The world of cricket descended on Vadodara on Thursday as the grand finale Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 appeared between Delhi Capitals (DC) Women And Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women. In a high-stakes encounter where nerves often dictate the game, the Capitals produced a batting masterclass to post a challenging score of 203/4 in their 20 overs. While the collective effort was clinical, the spotlight shone brightest on the DC captain jemima rodriguesWho played a captain’s innings that secured his place in the WPL history books along with his Indian teammate Harmanpreet Kaur.
WPL 2026 Final: Jemimah Rodrigues enters special club along with Harmanpreet Kaur with her tremendous innings
Rodrigues gave a performance for the ages, scoring a blistering inning of 57 runs in just 37 balls. Apart from providing the backbone to the Capitals’ innings, this innings also saw them enter an exclusive statistical club. Rodrigues has now become one of the few players to score a half-century in a WPL final, joining the likes of Harmanpreet. Nat Sciver-Brunt.
The list of scores over 50 in WPL finals is short and distinguished:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (44 of 66) vs DC, 2025
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (55 out of 60) vs DC, 2023
- jemima rodrigues (37 off 57) vs RCB, 2026
Rodrigues’ innings was characterized by accuracy and intent. Reaching his half-century in just 32 balls, he crossed the gaps with surgical precision, hitting eight fours. until she got fired Sayali Satghare In the 16th over, he had already shifted the momentum decisively in Delhi’s favour, proving once again why he is considered one of the most reliable big-match players in the format.
Delhi Capitals dominate as RCB struggle to contain attack in WPL 2026 final
After RCB captain Smriti Mandhana Having won the toss and elected to field, the Capitals openers immediately set the tone. Liezel Lee (37) and explosives Shafali Verma (20) There was a partnership of 49 runs in the first six overs. Despite losing Verma on the final ball of the powerplay, the Capitals never let the run rate dip.
The middle overs were of a partnership between Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt played a selfless role, scoring 44 runs in 25 balls, which included several boundaries, keeping the RCB bowlers under constant pressure. The pair added 76 runs for the third wicket, taking the score from a steady 72/2 to 148/3.
However, the real fireworks were reserved for the death overs. After Rodriguez left, chenille henry Brutal attack on Bengaluru attack. Henry remained unbeaten on 35 runs in just 15 balls at an incredible pace of 233.33. His cameo, supported by Wolvaardt’s late innings burst, saw DC concede 63 runs in the last five overs.
It has become difficult to read the bowling figures for RCB. Whereas lauren bell remained disciplined (0/19 in 4 overs), others had to bear the brunt of the DC batsmen. Satghare and Nadine de Klerk Took wickets but gave away 46 and 48 runs respectively. With a win probability of 78.22% at the time of the innings break, Delhi Capitals went into the second half with full momentum, leaving RCB to climb the mountain of 204 in their quest for the title.
Also read: WPL 2026: RCB’s path to the final under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.