The much-anticipated Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final is set to light up the Women’s Premier League as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in the grand finale of the 2026 season. The high-voltage clash will be played on Sunday evening at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, with the first ball scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. As fans across India, the UK, the US, and other cricket-loving nations tune in, the final promises drama, history, and top-quality women’s cricket.
RCB enter the final as the defending champions, while DC once again find themselves on the brink of glory, hoping that this time they can finally lift their maiden WPL title.
RCB Aim for Second WPL Title
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed a remarkable WPL 2026 campaign. After winning their first-ever WPL title in 2024—ironically against the same opponents, Delhi Capitals—RCB have now reached the final for the second time in franchise history.
In the league stage this season, RCB finished at the top of the points table, which allowed them to qualify directly for the final. Their consistency with both bat and ball has been the cornerstone of their success. Captain Smriti Mandhana has led from the front, while the bowling unit, spearheaded by Nadine de Klerk, has delivered match-winning performances throughout the tournament.
A victory in the Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final would make RCB one of the most successful teams in WPL history and firmly establish them as a dominant force in women’s franchise cricket.
Delhi Capitals: Fourth Final, One Last Chance?
For Delhi Capitals, this final represents another shot at redemption. DC have now reached the WPL final for the fourth consecutive time, a record that reflects their consistency but also highlights their inability to cross the final hurdle.
Delhi booked their place in the 2026 final by defeating Gujarat Giants by seven wickets in the eliminator. Once again, they showcased their depth and resilience, qualities that have kept them competitive season after season.
However, the big question remains: can DC finally turn a final appearance into a championship win? Having finished as runners-up three times already, the pressure will be immense, but so will the motivation.
Head-to-Head Record Favors DC
Historically, Delhi Capitals have held the upper hand over RCB in the Women’s Premier League. Ahead of the Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final, the two teams have faced each other nine times in WPL history.
WPL Head-to-Head: RCB vs DC
| Matches Played | RCB Wins | DC Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 3 | 6 |
Interestingly, during the league stage of WPL 2026, both teams won one match each against the other. RCB secured an emphatic eight-wicket win in one encounter, while DC responded with a seven-wicket victory in the reverse fixture. This evenly balanced recent form adds another layer of intrigue to the final.
Smriti Mandhana Eyes the Orange Cap
All eyes will be on RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, who has been in sublime form this season. In eight matches, Mandhana has scored 290 runs at an impressive average of 48.33, making her RCB’s leading run-scorer.
She currently sits third on the Orange Cap leaderboard. Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leads the chart with 342 runs. For Mandhana to finish as the top run-getter of WPL 2026, she will need at least 53 runs in the final.
WPL 2026 – RCB Top Performers
| Player | Role | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Batter | 8 | 290 runs | 96 |
| Nadine de Klerk | Bowler | 8 | 15 wickets | 4/22 |
Nadine de Klerk has been equally vital for RCB, leading their bowling attack with 15 wickets and maintaining an excellent economy rate.
Nandini Sharma Chasing the Purple Cap
Delhi Capitals’ hopes will heavily rest on their star bowler Nandini Sharma, who is currently second in the Purple Cap race. With 16 wickets in nine matches, she trails Gujarat Giants’ Sophie Devine by just one wicket.
If Nandini manages to pick up two or more wickets in the final, she could finish the season as WPL 2026’s leading wicket-taker.
WPL 2026 – DC Top Performers
| Player | Role | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lizelle Lee | Batter | 9 | 283 runs | 86 |
| Nandini Sharma | Bowler | 9 | 16 wickets | 5/33 |
In the batting department, Lizelle Lee has been DC’s most consistent performer, scoring 283 runs in nine matches at a healthy strike rate.
Weather and Pitch Conditions at Vadodara
The weather is expected to play no spoilsport in the Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final. Vadodara is likely to experience hot conditions, with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 33°C. The match will be played in the evening, and there is no forecast of rain, which means fans can expect a full 40-over contest.
The Kotambi Stadium pitch has generally favored batters this season, but spinners could come into play as the match progresses under lights.
Probable 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.
Where to Watch RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final
Fans can watch the Rcb vs dc wpl 2026 final live on the Star Sports Network on television. Online live streaming will be available on the Jio Hotstar app, ensuring global accessibility for viewers in the UK, the US, and beyond.
Conclusion:
The WPL 2026 final is more than just a championship match—it is a battle of legacy versus longing. RCB will aim to defend their crown and cement their dominance, while DC will fight to finally erase the tag of perennial runners-up. With star players in top form, balanced squads, and a packed stadium expected in Vadodara, this final has all the ingredients of a classic.
Cricket fans worldwide are in for a thrilling night as history awaits its next chapter.
