WPL 2026: Smriti Mandhana Leads RCB to Title Despite High Fever

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title on February 5, defeating Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring final. Captain Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role, scoring 87 runs off 41 balls despite battling a 103-degree fever, enabling RCB to chase down a record target of 204 runs. This victory marks a significant milestone for the franchise and cements Mandhana's legacy as a resilient leader.

The final match, held on Thursday, saw Delhi Capitals set a formidable target of 204 runs. Despite a shaky start for the Bangalore side, Mandhana's explosive innings turned the tide in their favor. Her performance is being hailed as one of the greatest in the tournament's history, especially given the physical distress she was under during the match.

Record-Breaking Run Chase in WPL Final

Chasing a target of 204 runs in a high-pressure final is a daunting task, but RCB achieved it with 6 wickets to spare. This successful chase stands as the highest in WPL history and surpasses any run chase recorded in the finals of both IPL and WPL. Mandhana's 87-run knock was the cornerstone of this achievement, providing the necessary momentum after the early loss of wickets. Her ability to maintain a high strike rate under pressure ensured that RCB remained ahead of the required run rate throughout the innings.

Captain Mandhana Battles Severe Illness

The true extent of Mandhana's struggle was revealed by RCB Head Coach Malolan Rajagopalan during the post-match celebrations in the dressing room. He disclosed that the captain had been suffering from a severe fever, with her body temperature reaching 103°F just a day before the final. Despite the illness, Mandhana insisted on leading the team and kept her condition private from most of her teammates to maintain the squad's morale. The revelation left the team in awe of her dedication and physical endurance.

Overcoming Personal Setbacks and Criticism

This victory comes at a time when Mandhana has been facing significant personal challenges. Following India's World Cup win three months ago, her personal life was under public scrutiny due to a cancelled wedding and related controversies. Plus, critics had often questioned her performance in knockout matches. By scoring the highest individual score in a WPL final and leading her team to the trophy, Mandhana has effectively silenced her detractors and demonstrated exceptional mental fortitude.

Orange Cap and Statistical Dominance

According to sports analysts, Mandhana's performance throughout the season has been exemplary. She finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer, earning the Orange Cap with 377 runs across 9 innings. Experts suggest that her leadership style and ability to perform under physical duress have set a new benchmark in women's cricket. Her 87-run innings is now the highest individual score ever recorded in a WPL final, highlighting her dominance in the format.

To sum it all up, Royal Challengers Bangalore's second WPL title is a testament to Smriti Mandhana's grit and determination. Her ability to overcome severe illness and personal hurdles to deliver a match-winning performance will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of the league.