Off-field friends turn on-field foes as Rodrigues’ DC face Mandhana’s RCB

Two best friends will lock horns once again as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 moves into a crucial phase, with Jemimah Rodrigues’ Delhi Capitals (DC) set to take on Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in round two at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday. While RCB have already sealed their place in the playoffs with a flawless record of five wins from five matches, DC find themselves in unfamiliar territory, having managed just two victories so far.

The previous meeting between these two sides was a one-sided affair, with RCB registering a comprehensive eight-wicket win while chasing a target of 167. That match nearly witnessed history, as Mandhana came agonisingly close to becoming the first centurion in WPL history, falling for a sublime 96. Earlier in the contest, her India opening partner Shafali Verma had given DC a strong start with a well-compiled 62. However, timely strikes from Lauren Bell, ably supported by Mumbai’s Sayali Satghare, pegged DC back in the middle overs. In the chase, Mandhana found an able ally in Australia’s Georgia Voll, whose unbeaten half-century ensured a comfortable finish for RCB.

That encounter marked the final fixture of the Navi Mumbai leg of the tournament. Since then, both teams have played one match each in Vadodara and emerged victorious in their respective games. RCB produced a dominant all-round display to beat Gujarat Giants by 61 runs while defending 178, whereas three-time finalists DC bounced back in style by chasing down 155 to defeat the two-time champions and defending title-holders Mumbai Indians by seven wickets.

With just three league matches remaining for both sides, the stakes are considerably higher, particularly for Delhi Capitals. Their recent win against Mumbai Indians would have come as a huge confidence boost, not least because their captain finally rediscovered her touch. Rodrigues anchored the chase with an unbeaten half-century, guiding DC to a much-needed win and earning the Player of the Match award.

Despite that resurgence, DC’s position on the points table remains a concern. In previous seasons, the franchise, then led by Meg Lanning, had been a model of consistency, finishing at the top of the league stage each time. This season, however, under new leadership, results have been harder to come by, leaving DC in an uncharacteristically precarious position.

With two playoff spots still up for grabs, DC will back themselves to upset the table-toppers, end RCB’s five-match winning streak and, more importantly, secure two vital points. Much will depend on the experienced South African trio of Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp stepping up on the big occasion. The bowling attack will also look to Nandni Sharma, who has already claimed a hat-trick this season, as she eyes a return to the Purple Cap race.

Yet, overcoming this RCB side will be no easy task. Brimming with confidence, the WPL 2024 champions under Mandhana’s astute leadership have seemingly turned everything they touch into gold this season. Alongside their captain’s rich vein of form, overseas stars have made telling contributions. Grace Harris boasts the best strike rate in the competition, Nadine de Klerk sits second on the wickets chart, and Lauren Bell has been relentless, delivering an astonishing 12.2 overs of dot balls across 20 overs.

With Indian stalwarts Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav rising to the occasion time and again, RCB look every bit the team to beat.

As Vadodara braces itself for a blockbuster clash between two of Indian women’s cricket’s biggest stars, the question remains: which way will the wheel of fortune turn? Will Delhi Capitals halt RCB’s juggernaut and breathe life into their campaign, or will Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue their march towards history with a seventh consecutive WPL victory?

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Delhi Capitals – 2| Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 3

Match details

Date: January 24, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar