Georgia Voll, Smriti Mandhana star as RCB clinch second Women’s Premier League title

VADODARA: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Women's Premier League title by defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets in the final. Chasing a challenging target of 204 runs, RCB reached the target with two balls to spare. Strong batting performances by Georgia Voll and captain Smriti Mandhana ended Delhi’s title hopes. With this win, the Bengaluru franchise achieved the rare feat of winning titles in both the men’s and women’s leagues. RCB had also lifted the WPL trophy in 2024.

While chasing the big target, RCB lost opener Grace Harris early for 9 runs off 7 balls in the second over. However, the second-wicket partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll turned the match in RCB’s favour. Mandhana scored a brilliant 87 off 41 balls, while Voll made 79 off 54 balls. The pair added 156 runs and put RCB on course for victory. Malayali player Minnu Mani broke the partnership by dismissing Voll. Delhi tried to fight back as Nandini Sharma dismissed Richa Ghosh for 6 off 6 balls and Chinelle Henry removed Mandhana, but a dropped catch by Minnu Mani off Radha Yadav proved costly.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals scored 203 for 4 in 20 overs, led by a half-century from captain Jemimah Rodrigues. Openers Lizelle Lee scored 37 off 30 balls, and Shafali Verma made 20 off 13 balls to give Delhi a steady start. South African batter Laura Wolvaardt scored 44 off 25 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 57 off 37 balls.

Chinelle Henry remained unbeaten on 35 off 15 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes to push Delhi’s total past 200. Jemimah’s innings included eight boundaries. For RCB, Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, and Nadine de Klerk took one wicket each.