The Delhi Capitals (DC) are back where they have spent far too much time in the last four seasons: the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final. Only this time, the route has been different. Instead of cruising through the league stage and freezing on the big night, DC were forced down the tougher path. They survived an Eliminator against Gujarat Giants (GG) and earned their way into yet another final. History offers them quiet encouragement: in all three previous seasons, the Eliminator winner has gone on to lift the trophy.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, arrive with momentum that has swung violently through the season. Five straight wins, two sudden losses, and then a must-win performance against UP Warriorz to book their place here. RCB have looked their best when pressure has been highest. Lauren Bell’s powerplay spells, Nadine de Klerk’s middle-overs control and Richa Ghosh’s ability to change games in short bursts have defined their campaign.
Head to head, Delhi hold a slim edge, winning six of the nine meetings. At Kotambi Stadium specifically, it’s even, one win apiece. This season has also shown a pattern: DC have won all five of their matches while chasing, while RCB have been comfortable doing both jobs. The final, fittingly, sits on that balance.
Match Information: WPL 2026 Final, RCB vs DC
| Match | RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 February 2026 |
| Venue | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Head-to-head | DC lead 6–3 |
| At Kotambi | 1 win each |
Pitch Report: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
The surface for the final will be the same one used for the Eliminator. There is visible grass, but it is more about binding the pitch than adding pace. The black-soil base means bounce stays low, especially once the ball gets older. Stroke-making is possible, but batters have had to earn it.
Dew was a factor early in the Vadodara leg, but it has reduced massively. That keeps spinners firmly in the game through the middle overs. Straight-bat shots have been the safest scoring option here; cross-batted shots carry risk because of the skid and variable bounce. Average first-innings score this season stands at 157, and results are split evenly between batting first and chasing. Powerplay execution could decide the final.
Pace vs Spin at Kotambi (WPL 2026)
| Type | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 10 | 66 | 24.92 | 19.2 | 7.77 | 4/22 |
| Spinners | 10 | 55 | 23.70 | 18.3 | 7.75 | 4/31 |
