WPL 2026: Smriti Mandhana and Three RCB Stars Finish No. 1, Harmanpreet Kaur Retains ‘Sixer Queen’ Crown
- byPranay Jain
- 06 Feb, 2026
The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League concluded in dramatic fashion, mirroring its thrilling start. Royal Challengers Bangalore once again proved their dominance, defeating Delhi Capitals in a last-over finish in the final to lift their second WPL title. RCB had also won their opening match of the season in similar fashion, underlining their consistency throughout the tournament.
RCB’s success was reflected not just in the trophy but also in individual performances, with several of their players finishing at the top of key statistical charts.
Mandhana Leads from the Front
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana played a defining role in the title win. In the final, she produced a match-winning knock of 87 runs off just 41 balls, the highest individual score in a WPL final to date.
Mandhana’s brilliance extended across the season as she finished with the Orange Cap, scoring 377 runs in nine innings, including three half-centuries. Her tally featured 57 fours and nine sixes, making her the tournament’s most prolific run-scorer.
Sophie Devine Claims Purple Cap and Player of the Tournament
Former RCB all-rounder Sophie Devine, now representing Gujarat Giants, emerged as the leading wicket-taker of WPL 2026. The New Zealand star claimed 17 wickets in nine innings, earning the Purple Cap.
Devine also made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring 243 runs, which helped her secure the Player of the Tournament award.
Lauren Bell Shines with the Ball
RCB fast bowler Lauren Bell finished the season as the most economical bowler in the league. She bowled 36 overs in nine matches, conceding only 199 runs at an economy rate of 5.52, while also picking up 12 wickets.
Bell’s impact was evident in the final as well, where she gave away just 19 runs in four overs. She also bowled the most dot balls in the tournament (128), highlighting her control and consistency.
Harmanpreet Kaur Remains the ‘Sixer Queen’
Despite Mumbai Indians failing to qualify for the playoffs, their captain Harmanpreet Kaur once again delivered a standout batting performance. She hit the most sixes in the tournament (13) across eight innings, retaining her reputation as the league’s premier power-hitter.
Harmanpreet also finished second on the run-scoring charts with 342 runs, underlining her importance to the Mumbai lineup.
Grace Harris Sets the Pace with Strike Rate
RCB’s dominance in aggressive batting was further strengthened by Australian opener Grace Harris, who recorded the highest strike rate of the season (178.19). Harris scored 237 runs, smashing 38 fours and eight sixes, and consistently provided explosive starts for her team.
With multiple players topping performance charts and a second championship secured, WPL 2026 firmly belonged to Royal Challengers Bangalore, marking one of the most dominant seasons by a franchise in the league’s history.






