RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026 turned out to be a game-changer in the tournament. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Delhi Capitals Women delivered a masterclass to hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women their first loss of the season. This 15th match of the Women’s Premier League 2026, played at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, saw DC chase down a modest target with ease, boosting their playoff hopes while reminding everyone why women’s cricket is thriving.
If you’re a cricket fan following WPL 2026, you know RCB had been unstoppable with five straight wins. But on January 24, 2026, DC flipped the script. Led by all-round heroics from Marizanne Kapp and a composed innings from Laura Wolvaardt, Delhi secured a convincing 7-wicket victory. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that propelled DC to second on the points table.
In this detailed recap on IPL Star, we’ll break down every key moment, from the toss to the final boundary. We’ll dive into highlights, player performances, stats in easy-to-read tables, and what this means for both teams. Whether you’re reliving the thrill or analyzing for the next game, we’ve got you covered with insights drawn from top sources like ESPN, Cricbuzz, and fan reactions on X (formerly Twitter).
Why This Match Mattered in WPL 2026
WPL 2026 has been electric so far, with high-scoring games and nail-biters. But RCB Women vs DC Women stood out. RCB entered as table-toppers, boasting a six-match winning streak from last season into this one – the longest in WPL history. DC, on the other hand, had a rocky start but were building momentum with back-to-back wins.
The venue, BCA Stadium in Vadodara, added intrigue. Known for its balanced pitches, this day it played slow and low, favoring bowlers who varied pace. As Smriti Mandhana noted post-match, it was “one of the toughest pitches” they’d faced, with spongy bounce making shot-making tricky.
According to ESPN’s report, this loss didn’t hurt RCB much since they’ve already qualified for knockouts. But for DC, it was crucial. Their net run rate got a boost, tying them on points with Gujarat Giants but edging ahead. Fans on X were buzzing – one tweet from @anandt2011 captured the essence: “DC Women chased comfortably, 26 balls to spare. RCBW’s 109 was never enough.”
Let’s set the stage with the basics.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Women’s Premier League 2026 |
| Match | 15th Match |
| Date | January 24, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara |
| Toss | Delhi Capitals Women won and elected to bowl |
| Umpires | Ajitesh Argal, Ankita Guha |
| Third Umpire | Anish Sahasrabudhe |
| Referee | Varsha Nagre |
| Result | Delhi Capitals Women won by 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Marizanne Kapp (DC) |
This table sums up the essentials. Now, imagine the atmosphere: A packed stadium under lights, with RCB fans hoping for another Mandhana masterclass. But DC had other plans.
Toss, Pitch Report, and Pre-Match Buzz
Tosses can make or break games in T20 cricket, especially on tricky pitches. Jemimah Rodrigues, DC’s skipper, called it right and chose to bowl first. “We wanted to exploit the early movement,” she said in the pre-match interview, as reported by Sportstar.
The pitch report was key. Experts on Star Sports noted the fresh surface would assist seamers initially, then slow down. It had grass cover but was expected to grip for spinners. Mandhana later confirmed: “It was spongy, not like previous games here.” This influenced strategies – RCB aimed for 140-170, per News18, but fell short.
Pre-match, RCB were favorites. Their unbeaten run included dominant wins over Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz. DC, bottom-scrapers early on, had clawed back with victories against Gujarat Giants. Key change: DC recalled Minnu Mani for spin variety, a move that paid off.
Playing XIs added flavor. RCB stuck with their power-packed lineup, while DC’s all-round depth shone.
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women XI | Delhi Capitals Women XI |
|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | Shafali Verma |
| Grace Harris | Lizelle Lee (wk) |
| Georgia Voll | Laura Wolvaardt |
| Gautami Naik | Jemimah Rodrigues (c) |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | Marizanne Kapp |
| Radha Yadav | Niki Prasad |
| Nadine de Klerk | Chinelle Henry |
| Arundhati Reddy | Sneh Rana |
| Sayali Satghare | Minnu Mani |
| Shreyanka Patil | Shree Charani |
| Lauren Bell | Nandani Sharma |
Broadcast details: Live on JioCinema and Star Sports, with highlights flooding YouTube channels like the official WPL one.
Fan hype was real. A tweet from @Thewomencricke1 before toss: “Match 15: RCB VS DC. Toss: DC bowl first.” Excitement built as RCB openers walked out.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Innings: A Promising Start Turns into a Nightmare Collapse
RCB’s innings started with promise but unraveled spectacularly. Batting first on a challenging pitch, they managed only 109 – their lowest WPL total ever, as per Cricbuzz.
Powerplay set the tone. Mandhana and Harris added 39/1 in six overs. But drama unfolded early. In Kapp’s second over, Mandhana survived two reviews: one caught-behind (no edge) and an lbw overturned by a no-ball. Replays showed it would’ve been out – a massive let-off.
Mandhana capitalized, hitting back-to-back fours off Henry and Sharma. Harris looked scratchy, scoring 9 off 13 before edging Kapp to backward point. At 36/1 after five overs, RCB seemed steady.
Then came the collapse. Mandhana’s 38 (34 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) ended sweeping Mani to deep square. Voll (11) was bowled by Kapp’s wobble-seam. Naik (3) lost her off-stump to Charani. Ghosh (5) sliced Mani to point.
From 62/1, RCB slumped to 69/4. Yadav tried countering with a six off Mani, but Henry’s short ball edged to the keeper. De Klerk (5) holed out to mid-off. Reddy (2) was lbw to Sharma. Satghare (3) bowled by Sharma. Patil (7) caught at mid-on. Bell (1*) stranded.
DC’s bowlers were ruthless. Sharma’s 3-26 in the death overs sealed it. As ESPN noted, “DC adapted deftly on a slow pitch.”
Let’s tabulate the batting scorecard for clarity.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Harris | 9 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 69.23 | c Wolvaardt b Kapp |
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | 38 | 34 | 6 | 1 | 111.76 | c Prasad b Mani |
| Georgia Voll | 11 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 78.57 | b Kapp |
| Gautami Naik | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 | b Charani |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | 5 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 55.56 | c Wolvaardt b Mani |
| Radha Yadav | 18 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 105.88 | c Lee b Henry |
| Nadine de Klerk | 5 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 55.56 | c Rodrigues b Henry |
| Arundhati Reddy | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 | lbw b Sharma |
| Sayali Satghare | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 | b Sharma |
| Shreyanka Patil | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 | c Verma b Sharma |
| Lauren Bell | 1* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | not out |
Extras: 7 (lb 2, w 4, nb 1). Total: 109/10 in 20 overs (RR 5.45).
Fall of wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36 | 5.3 | Harris |
| 2 | 62 | 9.2 | Mandhana |
| 3 | 67 | 10.5 | Naik |
| 4 | 69 | 11.4 | Voll |
| 5 | 78 | 13.5 | Ghosh |
| 6 | 94 | 16.3 | Yadav |
| 7 | 97 | 17.3 | Reddy |
| 8 | 99 | 18.1 | de Klerk |
| 9 | 108 | 19.4 | Patil |
| 10 | 109 | 19.6 | Satghare |
DC bowling was spot-on.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinelle Henry | 4 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 5.50 |
| Marizanne Kapp | 4 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 4.25 |
| Nandani Sharma | 4 | 0 | 26 | 3 | 6.50 |
| Shree Charani | 4 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 3.50 |
| Sneh Rana | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Minnu Mani | 3 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 6.00 |
Powerplay: 39/1. Timeouts saw RCB regroup, but pressure mounted. Yadav’s 18 was a lone fight, but DC’s variations – slower balls, wobble-seam – dominated.
Why the collapse? Pitch held up, but RCB’s shot selection was poor. Cross-bat heaves failed. As per The Times of India, “RCB’s middle order couldn’t adapt.”
Fan reactions on X: @CNNnews18 tweeted live updates, highlighting Mandhana’s six over long-on. But post-innings, disappointment reigned.
Delhi Capitals Women Chase: From Early Wobbles to Dominant Finish
Chasing 110 on a slow pitch seemed straightforward, but RCB struck early. DC finished in 15.4 overs, showcasing composure.
Shafali Verma exploded: 16 off 8 (4 fours), smashing Bell for three boundaries in the first over. But Satghare stumped her brilliantly off Ghosh. Lee (6) swept to deep square.
At 24/2, RCB hoped. But drops hurt. Satghare shelled Rodrigues on 4 at short third. Another drop on 19 at midwicket.
Wolvaardt (42* off 38, 4 fours, 1 six) and Rodrigues (24 off 26, 4 fours) added 52 – the match’s highest stand. They played straight, rotating strike.
Rodrigues fell mistiming Yadav to cover. Kapp (19* off 15, 3 fours) joined Wolvaardt, bashing boundaries to win.
As Yardbarker reported, “Wolvaardt anchored with maturity.”
Batting scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | 16 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 200.00 | st Ghosh b Satghare |
| Lizelle Lee (wk) | 6 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 75.00 | c Voll b Satghare |
| Laura Wolvaardt | 42* | 38 | 4 | 1 | 110.53 | not out |
| Jemimah Rodrigues (c) | 24 | 26 | 4 | 0 | 92.31 | c Mandhana b Yadav |
| Marizanne Kapp | 19* | 15 | 3 | 0 | 126.67 | not out |
Extras: 4 (b 1, w 2, nb 1). Total: 111/3 in 15.4 overs (RR 7.09).
Did not bat: Prasad, Henry, Rana, Mani, Charani, Sharma.
Fall of wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 | 1.4 | Verma |
| 2 | 24 | 3.3 | Lee |
| 3 | 76 | 11.4 | Rodrigues |
RCB bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Bell | 4 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 7.50 |
| Sayali Satghare | 3 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Arundhati Reddy | 2 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 8.50 |
| Shreyanka Patil | 2.4 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 5.25 |
| Nadine de Klerk | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9.00 |
| Radha Yadav | 2 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 5.00 |
| Georgia Voll | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12.00 |
Powerplay: 38/2. The 52-run stand was pivotal. Wolvaardt’s late six off Patil sealed momentum.
Fielding lapses: Two drops of Rodrigues, misfields adding boundaries. Mandhana admitted: “Fielding wasn’t up to our standards.”
Highlights from YouTube: Official clips show Kapp’s winning four, Wolvaardt’s sweep-six.
This chase highlighted DC’s depth. As Female Cricket’s stream noted, “DC still alive in race.”
Standout Player Performances: Heroes Who Shaped RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026
Matches like RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026 are defined by individuals. Let’s spotlight the stars.
Marizanne Kapp: Player of the Match – All-Round Brilliance
Kapp was unstoppable. 2-17 with the ball, dismissing Harris and Voll. Her powerplay spell (4-0-17-2) set the tone. With bat, 19* including crunch boundaries.
Post-match: “I’m getting rhythm. Annoyed with no-balls, but happy to contribute.” As News18 highlighted, she leads DC’s resurgence.
Laura Wolvaardt: The Anchor (42*)
Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 42 was class. On a tough pitch, she played straight, hitting 4 fours and a six. Partnership with Rodrigues was key.
She said: “Treated it like a 50-over game. Focused on partnerships.” Her fielding? Two catches. ESPN praised her improved catching efficiency.
Jemimah Rodrigues: Captain’s Knock and Tactics (24, Smart Leadership)
Rodrigues’ 24 was steady, but her captaincy shone. Bringing back Kapp for Voll’s wicket, introducing Mani timely.
Quotes: “Credit to the team for believing. Minnu was brilliant.” Learning from past RCB games, she used Kapp early.
Nandani Sharma: Purple Cap Leader (3-26)
Sharma’s death bowling: 3 wickets in finals, including two in last over. Variations bamboozled RCB.
