The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final promises an electrifying clash between table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and battle-hardened Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on February 5, with Bollywood sensation Malaika Arora and Punjabi singer and songwriter Talwiinder headlining a glittering closing ceremony beforehand.
Malaika Arora, known for her sizzling dance moves in hits like Chaiyya Chaiyya, brings unmatched charisma to the ceremony, while Talwiinder’s chart-topping tracks like Haseen, Dhundhala, Khayaal, Tu, and Gallan 4 guarantee a high-energy vibe. This fusion of Bollywood sparkle and Bhangra beats at Kotambi Stadium sets the perfect tone for a final where Mandhana’s RCB firepower meets Rodrigues’ Delhi Capitals grit.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under skipper Smriti Mandhana’s astute leadership, earned a direct final berth for the first time in the history of the WPL by dominating the league stage with 12 points from eight games, six wins and two losses, finishing at the top of the points table in the league stages. Their consistent firepower has them primed for redemption in their bid to reclaim the title after being crowned as the champions of the tournament in the 2nd edition in 2024, securing the maiden title at the franchise level.
Facing them are Delhi Capitals, skippered by Jemimah Rodrigues, who scripted a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator on February 3. This marks Delhi Capitals fourth straight WPL final appearance, showcasing their knockout pedigree. Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, bowed out after finishing second with 10 points from eight games (five wins, three losses), securing back-to-back Eliminator spots but falling short once more.
Fans packing the stands, or tuning in via Star Sports 1 or JioHotstar, can expect not just world-class cricket, but a cultural extravaganza elevating women’s T20 to new heights. Will skipper Jemimah Rodrigues go a step further and end the Delhi Capitals’ title drought after finishing runners-up on all three previous occasions? Or will Smriti Mandhana lead RCB to their 2nd WPL title? Vadodara holds its breath for one final time this season.
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