Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has a chance to lead her team to a second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title and draw level with Mumbai Indians (MI) in terms of trophies, while the Delhi Capitals (DC) will look to end their run of final defeats when the two sides meet in the final on Thursday.RCB, champions in 2024, have had a strong campaign this season. They have often responded well in difficult situations and showed consistency early, becoming the first team in WPL history to start a season with five straight wins. Throughout the tournament, different players have stepped up at key moments to shape results.In the previous match, Grace Harris played a major role with 75 against UP Warriorz, helping RCB to an eight-wicket win after a mixed season. Earlier, Gautami Naik scored 73 against Gujarat Giants, which proved crucial in a 61-run victory. RCB will now aim to win their second title and match Mumbai Indians’ tally.The RCB batting unit, including Mandhana, Harris, Georgia Voll and Richa Ghosh, has not been consistent across the season, but timely contributions have often been enough. In the bowling department, pacers Nadine de Klerk and Sayali Satghare have delivered important spells.De Klerk is currently the third-highest wicket-taker of the season with 15 wickets from eight matches, including a best of 4 for 22. Spinner Shreyanka Patil has also played a key role, highlighted by her five-wicket haul against Gujarat Giants.RCB’s strength has been their ability to perform as a unit at key moments. Mandhana will hope more players contribute in the final as they take on Delhi Capitals.Delhi Capitals, led this season by Jemimah Rodrigues, are chasing their first WPL title after finishing runners-up in all the previous three editions.Their campaign has been driven largely by their bowling attack. Pacers Chinelle Henry and Nandani Sharma have made early inroads with the new ball. Nandani has taken 16 wickets this season, making her the second-highest wicket-taker, and her performances have put her in contention for higher honours.Delhi’s batting has also shown improvement in recent matches. Lizelle Lee contributed at the top in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants, while Shafali Verma found form and added a half-century stand with Lee. Laura Wolvaardt has provided stability at the top order through the season.With both batting and bowling influenced by South African players, the Capitals have benefited from a group that has played together for several years. That understanding could help them in the final as they look to end their title wait under Rodrigues, who will be hoping for a strong performance after a quiet season so far.
