The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the Women’s Premier League as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals lock horns in the final on Thursday in Vadodara. Both sides, led by Smriti Mandhana for RCB and Jemimah Rodrigues for DC, have been the tournament’s most consistent teams and will battle it out in the blockbuster encounter to clinch the trophy. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the standout teams of the season.

Their campaign began in emphatic fashion, as they stormed through their first five matches with aggressive intent and clinical execution. However, the road to the final was not entirely smooth. Despite having three chances to seal a direct qualification, RCB stumbled twice at crucial moments. But they bounced back quickly to win their final league match, finishing at the top of the table and securing a place in the summit clash.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, arrive on the back of confidence and perseverance. Over the past three seasons, DC have been remarkably consistent, earning a direct entry into the final on each occasion. Yet, heartbreak followed every time, as the elusive title slipped through their fingers.

This season turned out to be demanding, forcing them to take the Eliminator path. Delhi rose to the challenge by defeating Gujarat Giants Women in a pressure-packed knockout, booking their place in another final and keeping their title hopes alive. Now, under the leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, Delhi Capitals are just one win away from rewriting their history.

Head-to-head

Matches - 9

DC won - 6

RCB - 3

RCB Probable XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh (w), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell

DC Probable XI: Lizelle Lee (wk), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma