Mandhana Hails Bell’s Match-Winning Spell as RCB Clinch Second WPL Title

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana described her team’s second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in three years as an “amazing” achievement, singling out Lauren Bell’s disciplined bowling and Georgia Voll’s fearless batting as decisive factors in Thursday’s thrilling final.

Chasing a daunting 204 — the highest total ever in a women’s T20 final — RCB overhauled the target with two balls to spare and six wickets in hand against Delhi Capitals. While most RCB bowlers conceded runs freely, Bell stood out with an exceptional spell of 4 overs for 19 runs, including 12 dot balls.

“We knew it was a good surface to bat on, but 200-plus in a final is still a very good score,” Mandhana said after collecting the trophy. “In the last four overs, we pulled it back really well. Credit to Lauren Bell — when 400 runs are scored in a match and she goes for just 20-odd in four overs, that’s a match-winning spell.”

RCB’s chase stumbled early with the loss of Grace Harris, but Mandhana and Voll produced a stunning 165-run partnership in just 92 balls to seize control of the final. The pair reduced the equation to 30 off 21 balls, effectively sealing the contest.

Voll set the tone with aggressive intent during the powerplay, before Mandhana took charge, racing to her fastest WPL half-century off just 23 balls. Mandhana finished unbeaten on 87 off 41 deliveries at a strike rate of 212.19.

“Volly led the way,” Mandhana said. “Her intent was spot-on. I told the girls 10 or 15 days back that I had a feeling she’d play a match-winning knock in the final. She’s been working extremely hard, practicing extra, and I’m so happy it paid off.”

RCB entered the season without star allrounder Ellyse Perry, who opted out for personal reasons, but Mandhana credited the support staff for ensuring clarity of roles throughout the campaign.

“The role clarity really stood out,” she said. “From the auction itself, players were told exactly what was expected of them — batting order, bowling phases. That makes leadership easier. Credit to Malo, Anya, and RX sir. When everyone knows their role, belief grows.”

Mandhana added that the team’s work ethic played a major role in their confidence while chasing a record total. “When you work hard in the gym and on the field, you believe any score is chaseable. We were confident even with 200 on the board.”

Despite suffering a third consecutive final defeat, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues expressed pride in her team’s resilience.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” Rodrigues said. “The character we showed to reach the final wasn’t easy, and I’m really proud of the girls.”

Rodrigues top-scored for Delhi with 57 off 37 balls and added 76 for the third wicket with Laura Wolvaardt, laying the foundation for Chinelle Henry’s late surge of 35 off 15 balls.

“204 in a final is always a great score,” Rodrigues said. “Everyone fought hard and gave their all. Sometimes, that’s what matters most.”