Cricket –  Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women produced one of the most memorable nights in Women’s Premier League history as captain Smriti Mandhana powered her side to a second WPL title with a remarkable run chase against Delhi Capitals on Thursday.

Mandhana’s innings, crafted under difficult personal circumstances, stood at the heart of RCB’s success. The left-hander scored a match-defining 87 from just 41 deliveries, steering Bengaluru to a record-breaking pursuit of 204 runs in the final. The achievement marked the highest successful chase ever recorded in a WPL match, and notably in any WPL or IPL final.

Coach Highlights Mandhana’s Determination

Speaking after the match, RCB Women’s head coach Malolan Rangarajan offered glowing praise for his captain, revealing that Mandhana had played the final while dealing with severe illness. According to the coach, the India batter was suffering from a heavy flu accompanied by a high fever but chose not to let it affect her preparation or leadership on the field.

Rangarajan described Mandhana’s performance as one of the finest innings of her WPL career, underlining her calm presence during a chase that never appeared as daunting as the scoreboard suggested. He noted that her control, shot selection, and timing allowed RCB to maintain momentum throughout the innings without panic.

A Knock Built on Control and Clarity

The RCB coach explained that what set Mandhana’s innings apart was her clear understanding of when to attack and when to rotate the strike. Despite the steep target, she batted with an assurance that kept pressure firmly on Delhi Capitals’ bowlers. Her approach made the chase appear far less risky than it was on paper, showcasing maturity and confidence at the highest level.

Rangarajan also shared that Mandhana’s commitment was evident well before the match began. Despite being unwell earlier in the day, she reassured the team of her readiness, setting an example that resonated through the squad.

Relentless Focus on Improvement

Beyond her performance in the final, Rangarajan highlighted Mandhana’s constant desire to refine her batting. He described her as someone deeply invested in understanding her own game, always searching for ways to improve. That attention to detail, he said, has been a key factor behind her sustained success and ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

According to the coach, Mandhana had made subtle technical and tactical adjustments during the latter stages of the tournament, which paid dividends in the final.

Delhi Capitals Post Formidable Total

Earlier in the match, Delhi Capitals set a challenging target after being asked to bat first. Their innings began aggressively, with early boundaries helping them establish a strong platform. A steady partnership in the middle overs rebuilt momentum after a brief slowdown, placing the Capitals in a commanding position.

A late surge in the final overs ensured Delhi crossed the 200-run mark, finishing on 203 for four, the highest total ever posted in a WPL final.

Record Chase Seals Historic Win

RCB’s reply got off to a cautious start with an early wicket, but the tone quickly shifted as Mandhana and Georgia Voll stitched together a commanding partnership. Their stand dominated the chase, dismantling the Delhi bowling attack with precision rather than reckless power.

Although Delhi managed to claim a few late wickets, the required runs were comfortably within reach. The finishing touches were applied with calm efficiency, as RCB crossed the line with two balls to spare, sealing victory by six wickets.

Milestones Etched in WPL History

The successful chase not only delivered the title but also rewrote several records. It became the highest run chase in WPL history and the first instance of a target above 175 being chased in any women’s T20 final, including international matches. The feat also surpassed the previous benchmark for the highest chase in a men’s IPL final.

For RCB Women, the night represented a blend of resilience, preparation, and leadership — with Mandhana’s performance standing as a defining moment in the league’s growing legacy.