Vadodara, Feb 5 (NationPress) In a thrilling showdown at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Delhi Capitals in the final match of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL). Both teams remain consistent with their lineups following victories in their previous matches.

Having clinched the WPL title in 2024, RCB is on the hunt for their second championship. Conversely, DC, who have been runners-up three times, are eager to shake off their title match misfortune. RCB secured their spot in the final as the top team in the league, while DC triumphed over the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator to reach their fourth consecutive final.

“It's a trend we've seen throughout the tournament, but it's always nice to know what target you have to chase on a good pitch. The first few days were refreshing, allowing us to step back from cricket,” stated RCB captain Smriti Mandhana.

“In the last few days, we regrouped and practiced intensely. There’s a mix of nerves and excitement that one should embrace. We’ve discussed not to shy away from it, but to welcome it,” she added.

DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues expressed that losing the toss might be advantageous in such crucial games, though she acknowledged she would have chosen to bowl first as well. “In significant matches, losing the toss can sometimes play to your benefit. We would have opted to bowl first, but we’re content with the outcome,” she mentioned.

“Our approach has been straightforward. We didn’t overcomplicate our strategy. Playing the Eliminator on the same pitch gives us familiarity, and we are prepared for today,” she said.

The final is set to unfold on pitch number five, the same surface utilized in the Eliminator. Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin noted that the shorter boundaries could favor the batsmen.

The dimensions of the square boundaries are 54m and 58m, with a straight boundary extending to 66m. Katey also pointed out that the less grassy surface across the cracks may still provide assistance to bowlers if consistent lines are maintained, as demonstrated by DC's Chinelle Henry in the Eliminator when she took three wickets.

Playing XIs:

Delhi Capitals: Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (capt), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Nandni Sharma, N Sree Charani

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (capt), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell