Smriti Mandhana, skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, disclosed how relentless messaging kept her side laser-focused en route to the WPL 2026 final. ‘We repeatedly told the team: the final’s just one win away,’ she affirmed, crediting this for their breakthrough performance.
RCB’s 8-wicket demolition of UP Warriors in Vadodara marked the 18th game. Capping Warriors at 143/8, RCB wrapped the pursuit in 13.1 overs. Defending their 2024 crown, they’re chasing consecutive triumphs.
To broadcasters, Mandhana reflected, ‘Superb battle. UP’s Lanning-Deepti duo amassed 60-70 without loss, yet our bowlers dominated. Grace nabbed vital scalps, de Klerk excelled, all contributed masterfully. Team-wide brilliance like this inspires.’
After consecutive reverses, composure reigned. ‘No emotional overreactions; we’d excelled early on. Tourney realities demand opponent props, à la Sciver-Brunt. We dissected coolly, refined weaknesses.’
Consistency shone through: ‘Same script lately – one win from glory. Support team’s steady ethos, victory or not, bolsters us. Three games harping this theme ended with final berth secured. Overjoyed.’
Mandhana’s poise positions RCB as frontrunners for the decider.