Now tops wicket charts. Sportskeeda noted her rise.
Minnu Mani: Impact on Return (2-18)
Recalled, Mani took Mandhana and Ghosh. “Attacked stumps,” as Rodrigues said.
Smriti Mandhana: Lone Warrior for RCB (38)
Mandhana’s 38 was top score. Survived scares, hit elegant boundaries. But holed out.
She reflected: “One off day. We’ll come back stronger.”
Top Performers Table:
| Player | Team | Contribution | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marizanne Kapp | DC | Bowling & Batting | 2-17, 19* |
| Laura Wolvaardt | DC | Batting & Fielding | 42*, 2 catches |
| Nandani Sharma | DC | Bowling | 3-26 |
| Minnu Mani | DC | Bowling | 2-18 |
| Smriti Mandhana | RCB | Batting | 38 |
| Sayali Satghare | RCB | Bowling | 2-18 |
These performances underline DC’s balance. For more player stats, check ESPN’s full scorecard.
Post-Match Reactions: Captains and Players Speak Out
Post-match buzz was insightful. Kapp, POTM: “Started slow this season, but rhythm’s coming. Love powerplay pressure. No-balls annoy me – luckily didn’t cost us.”
Rodrigues beamed: “100% credit to the team. We believed and executed. Minnu’s return was great. Kapp being Kapp. We discussed attacking stumps – wickets followed. Proud of picking up after falls.”
Wolvaardt: “Nice momentum with two wins. Jemi’s captaincy excellent – brave calls paid off. Batted straight, built partnerships. Catching improving – extra work helping.”
Mandhana gracious: “Tournaments have these losses pre-playoffs. Played good cricket overall, one off day. Pitch spongy – couldn’t adapt. Credit bowlers for fighting. Fielding hit us – we’ll practice harder. Impressed with unit’s positivity.”
These quotes, from official presentations via Cricbuzz, show maturity. Fans echoed on X: @Thewomencricke1 updated scores, while @CNNnews18 shared top moments.
Broader sentiment: DC gained confidence, RCB saw it as a wake-up.
Stats, Records, and Points Table Shake-Up After RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026
Stats tell the story. Only 3 sixes total – pitch dictated. Boundaries: RCB 9 fours, 2 sixes; DC 16 fours, 1 six. Dot balls: 47% both innings.
Extras: RCB 7, DC 4. Run sources: Boundaries 47% for RCB, 70% for DC.
Records: RCB’s 109 lowest WPL score. Their 6-win streak ended – longest ever. Sharma leads Purple Cap.
Catching efficiency (WPL 2026):
| Team | Efficiency | Dropped Catches |
|---|---|---|
| DC | 81.8% | 6 |
| RCB | 76.3% | 9 |
| MI | 71.8% | 9 |
| UP | 70.3% | 8 |
| GG | 67.6% | 11 |
Updated Points Table (after Match 15):
| Rank | Team | M | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB Women | 6 | 5 | 1 | 10 | +1.236 |
| 2 | DC Women | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.169 |
| 3 | GG Women | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.341 |
| 4 | MI Women | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | +0.046 |
| 5 | UP Women | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -0.769 |
DC’s win (4.2 overs spare) improved NRR. All teams played 6; RCB qualified.
Match Flow: RCB powerplay 39/1, 50 in 7.6 overs, 100 in 18.4. DC 50 in 7.3, 100 in 14.1.
Scoring Breakdown:
| Aspect | RCB | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 39/1 | 38/2 |
| Middle Overs | 53/4 | 73/1 |
| Death Overs | 17/5 | – |
| Sixes | 2 | 1 |
| Fours | 9 | 16 |
| Boundary Runs | 48 | 70 |
| Dot Balls % | 47 | 47 |
| Extras | 7 | 4 |
These from Sportskeeda. For video highlights, watch official ESPN clip.
