Patil’s Purple Cap-winning 2024 season, and Sophie Molineux’s match-turning spell in the 2024 final defined key moments. Alongside record chases and aggregates, these milestones shaped RCB’s rise into a WPL powerhouse.

DC’s Unbroken Run of Finals

Delhi Capitals have built the WPL’s most consistent legacy, remaining the only team to reach the final in every edition of the tournament. In 2026, they sealed a fourth straight final appearance by overpowering Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator under the young leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues. Finishing third in the league stage, DC peaked at the right time, driven by standout individual performances. Breakout bowler Nandini Sharma emerged as a key force with 16 wickets, while Lizelle Lee topped the batting charts for the franchise with 283 runs. Marizanne Kapp continued her all-round influence with miserly spells and clutch contributions, and Jemimah herself made history as the WPL’s youngest captain. From Meg Lanning’s Orange Cap-winning seasons to repeated runner-up finishes, DC’s journey has been defined by resilience, depth, and unfinished business.

Legacy vs Redemption in Vadodara

The TATA WPL 2026 Final, scheduled for February 5 at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, sets up a compelling clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Delhi Capitals. For DC, it is a familiar yet painful stage for finalists in every WPL edition, but champions never, now led by Jemimah Rodrigues in a bid to end their runner-up streak. RCB, in contrast, arrive with authority after topping the league with six wins and carrying the confidence of their 2024 title triumph. With leaders like Smriti Mandhana and Rodrigues, and match-winners on both sides, the final promises a battle between legacy and long-awaited redemption.