Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final: The spotlight of women’s franchise cricket turns to Vadodara as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals prepare to face off in the highly anticipated Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final. Scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST at the Kotambi Stadium, this championship clash promises intensity, emotion, and a potential shift in WPL history.
RCB enter the final as defending champions, carrying confidence and momentum, while Delhi Capitals arrive with determination, hoping their fourth consecutive final appearance finally ends in silverware.
Familiar Rivals, High Stakes
This final brings back memories of the 2024 title match, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Delhi Capitals by eight wickets to lift their first-ever WPL trophy. Two years later, the stage is set once again, but the context has evolved.
RCB have grown into a balanced, experienced unit, while DC continue to be one of the most consistent teams in the league, despite missing out on the title in previous seasons.
For Bengaluru, this match is about dominance. For Delhi, it is about destiny.
How Both Teams Reached the Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the WPL 2026 league standings, earning a direct ticket to the final. Their campaign has been defined by consistency, disciplined bowling, and strong leadership from captain Smriti Mandhana.
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, had to fight their way through the eliminator. They defeated Gujarat Giants by seven wickets in a convincing performance, showing composure under pressure and reaffirming their reputation as big-match contenders.
Head-to-Head Numbers Add Spice
Historically, Delhi Capitals have enjoyed more success against RCB in the Women’s Premier League. However, finals often ignore statistics, and momentum can swing quickly on the big stage.
WPL Head-to-Head Record: RCB vs DC
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 9 |
| RCB Wins | 3 |
| DC Wins | 6 |
During the WPL 2026 league phase, both sides defeated each other once, underlining how evenly matched these teams are heading into the final.
Smriti Mandhana’s Orange Cap Push
Smriti Mandhana has been the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup this season. With 290 runs from eight matches at an average above 48, she has delivered both consistency and impact at the top of the order.
She currently ranks third in the Orange Cap standings. To finish the season as the highest run-scorer, Mandhana needs a minimum of 53 runs in the final—a target well within her reach, given her form and temperament.
Key RCB Performers – WPL 2026
| Player | Role | Matches | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Batter | 8 | 290 runs, HS 96 |
| Nadine de Klerk | Bowler | 8 | 15 wickets, Best 4/22 |
Nadine de Klerk has been equally influential, delivering breakthroughs at crucial moments and maintaining an impressive economy rate.
Nandini Sharma’s Purple Cap Ambition
Delhi Capitals’ bowling hopes rest heavily on Nandini Sharma, who has enjoyed a breakthrough WPL season. With 16 wickets in nine matches, she stands second in the Purple Cap race.
A two-wicket haul in the final could see her leap to the top of the standings, adding another layer of motivation for the DC pacer.
Top Delhi Capitals Performers – WPL 2026
| Player | Role | Matches | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lizelle Lee | Batter | 9 | 283 runs, HS 86 |
| Nandini Sharma | Bowler | 9 | 16 wickets, Best 5/33 |
Lizelle Lee has been Delhi’s most reliable batter, combining power with consistency at the top of the order.
Weather and Pitch Report
Conditions at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium are expected to be challenging but fair. The temperature is likely to range between 21°C and 33°C, with a hot evening and mild haze.
Importantly for fans and broadcasters alike, there is no rain forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play.
The pitch has offered good value for shots throughout the tournament, though spinners may come into play as the surface slows under lights.
Expected Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Smriti Mandhana (Captain), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Goutami Naik, Lincy Smith, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain), Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (Wicketkeeper), Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Alana King, Minnu Mani, Sneha Rana, Shree Charani, Nandini Sharma.
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
The Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. Viewers can also stream the match online via the Jio Hotstar app, making it accessible to audiences in India, the UK, the US, and other cricket-following regions.
What’s at Stake
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, victory would mean back-to-back WPL titles and a firm grip on the league’s legacy. For Delhi Capitals, it is a chance to finally shed the runners-up label and claim their first championship after years of near-misses.
With form players on both sides, favorable conditions, and the pressure of a final, fans can expect a gripping contest that could go down as one of the most memorable matches in WPL history.
As the cricketing world watches, the Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final stands ready to deliver a defining moment for women’s cricket.