The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on February 5 at 7:30 PM IST, sets up an epic title clash between table toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, who punched their finals ticket with a seven-wicket Eliminator win over Gujarat Giants.
RCB dominated the league with six wins from eight for 12 points and direct qualification to the final, while Delhi Capitals, WPL’s perennial finalists from 2023-2025 but yet to lift the trophy, seek redemption after three runners-up finishes. RCB, champions in 2024 won the final by eight wickets vs Delhi Capitals, hold the edge in this rematch, but Capitals’ resilience and batting depth promise a razor-sharp battle on a batting paradise under the lights.
Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s Cricket Team
Smriti Mandhana (C), Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh, Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Shreyanka Patil, Kumari Prathyusha, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Linsey Smith, Pooja Vastrakar, Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav
Delhi Capitals Women’s Cricket Team
Alana King, Chinelle Henry, Deeya Yadav, Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Lucy Hamilton, Mamatha Madiwala, Marizanne Kapp, Minu Mani, Nandini Sharma, Niki Prasad, Shafali Verma, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Taniya Bhatia
Players to watch out:
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana’s elegance anchors RCB’s batting. With 4,102 runs in 157 WT20Is at 124, she’s aggregated 936 runs in 34 WPL matches at 132. In her recent match she scored 54* vs UP Warriorz, against Delhi Capitals she scored 96 and 38 in both matches respectively. Her ability to dominate power plays and build innings positions her to exploit Kotambi’s stroke friendly nature.
Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell’s express pace gives RCB a bite. The English bowler has 50 wickets in 36 WT20Is; in eight WPL 2026 games, she’s taken 12 at 5.62 economy with the best of 3/26 including 3/26 vs Delhi Capitals earlier this season. Her bounce and variations could rattle Delhi Capitals openers under lights.
Lizelle Lee
Lizelle Lee’s explosive opening has powered Delhi Capitals chases, making her crucial against RCB’s pace attack. The South African has 1,896 runs in 82 WT20Is at a strike rate of 110; in nine WPL 2026 matches, she smashed 283 runs at 141, including 43 in the eliminator. Her powerplay fireworks could dismantle RCB early on Kotambi’s flat track.
Nandni Sharma
Nandani Sharma’s pace has sparked Delhi Capitals revival, targeting RCB’s top order. The 24-year-old right-arm fast medium bowler has 16 wickets in nine WPL matches with a best of 5/33; she grabbed two wickets in the eliminator vs Gujarat Giants and against RCB one wicket in the first clash and had a spell of 3/26 in their other clash. Her early strikes and middle over control will test batters on this high scoring surface.
Pitch:
Kotambi Stadium offers a batting friendly surface that rewards stroke-makers, particularly as the match progresses. The pitch provides a solid base early on, allowing batters to play through the line, and under lights it tends to become even more conducive to stroke-play. Bowlers, especially pacers, may struggle to contain runs if they miss their lengths, placing a premium on variations and disciplined spin.
Weather:
Vadodara forecasts hazy conditions with temperatures from a mild minimum of 21°C to a warm maximum of 33°C. Precipitation is at 0%, humidity around 29%, and winds at 14 km/h, perfect for a full, floodlit contest without interruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Lizelle Lee, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Georgia Voll, Jemimah Rodrigues, Nadine de Klerk, Nandni Sharma, Lauren Bell, Marizanne Kapp, Sneh Rana, Shreyanka Patil
Match Details:
Date – February 5, 2026
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Broadcast – Telecast on Star Sports Network | Streaming on JioHotstar (India)
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