RCB Women Celebrate WPL Title Victory with Support from Kohli and De Villiers

RCB Women Claim Second WPL Title

Legends of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, extended their congratulations to the women's team for clinching their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title.

The franchise has transformed from a trophy-less team to one that now boasts at least one title each year. Under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, the women's team ended their title drought in 2024. Following this, Rajat Patidar led the men's team to victory, breaking an 18-year IPL title drought, much to the delight of loyal star Virat Kohli. With Mandhana's recent triumph, RCB now uniquely holds both the IPL and WPL titles simultaneously.

Kohli and De Villiers Celebrate the Win

Virat Kohli took to Instagram to express his pride, stating, "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 entire squad along with the management team, congratulations on this remarkable victory. You truly deserve it. Enjoy this moment and embrace the love from our amazing fans @royalchallengers.bengaluru."

AB de Villiers, who played for RCB from 2011 to 2021, also shared an Instagram story to celebrate the team's success.

Recap of the WPL Final Match

DC Sets Record Total in Final

In the final match, RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first. Lizelle Lee scored 37 runs off 30 balls, while Shafali Verma contributed 20 runs off 13 balls, giving DC a strong start. A pivotal 76-run partnership for the third wicket between Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 57 runs off 37 balls, and Laura Wolvaardt, who added 44 runs off 35 balls, helped DC recover. Just when RCB seemed to regain control, Chinelle Henry's explosive 35 runs off 15 balls propelled DC to a total of 203/4 in 20 overs, marking the highest score in a WPL final.

Mandhana's Leadership in RCB's Chase

During the chase, RCB faced an early setback with Grace Harris dismissed for 8 runs. However, a remarkable 165-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana, who scored 87 runs off 41 balls, and Georgia Voll, who made 79 runs off 54 balls, significantly boosted RCB's chances. Despite DC's efforts to claw back with three quick wickets in the final overs, Radha Yadav (12*) and Nadine de Klerk (7*) successfully chased down the target with six wickets remaining and two balls to spare.

Mandhana was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for her outstanding performance.