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RCB Women Clinch 2nd WPL Crown as Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers Lead Celebrations

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru women's team has won their second Women's Premier League title, defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. Captain Smriti Mandhana played a match-winning innings of 87 runs, sharing a massive 165-run partnership with Georgia Voll. Franchise legends Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers took to social media to celebrate the victory, with Kohli praising the entire squad. This win gives RCB the unique distinction of simultaneously holding both the IPL and WPL championships.

Key Points: RCB Wins 2nd WPL Title, Virat & AB de Villiers Hail Team

  • RCB women win second WPL title
  • Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers congratulate team
  • Smriti Mandhana scores 87 in final
  • Franchise now holds both IPL and WPL trophies
2 min read

"Keeping the RCB flag flying high": Virat, de Villiers hail Red and Gold franchise for 2nd WPL title win

RCB women secure their second WPL championship. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers celebrate as Smriti Mandhana leads the team to victory over Delhi Capitals.

"Champions again. Keeping the rcb flag flying high - Virat Kohli"

Vadodara, February 6

Royal Challengers Bengaluru legends Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers congratulated their women's counterparts for their second Women's Premier League title.

'Trophyless' jokes can say goodbye and how as within a matter of three years, RCB have gone from having an empty cabinet to atleast one title a year.

The women's team broke the drought in 2024 under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, and next year Rajat Patidar led the men's side, which ended the 18-year-old IPL drought and won it for one of the franchise's most loyal and marquee stars, Virat. Now, Mandhana has secured the second title, giving the franchise a unique distinction: holding both the IPL and WPL titles at the same time.

Taking to Instagram, Virat wrote, "Champions again. Keeping the rcb flag flying high and something that each one of you can be Proud of. To smriti @smriti_mandhana and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations for this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans @royalchallengers.bengaluru."

Also, de Villiers who represented the franchise from 2011-2021, also posted an Instagram story celebrating the win.

In the match, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first. Lizelle Lee (37 in 30 balls, with three fours and three sixes) and Shafali Verma (20 in 13 balls, with three fours) put their team to a flying start. A 76-run stand for the third wicket between Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a captain's knock of 57 in 37 balls, with eight fours and Laura Wolvaardt (44 in 35 balls, with three fours and two sixes) brought them back to the game. Just when RCB threatened to pull things back, Chinelle Henry (35* in 15 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) played a fiery cameo to power DC to 203/4 in 20 overs, the highest in a WPL final.

In the chase, RCB lost Grace Harris (8) early, but a 165-run stand between Smriti (87 in 41 balls, with 12 fours and three sixes) and Georgia Voll (79 in 54 balls, with 14 fours) pierced DC's chances with every hit. DC threatened to pull things back with three quick wickets in the final few overs, but Radha Yadav (12*) and Nadine de Klerk (7*) chased the total with six wickets and two balls in hand.

Mandhana was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' award.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so much more than just a cricket win. It feels like a victory for every fan who stood by this team through the years of "Ee Saala Cup Namde" jokes. The women's team plays with such heart. Mandhana and Voll's partnership was magical! 💖
R
Rohit P
Amazing win, no doubt. But can we please talk about the bowling? Conceding 203 in a final is a serious concern. The batting bailed them out this time, but the management needs to look at the bowling attack before next season. Still, champions are champions! Well done.
S
Sarah B
As someone new to following the WPL, this final was an incredible introduction. The quality of cricket was top-notch. Smriti Mandhana is a global superstar. What a time for women's sports in India!
V
Vikram M
Seeing Virat and ABD celebrate the women's team win feels so special. True legends who built this franchise's culture. Now both teams are champions together. This is the RCB era we were waiting for! 🔴🟡
K
Kavya N
Georgia Voll was the unsung hero! She anchored that chase perfectly while Smriti went berserk at the other end. What a partnership. The future of RCB women looks very bright. Already excited for the next season.

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