The "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" chants have never rung louder or felt more earned than they do today. In a season defined by soaring totals and high-octane drama, Smriti Mandhana didn't just lead the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second WPL title—she redefined the expectations of a modern captain. While her Orange Cap-winning 377 runs told a story of individual brilliance, it was her tactical poise and the record-breaking 87-run blitz in the final that truly silenced the skeptics. This wasn't just a tournament win; it was a clinical execution of role-based cricket, proving that when Mandhana finds her rhythm, the rest of the world is simply playing for second place.
In a performance marked by composure, confidence, and class, Smriti Mandhana once again proved why she is regarded as one of the finest leaders in modern cricket. Her inspirational captaincy and fluent batting guided Royal Challengers Bangalore to yet another memorable victory, adding momentum to the team’s impressive campaign.
From the very start, Mandhana set the tone with her aggressive yet elegant stroke play. She anchored the innings beautifully, finding gaps with ease and keeping the scoreboard ticking under pressure. Her calm presence at the crease not only stabilized the innings but also boosted the confidence of her teammates, allowing RCB to post a competitive total.
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| Source: Instagram(Smriti Mandhana) |
Equally impressive was Mandhana’s leadership on the field. Her sharp tactical decisions, timely bowling changes, and energetic field placements kept the opposition in check throughout the match. RCB’s bowlers responded brilliantly to her guidance, delivering disciplined spells and crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
The victory was a true team effort, but Mandhana’s influence stood out as the defining factor. Her ability to lead from the front continues to inspire the squad and the fans alike. With this win, RCB strengthened their position and reaffirmed their status as strong contenders, while Mandhana once again showcased her brilliance as both a player and a leader.
As the tournament progresses, supporters will be eager to see more such commanding performances from Mandhana, who continues to script success stories for RCB with skill, determination, and leadership.
1. The Statistical Powerhouse (Batting)
Smriti Mandhana ended the season as the Orange Cap winner, proving that she is currently the most clinical batter in the format.
Final Masterclass: In the high-stakes final against Delhi Capitals, she played a "captain’s knock" of 87 off 41 balls (Strike Rate: 212.20). This was the highest individual score in a WPL final to date.
- Total Accumulation: She amassed 377 runs across the season, leading all scorers.
- Aggression Metrics: She hit 57 fours (the most in the tournament) and maintained a consistent ability to find the boundary in the powerplay, which took the pressure off her partners.
- The "90s Curse" Resilience: Earlier in the season, she fell for a heartbreaking 96 off 61 balls against DC. Rather than letting the near-miss affect her, she used it as a blueprint to dominate the same opposition in the final.
2. Tactical Leadership & Team Synergy
Mandhana’s evolution as a captain was the "X-factor" that turned RCB into a cohesive unit.
- Role Clarity: Mandhana and head coach Malolan Rangarajan emphasized "role clarity" from the auction itself. Every player knew their entry point and their specific task (e.g., Lauren Bell as the powerplay enforcer).
- Trust in Youth: Her decision to back Georgia Voll paid off massively. Their 165-run partnership in the final (a record for the second wicket) was built on Mandhana’s belief that Voll could handle the aggressive role while she anchored and accelerated.
- Bowling Rotations: Under pressure in the final after DC posted 203, Mandhana’s rotation of bowlers—specifically bringing in Arundhati Reddy to break the opening stand and utilizing Lauren Bell’s economical spells (0/19 in a 200+ game)—showed elite tactical maturity.
- Emotional Resilience: As noted by teammate Shreyanka Patil, Mandhana led the team while navigating significant personal turmoil (her wedding being called off just months prior). This "mental fortitude" is a dimension that likely galvanized the dressing room, turning a sports team into a support system.
3. Team Performance: The "New RCB" Identity
RCB’s victory wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was about a structural shift in how they played.
- Record Chase RCB successfully chased 204 runs in the final—the highest successful run chase in WPL history.
- Top-Heavy Dominance The Mandhana-Voll duo became the most feared opening/top-order pair, consistently putting the game beyond reach by the 10th over.
- Bowling Depth While the batters got the headlines, Sophie Devine (Purple Cap winner with 17 wickets) and Shreyanka Patil (11 wickets) provided the defensive shield needed to win close games.
- Consistency RCB topped the league table with 6 wins out of 8 matches, earning a direct ticket to the final.
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| Source: Instagram (Smriti Mandhana) |
- Volume vs. Velocity: Mandhana provided the velocity (87 runs), while Voll provided the volume (79 runs). This "left-right" combination disrupted the lengths of Delhi’s marquee bowlers like Marizanne Kapp, who went wicketless for 38 runs.
- The Record: At 165 runs, this became the highest partnership in WPL history, effectively "killing" the chase by the 14th over when RCB crossed the 150-mark.
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| Source: Instagram (Smriti Mandhana) |
📝Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score in the WPL 2026 final?
Smriti Mandhana scored a breathtaking 87 runs off just 41 balls in the final against Delhi Capitals. Her innings included 12 fours and 3 sixes, boasting a strike rate of 212.20. This stands as the highest individual score in a WPL final to date.
2. Who won the Orange Cap and Purple Cap in WPL 2026?
Smriti Mandhana won the Orange Cap for the first time, finishing the season with 377 runs. The Purple Cap was claimed by her teammate, Sophie Devine, who took 17 wickets across the tournament and was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
3. What is the highest successful run chase in WPL history?
The record was set by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 final. They successfully chased down a target of 204 runs set by Delhi Capitals, winning by six wickets with two balls to spare.
4. What record did the Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll partnership break?
Mandhana and Voll shared a monumental 165-run partnership for the second wicket in the 2026 final. This is currently the highest partnership for any wicket in the history of the Women’s Premier League.
5. How many WPL titles has RCB won under Smriti Mandhana?
Under Mandhana’s leadership, RCB has won two WPL titles (2024 and 2026). With this latest victory, RCB joined Mumbai Indians as the most successful franchise in the league’s history.
Someone sold a diamond to upgrade… to bronze. Evolution in reverse.😂
ReplyDeleteIt’s not a downgrade, it’s a 'vintage experience' rebrand.
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ReplyDeleteMandhana is writing the history
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ReplyDeleteHahaha 🤣🤣 You can say ❤️🫶
Delete