Women’s cricket reached a historic milestone as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) became the most-watched women’s T20 match in history. The high-scoring thriller at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara not only delivered an unforgettable contest but also set new records in both viewership and on-field performances.
The match saw RCB successfully chase a massive target to win their second WPL title, while the tournament itself recorded its highest-ever audience across TV and digital platforms.
Match Summary: High-Scoring Final Ends with Record Chase
Delhi Capitals started strongly after winning the toss and posted 203/4 in 20 overs, the highest total ever in a WPL final. Jemimah Rodrigues led the batting effort with a fluent half-century, supported by Laura Wolvaardt and Chinelle Henry.
RCB responded with a fearless batting performance. Captain Smriti Mandhana played a match-defining innings, while Georgia Wareham produced a crucial knock. Their partnership turned the chase into a historic one as RCB reached 204/4 in 19.4 overs, completing the highest successful chase in WPL history.
Match Scorecard Overview
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | 203/4 (20 overs) | Jemimah Rodrigues 57 (37), Wolvaardt 44, Henry 35* |
| RCB | 204/4 (19.4 overs) | Smriti Mandhana 87 (41), Georgia Wareham 79 (54) |
| Result | RCB won by 6 wickets | Record 165-run partnership for 2nd wicket |
The 165-run stand between Mandhana and Wareham is the highest partnership in a WPL final and women’s T20 final.
Viewership Records: Women’s Cricket Reaches New Heights
The WPL 2026 season witnessed unprecedented growth, reflecting the rising popularity of women’s cricket.
WPL 2026 Viewership Highlights
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total season consumption | 34.5 billion minutes |
| Growth vs 2025 | +11% |
| Digital reach growth | +17% |
| Connected TV growth | +37% |
| Final TV viewers | 169 million |
| Final growth vs 2025 | 2x reach |
| Digital growth (final) | +200% |
| TV ratings increase | +74% |
The final also recorded 60% year-on-year growth in consumption, making it the most successful WPL season so far.
RCB’s Dominance and DC’s Final Heartbreak
With this victory, RCB secured their second WPL title (after 2024). For Delhi Capitals, the result was disappointing as they finished runners-up for the fourth time (2023–2026), continuing their wait for a first championship.
After the match, Smriti Mandhana highlighted the bigger picture, calling the victory “a win for women’s cricket.”
The record-breaking final shows that women’s cricket is growing rapidly in fan engagement and commercial value. Strong performances, competitive matches, and star players have helped WPL attract a massive audience worldwide.
With rising viewership, increasing sponsorship interest, and expanding fan support, the league is set for even bigger seasons ahead.
The WPL 2026 final was not just a thrilling match—it marked a major step forward for the global growth of women’s cricket.
