The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has a new powerhouse, and its name is Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In a commanding performance that sent shockwaves through the league, RCB crushed the Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in a match that was never really in doubt after their captain, Smriti Mandhana, took center stage.
This victory wasn’t just another win; it was a statement. It marked RCB’s fourth consecutive triumph, a perfect start that has propelled them to the very top of the WPL 2026 points table . The heart of this dominant run? A masterclass from their skipper in the RCB vs DC WPL clash that showcased why she remains one of the most feared batters in the world.
Table of Contents
- Mandhana’s Near-Century Masterclass
- DC Falls Short Despite Shafali’s Heroics
- RCB vs DC WPL: The Chase in Detail
- What This Win Means for the WPL Standings
- Is RCB the Team to Beat in WPL 2026?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Mandhana’s Near-Century Masterclass
After Delhi Capitals were bowled out for a competitive 166, most teams would have felt the pressure. Not RCB. Not with Smriti Mandhana at the crease. The left-handed opener played a breathtaking innings of 96 runs off just 61 balls, falling heartbreakingly short of her maiden WPL century .
Her knock was a perfect blend of elegance and brute force, laced with 13 boundaries and 3 sixes. She didn’t just chase the target; she dismantled the Delhi bowling attack with surgical precision. Her partnership with Georgia Voll, who remained unbeaten on a solid 54, was the cornerstone of a chase that was completed with a staggering 10 balls to spare .
“Everyone really executed their plans well,” Mandhana said after the match, praising her team’s collective effort but underscoring her own pivotal role in the victory .
DC Falls Short Despite Shafali’s Heroics
Delhi Capitals did not go down without a fight. Their star batter, Shafali Verma, played a gritty and powerful innings of 62 off 41 balls to rescue her team from a precarious 10/4 . Her fearless hitting, which included several massive sixes, gave DC a fighting total they could defend .
However, in the end, her efforts were in vain. The rest of the batting order failed to capitalize on her momentum, and the 166-run target proved to be far from enough against the rampant RCB batting lineup. For Shafali, it was a brilliant individual performance overshadowed by a collective team failure .
RCB vs DC WPL: The Chase in Detail
The chase was a clinic in controlled aggression. Mandhana and her opening partner laid a solid foundation, ensuring there were no early hiccups. Once Mandhana found her rhythm, the game was effectively over.
Key moments from the chase:
- Powerplay Dominance: RCB raced to 50/0 in the first six overs, immediately putting Delhi on the back foot.
- Mandhana’s Assault: From the 7th over onwards, Mandhana shifted gears, targeting the spinners and seamers with equal disdain.
- Voll’s Support: Georgia Voll played the perfect second fiddle, rotating the strike and punishing any loose deliveries, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
- Comfortable Finish: Even after Mandhana’s dismissal in the 18th over, the job was done. RCB cruised home to 169/2 in just 18.2 overs .
What This Win Means for the WPL Standings
This victory has massive implications for the league. With four wins from four matches, RCB has accumulated 8 points, sitting firmly at the top of the WPL 2026 points table . Their net run rate is also among the best in the competition, a testament to their dominant performances.
On the flip side, the loss leaves Delhi Capitals languishing at the bottom of the table with only 2 points from their four outings . Their campaign is in serious trouble, and they will need a dramatic turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Is RCB the Team to Beat in WPL 2026?
History has shown that RCB often starts strong but falters at the business end of the tournament. However, this year feels different. The presence of a leader like Mandhana, who leads from the front with both bat and strategy, combined with a balanced squad, makes them genuine title contenders.
Their ability to chase down targets with such ease and their disciplined bowling, which restricted a talented DC batting lineup, shows a level of maturity and composure that has been missing in previous seasons. For fans, this is a thrilling prospect. For their rivals, it’s a major cause for concern. You can follow their journey in our season-long tracker [INTERNAL_LINK:rcb-wpl-2026-campaign].
Conclusion
The RCB vs DC WPL match was more than just a game; it was a declaration of intent from the league leaders. Smriti Mandhana’s magnificent 96 was the headline act, but the supporting cast and the overall team performance were equally impressive. As RCB sits comfortably at the top of the standings, the question on everyone’s mind is no longer if they can win, but when. For more on the WPL, visit the official WPL website.