Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-clinching chase in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final was the kind of performance that defines a franchise, and for England quick Lauren Bell, it was made even sweeter by watching captain Smriti Mandhana deliver on the biggest stage.
Speaking on the Wisden Women’s Cricket Weekly Podcast, Bell reflected on the extraordinary 200-plus chase that sealed RCB’s championship, admitting that belief in the batting group never wavered.
RCB were set 204 to win after Delhi Capitals Women posted 203 for 4 in the final, powered by half-centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt, and a late surge from Chinelle Henry. It was a daunting total in a final, and as Bell admitted, there was no illusion about the size of the challenge. “We came off at half-time and we obviously back our batting line-up,” she said.
“We’d probably had the best opening partnership in the tournament, and I knew we were capable of chasing anything. But you’re never chasing 200 thinking this is going to be a walk in the park. It’s 200 in a final, that’s a big chase.”
What followed was one of the most commanding batting displays in WPL history. Mandhana produced a captain’s innings of 87 off 41 balls, striking with authority through the powerplay and ensuring RCB never fell behind the required rate. Alongside her, Georgia Voll delivered what Bell described as the perfect performance at the perfect time, scoring 79 off 54 balls.
Their 165-run stand for the second wicket transformed the complexion of the contest, turning what initially felt like a mountain into a manageable climb. “Watching Georgia and Smriti… it was just a masterclass,” Bell said. “Georgia pulled her best performance out at the perfect time. And Smriti… I’m so glad she was on my team. She’s definitely one of the best in the world.”
For RCB, the chase was the culmination of a season built around batting depth and fearless intent. Mandhana’s leadership had emphasized clarity of roles and aggressive power play batting, and throughout the tournament the opening combinations laid strong foundations. In the final, that philosophy held firm.
Even with the scoreboard pressure of a 200-plus target, there was no visible panic, just calculated risk and relentless tempo. RCB eventually reached 204 for 4 with two balls to spare, sealing one of the highest successful chases in franchise T20 history and underlining their evolution into a champion side.
Bell’s own contribution in the final was emblematic of RCB’s collective effort. She delivered a spell of 0 for 19 from four overs, helping to restrict Delhi during the middle phase when the Capitals threatened to accelerate beyond control.
Across the tournament, Bell’s consistency with the new ball and at the death provided Mandhana with a reliable pace option, complementing a bowling unit that executed plans with discipline in high-pressure moments. The final might have been remembered for the fireworks with the bat, but RCB’s bowlers ensured the target, while imposing, remained within reach.
Reflecting on the moment, Bell spoke not just as a teammate but as an admirer. “It was nice to just sit back and watch them do it,” she said. For RCB, it was a statement win — a chase that reinforced their identity, validated their attacking blueprint, and crowned a campaign in which belief in their own strength never faltered.
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