The Bigger Picture: Playoff Race Intensifies in WPL 2026
This result shakes WPL 2026. RCB, despite loss, lead with 10 points – playoffs secured. But streak end exposes vulnerabilities, especially middle order.
DC jump to second, level with GG on 6 points but better NRR. Two more wins could seal their spot. Momentum key – as Rodrigues said, “Back to business.”
GG, MI, UP fight for remaining spots. MI’s recent losses hurt; UP inconsistent.
Upcoming: RCB vs MI, DC vs GG. Vadodara pitches evolving – teams must adapt.
Broader context: WPL boosting women’s cricket. Stars like Kapp, Wolvaardt inspire. As Outlook India pics show, energy’s high.
Final Verdict: A Turning Point for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026
RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026 was a classic upset. DC’s bowling clinic and chase exposed RCB’s off day, but Bengaluru will bounce back.
For fans, it’s why we love cricket – unpredictability. DC emerge stronger, RCB wiser.
Who’ll dominate next? Stay tuned to IPL Star for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who won RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026 15th match?
Delhi Capitals Women registered a commanding 7-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in the 15th match of Women’s Premier League 2026. Chasing a modest 110, DC reached 111/3 in just 15.4 overs, finishing with 26 balls to spare on January 24, 2026, at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara.
2. What was the final score in Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs Delhi Capitals Women WPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women were bowled out for 109 in 20 overs. Delhi Capitals Women chased the target comfortably, finishing at 111/3 in 15.4 overs. RCB’s 109 remains their lowest total in WPL history.
3. Who was Player of the Match in RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026?
Marizanne Kapp was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance – 2/17 in 4 overs with the ball and an unbeaten 19* off 15 balls to finish the chase. Her powerplay spell set the tone for DC’s dominance.
4. How did Delhi Capitals Women beat RCB Women in WPL 2026?
DC’s bowlers, led by Nandani Sharma (3-26), Marizanne Kapp (2-17), and Minnu Mani (2-18), restricted RCB to 109 on a slow, spongy pitch. In the chase, despite early losses, Laura Wolvaardt (42*) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24) added a crucial 52-run partnership before Kapp sealed the win.
5. What are the key highlights of WPL 2026 15th match between RCB and DC?
Highlights include Smriti Mandhana’s fighting 38, RCB’s dramatic middle-order collapse (4 wickets for 7 runs), Nandani Sharma’s death-over triple strike, Shafali Verma’s explosive start, two dropped catches of Jemimah Rodrigues that proved costly, and DC’s clinical chase ending RCB’s six-match winning streak.
6. How did the WPL 2026 points table change after RCB Women vs DC Women?
After the match, RCB Women remained top with 10 points from 6 games (NRR +1.236) but lost their unbeaten tag. Delhi Capitals Women jumped to 2nd place with 6 points from 6 games (NRR -0.169), overtaking Gujarat Giants on net run rate.
7. What was Smriti Mandhana’s performance in RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026?
Smriti Mandhana top-scored for RCB with 38 off 34 balls (6 fours, 1 six). She survived early scares, including a no-ball reprieve, but was eventually dismissed sweeping Minnu Mani. She later called it an “off day” on a challenging pitch.
8. How impactful was Marizanne Kapp in Delhi Capitals Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women match?
Kapp was the standout performer, taking 2-17 (including Grace Harris and Georgia Voll) and remaining unbeaten on 19* to guide the chase. Her disciplined powerplay bowling and calm finishing earned her Player of the Match honours.
9. What is the current playoff scenario after WPL 2026 15th match?
RCB Women have virtually secured a playoff spot with 10 points. Delhi Capitals Women strengthened their position in 2nd, while Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and UP Warriorz are locked in a tight battle for the remaining spots with 6 teams having played equal games.
10. Where and when was the RCB Women vs DC Women WPL 2026 15th match played?
The match took place on January 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Jemimah Rodrigues won the toss for Delhi Capitals Women and elected to bowl first on a slow, low-bounce surface.
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