Jemimah and Wolvaardt Lead Delhi’s Fightback
Delhi Capitals Women got off to a mixed start in the WPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara. Initially, Shafali Varma fell early for 20, which increased pressure on the batting unit. Soon after, Nadine de Klerk removed Lizelle Lee for 37 and slowed Delhi’s momentum. However, Jemimah Rodrigues responded with confidence and composure. She registered a well-paced half-century and, meanwhile, built a vital partnership with Laura Wolvaardt. Moreover, the duo focused on rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. As a result, Delhi regained control and began targeting a strong finish.
Early Strikes Give RCB the Upper Hand
RCB started the final on a positive note after captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and chose to bowl first. Consequently, the bowlers attacked with discipline and intent. In the sixth over, Arundhati Reddy dismissed Shafali Varma and broke Delhi’s rhythm. Shortly after, Nadine de Klerk struck again to remove Lizelle Lee. Therefore, RCB tightened their grip during the powerplay. Meanwhile, the fielders backed the bowlers with sharp efforts. In contrast, Delhi struggled to find boundaries early. Nevertheless, the middle order showed patience and began rebuilding steadily.
Delhi’s Difficult Journey to Another Final
Delhi Capitals reached their fourth consecutive WPL final after a challenging campaign. At the start, they lost three of their first four matches. As a result, the team faced serious questions about form and balance. Moreover, defeats against Gujarat Giants added to their problems. However, the squad refused to lose confidence. Eventually, they bounced back strongly in the Eliminator and defeated GG convincingly. Therefore, their qualification reflected resilience and teamwork. Despite past heartbreaks in finals, DC arrived in Vadodara with renewed belief and determination.
RCB’s Consistency and Mandhana’s Title Mission
Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the final as one of the strongest teams of the season. Notably, they dominated the league stage even without Ellyse Perry. Initially, RCB won their first five matches and secured early momentum. Although they suffered a brief slump later, they recovered in time. Consequently, they earned direct entry into the final. Meanwhile, captain Smriti Mandhana aimed to repeat her 2024 title success. Similarly, DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues highlighted her team’s unity before the match. She said setbacks helped the players bond. Finally, as the final unfolds, both teams continue their intense battle for WPL glory.
