Bond takes a back seat as Smriti – Jemimah clash in WPL Final

Just three months ago, Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana stood shoulder to shoulder, smiling for the cameras with the World Cup firmly in their grasp. Newspapers splashed their photographs across front pages, while social media buzzed with images of the two friends celebrating India’s triumph over South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Fast forward to Thursday night, and the script has flipped. As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final unfolds at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, the friends turn rivals, and this time, only one will lift the trophy and dominate the headlines.

Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are chasing their second WPL title, having tasted glory in 2024 when they beat Delhi Capitals (DC). Rodrigues’ DC, meanwhile, are still searching for their elusive maiden crown after finishing runners-up in all three finals they have played so far. For one side, it is a chance to reinforce a legacy; for the other, an opportunity to finally shed the tag of perennial bridesmaids.

This will be the third meeting between DC and RCB in WPL 202RCB claimed the first encounter by eight wickets in Navi Mumbai while chasing 167, before DC hit back emphatically at Vadodara, chasing down 110 with seven wickets to spare. The venue could once again play a role. DC have thrived at the Kotambi Stadium, winning four of their five matches here, whereas RCB have enjoyed a more modest 50 per cent success rate. Interestingly, neither side boasts the current Orange Cap or Purple Cap holder, yet both have reached the final — a testament to their depth, balance and collective strength rather than reliance on individual brilliance.

As ever, the spotlight will fall on the two captains. Mandhana has enjoyed her contests against DC this season, scoring 134 runs in two matches, including a scintillating 96, and will be eager to set the tone at the top. Rodrigues, in contrast, has found RCB a tougher nut to crack, managing just 28 runs across the two games. The final, however, offers the perfect stage for redemption, and she will hope she has saved her best for when it matters most.

One of the more intriguing subplots features three Mumbaikars — Rodrigues, Sayali Satghare and Radha Yadav. Rodrigues has already fallen to both Satghare and Yadav earlier in the tournament and will be keen to turn the tables. The rivalry is further spiced by the fact that Yadav shared the DC dressing room with Rodrigues for the first three WPL seasons, adding an extra layer of familiarity and competitive edge.

Beyond the Indian core, overseas stars have played a defining role for both teams. RCB’s Grace Harris, opening alongside Mandhana, comes into the final on the back of a blistering 75 against UP Warriorz and currently boasts the best strike rate of the competition. DC, too, have been well served at the top, with Lizelle Lee in prolific form as the team’s leading run-scorer. Support from Laura Wolvaardt and the ever-reliable Marizanne Kapp has been instrumental in powering DC’s campaign.

Another mouth-watering contest could unfold between DC’s explosive opener Shafali Verma and RCB’s ‘Ms Dot Balls’, Lauren Bell. Bell has been the most economical bowler of the season, while Verma has yet to truly catch fire in this WPL. Finals, though, have a habit of bringing out the best in big-match players, and Verma’s match-winning knock in the recent World Cup final remains fresh in memory.

With the WPL title on the line, Vadodara is set to witness more than just a battle between two formidable teams. It will be a clash of ambition, history and friendship, as Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana set aside their bond for one night — both determined to walk away with the trophy, and only one destined to do so.

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Delhi Capitals – 2 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 3

Match details

Date: February 5, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar