Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinches Second Title | 09 Feb 2026

Why in News?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in cricketing history by defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) to secure their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title.

Key Points: 

• The Target: Delhi Capitals set a formidable target of 204 runs, riding on a strong half-century by Jemimah Rodrigues (57 off 37 balls). 
• The Record Chase: RCB achieved the target of 204/4 in 19.4 overs, surpassing the previous record for the highest chase in a major T20 final. 
• Star Performers: 
  • Smriti Mandhana: Played a captain’s knock of 87 (41), the highest individual score in a WPL final. 
  • Georgia Voll: Contributed a vital 79 (54), forming a record 165-run partnership with Mandhana for the second wicket. 
• Franchise Milestone: With this victory, RCB joined Mumbai Indians as the only franchises to have won two WPL titles (2024 and 2026). 
• Major Achievements & Awards  
  • Orange Cap (Most Runs): Smriti Mandhana (RCB) – 377 runs. 
  • Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Radha Yadav (DC) – 14 wickets. 
  • Emerging Player of the Season: Georgia Voll (RCB). 
• Significance for Women: Such high-profile victories contribute to the "normalization" of women's professional sports, encouraging grassroots participation under the "Khelo India" initiative.