The Royal challengers cricket vs delhi capitals cricket match in WPL 2026 turned into a defining moment of the season as Delhi Capitals produced a dominant all-round performance to hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru their first defeat of the tournament. What looked like a tricky contest on paper quickly became a statement victory for Delhi, powered by Nandani Sharma’s fiery spell and a calm, unbeaten chase led by Laura Wolvaardt.
With playoff pressure mounting, Delhi Capitals delivered when it mattered most, defeating the table-toppers convincingly and reshaping the points table in the process.
Match Overview: RCB vs DC, WPL 2026
- Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals
- Tournament: Women’s Premier League 2026
- Venue: Vadodara
- Result: Delhi Capitals won by 7 wickets
- Player of the Match: Marizanne Kapp
Delhi Capitals chased down a modest target of 110 runs with 28 balls to spare, showcasing both composure and intent.
Delhi Capitals’ Bowling Puts RCB Under Pressure Early
From the very first over, Delhi Capitals made their intentions clear. Their bowlers attacked the stumps, mixed lengths smartly, and never allowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to settle.
Nandani Sharma Leads the Bowling Charge
Young pacer Nandani Sharma was the standout performer with the ball. She bowled with pace, accuracy, and confidence, finishing with excellent figures of 3 wickets for 26 runs. Her spell dismantled RCB’s middle order and ensured that the momentum never shifted back.
She was well supported by:
- Marizanne Kapp – 2/17
- Minnu Mani – 2/18
- Chinelle Henry – 2/22
- Shree Charani – 1 wicket
Every Delhi bowler contributed, making it one of the most disciplined bowling displays of the season.
RCB’s Batting Collapse: A Night to Forget
Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru never found rhythm. The pitch appeared tricky, but the lack of partnerships hurt them the most.
Smriti Mandhana Fights Alone
Captain Smriti Mandhana showed resistance at the top, but wickets kept falling at the other end. From a relatively stable 62 for 1, RCB collapsed dramatically, losing wickets in quick succession.
- Poor shot selection
- Tight bowling pressure
- Lack of rotation of strike
All combined to restrict RCB to just 109 runs, their lowest total in WPL history.
Royal Challengers Cricket vs Delhi Capitals Cricket Match Turns One-Sided
The turning point of the Royal challengers cricket vs delhi capitals cricket match came when Delhi tightened the screws after the powerplay. Once RCB lost momentum, Delhi never let them recover.
The fielding effort, sharp catches, and relentless pressure highlighted Delhi’s hunger to stay alive in the tournament.
Delhi Capitals’ Chase: Calm, Confident, Clinical
Chasing 110, Delhi Capitals approached the target with clarity. They knew wickets were the only way RCB could fight back, so they chose smart aggression over reckless hitting.
Shafali Verma Sets the Early Tone
Shafali Verma provided a quick start, attacking the bowlers early and forcing RCB onto the back foot. Though a couple of wickets fell, the chase never felt out of control.
Laura Wolvaardt Anchors the Innings
South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt played the perfect anchor role, remaining unbeaten on 46 runs. Her knock was a masterclass in timing, placement, and match awareness.
She rotated strike beautifully and punished loose deliveries, ensuring the required run rate stayed comfortably in Delhi’s favor.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Kapp Finish the Job
Jemimah Rodrigues played a mature supporting role, while Marizanne Kapp applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 19 runs.
Delhi Capitals reached the target with 7 wickets in hand, sealing one of their most convincing wins of WPL 2026.
Player of the Match: Marizanne Kapp
Despite modest personal expectations, Marizanne Kapp delivered when it mattered most.
- Bowling: 2 wickets for 17 runs
- Batting: 19* in the chase
Speaking after the match, Kapp admitted she is still finding rhythm but enjoys bowling under pressure. She praised the team’s momentum and expressed confidence in Delhi’s upward trajectory.
Jemimah Rodrigues on Leadership and Team Belief
Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues credited the team’s belief and execution. She highlighted how sticking to plans and attacking the stumps paid off.
She also praised Minnu Mani and Kapp for their impact and admitted that lessons from earlier matches helped her make better decisions in this crucial game.
Laura Wolvaardt Reflects on Back-to-Back Wins
Wolvaardt expressed satisfaction at Delhi’s ability to bounce back with consecutive wins. She praised Jemimah’s improved captaincy and lauded Kapp’s experience and communication.
She emphasized that playing straight and valuing wickets were key factors in the successful chase.
Smriti Mandhana Accepts RCB’s Off Day
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana acknowledged that such losses are part of tournament cricket. She pointed out changing pitch conditions and admitted that 140+ would have been a competitive total.
She stressed the need for improvement in batting and fielding, while backing her team to return stronger in upcoming matches.
Points Table Impact: Delhi Surge, RCB Stumble
With this win, Delhi Capitals jumped to second place on the points table, boosting their playoff chances significantly.
Victories against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have given Delhi crucial momentum at a vital stage of the competition.
Vadodara is quickly becoming a happy hunting ground for them.
What’s Next in WPL 2026?
The WPL now takes a one-day break before resuming on January 26, 2026, with Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
RCB will look to bounce back quickly, while Delhi Capitals will aim to carry this confidence forward.
Also read: WPL First Century Player Name: The Historic First Century in Women’s Premier League
conclusion
The Royal challengers cricket vs delhi capitals cricket match was more than just a win — it was a powerful statement. Delhi Capitals showcased discipline, belief, and tactical brilliance to outplay the season’s strongest side.
With players stepping up at the right time, Delhi has firmly announced itself as a serious contender for the WPL 2026 title.