One of the cleanest hitters I've seen: Georgia Voll on Smriti Mandhana

Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the trophy for the Women's Premier League 2026. It is their second trophy in three seasons. After a week's break of having directly qualified for the finals, RCB also broke the curse of team's not qualifying for the finals. Led by captain Smriti Mandhana's 41-ball 87 and Georgia Voll's 79 off 54, RCB chased down 204 in the final to lift the title by six wickets and two balls to spare.

Here's how the players reacted to the WPL win

Georgia Voll

It was just about sort of taking it as deep as we could. We knew it was a really good batting wicket, so if we could play as straight as we could for as long as we can - we obviously had great finishers in our team - we could finish it well. It was obviously disappointing that we couldn't finish it together, but full credit to the girls and what a great season this has been. (On what the team did during the break in Goa) Couple of soda waters! It was obviously nice to have a bit of a break, head to the beach. It was just nice to have a couple of days off and then back into training. Normally tough having the week off to come back in but the girls were really focused coming into tonight, and yeah super happy we could get the win.

(On her innings) Obviously pretty high up there. Would have been better to finish it off, but to obviously play that way in the final (after) feeling like I couldn't hit the ball off the square for most of the season... to come out there and perform in the final was super special. (Batting alongside Smriti Mandhana) It's awesome watching her go about it. Just to sit at the other end and watch how she strikes the ball - one of the cleanest hitters I've ever seen and just effortless. To be able to share the wicket out there with her and put a dent in that target was super special to be a part of. Definitely a little bit nervous - probably should have stayed out there so I wasn't as nervous. Next time I'll make sure I'm staying out there.

Radha Yadav

Everyone is very happy and this team has done a lot of hard work and has backed each other very well. Our management has given us everything the players have asked for, in fact, more than us, so I think this win is more for them. We just come and work hard and sometimes we get results and sometimes we don't, but their hard work is a heads-off for them.

We used to do situational practise, that different types of situations will be there, we need to hit these many runs with few balls, you will have to defend as a bowler or, you will have to chase as a batter, so we practised all those situations a lot. Our management helped us a lot, what else can we do and how can you do better with the skills you have. You can't make a lot of changes, but how can you do better in that, that's what they backed.

(Reflecting on her own performance) It's pretty good, but I can do better. I mean, as far as my capability is concerned, I haven't played to that level, maybe hopefully in the future, while doing more hard work, there will be a bigger match, when I will be able to win the world cup, let's see...So, we went out for a small trip and we took a lot of off time, we were not thinking about cricket at all and that's why I would like to say that the management took that step that you guys stay away from cricket and then you will come fresh, you will be recharged and then you will be ready to go, so it did a lot of good for us. First WPL trophy for me, World Cup is obviously at the top, so this will go second.

Lauren Bell

I mean what a game of cricket! 200 plays 200, it was up and down, I think there were good patches and not so good patches, but obviously we got over the line. (On Delhi Capitals' approach to batting in the final) Their opening partnership come at you and we knew that. I think once we got them two down we thought we were back in the game, and then Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) and Laura (Wolvaardt) both batted really, really well, so yeah they got to a good total but we back our batting lineup in chasing everything.

Not sure actually (On what Smriti Mandhana said at the innings break). I don't get involved in the batting chats but I'm sure her and Grace had it covered... I actually sat with Anya (Shrubsole), I think we were pretty calm. We were sat at the top for most of it and we looked up and we were like, we're getting alright here actually. This is looking pretty good and then it came down, and there was a couple of wickets. But I think we chased it really well and obviously Georgia (Voll) and Smriti (Mandhana) are outstanding so they set the chase up for us...I don't think I've ever been part of a game like that where it's been so close. I guess the fans behind us (were amazing), and yeah I think we've been waiting a long time for this final so it was really special to watch and I'm just glad we got over the line.

I think they've been amazing this whole tournament (on the fans). Every game we've had loads of support, and a lot of noise and tonight was no different so they've definitely helped us tonight and all through the tournament. I've absolutely loved it (the WPL). The whole month's been so good I think. Finishing it off with a win's been amazing but, yeah, the whole month and the girls and the coaching staff, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Grace Harris

I just said to the girls sometimes you only get this opportunity once and to really take it. I may have tried to be intelligent and quote Roger Federer, one of my favorite, successful athletes. He only won 54 per cent of all of his points so I just said to the girls 'listen, you only have to win 54 per cent to win so let's give it a good crack'. And look what happened! I tried to bring a little bit of energy to what is a pretty exciting game anyway. It's not everyday that you get to play in a WPL final and obviously the crowd, there's a lot of red and we very much appreciated that tonight. That first half got us but we came back well. (Heart rate during that aerial catch) That was the easiest part of my night I reckon. I back myself to take them most of the time, I've got buckets for hands so I should eat them really but it's been good. We've played some really good cricket and fairly consistent and there's been different individuals standing up all throughout our competition. Just really happy for the girls tonight to get a good win.

When there were 13 runs to get I may have jinxed Smriti a little bit, she was on 87. Two fantastic knocks - 200 on the board, sometimes you can kind of go boom or bust and obviously with the outfield and the way the wicket was, you get good value for your shots if you play straighter like myself. The girls were fantastic and it was a great match. Malo bhai, our head coach, he's so calm and in control. He just allows the players to get what they need, especially the senior ones. RX our batting coach, he's very good technically and he's discussed a lot of batting stuff with me over the tournament. Our support staff, they just know their roles as well and they play them and then it allows you as a player just to roll in and understand your role and then try and give it your best shot throughout the tournament. I think with the kind of environment that they've created, it can really help you show off your skills and express yourself.

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