RCB vs DC Highlights, WPL 2026 Final: Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Voll's Historic Partnership Sees RCB Clinch Thriller

Fourth straight defeat in a final for DC! You've got to feel bad for them. They've been the most consistent side in the tournament's short history, but they're still without a trophy to show for their efforts.

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Former New Zealand cricketer Katey Martin feels that the DC openers Lizelle Lee and Shafali Varma would be looking to counter-attack against lead RCB pacer Lauren Bell.

"I think the Delhi openers will go after Lauren Bell. She has been very consistent; it's really the bounce she's been able to generate, along with the swing, that makes her such a challenge for batters. We saw on the wicket in the game Delhi Capitals played against Gujarat Giants that there is a bit in it with the new ball. So expect her to get that opportunity. I think hers is such an incredible story, to remodel your entire bowling action, take time away from the game, and have the bravery to do that. Now, we're starting to see the success and confidence. I'm really looking forward to seeing her produce some magic out in the middle," said Katey.

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim said that the Capitals look stronger than the 2024 champions RCB on paper and have "all bases covered" for the final.

"Hopefully, it happens for Delhi this time around. This is the fourth season of TATA WPL, and the Delhi Capitals have been the most consistent team. Finals have been the one big hurdle they've yet to cross, that perhaps be down to nerves, preparation, or execution on the day. But this is a golden opportunity. They're playing under a new captain, the atmosphere in the team is very good, and I thought Delhi would be the first team to qualify, even though they had to take a different route this year. The way they performed in the eliminator, I feel they have all the bases covered. On paper, Delhi Capitals looks like a stronger team than the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They have a lot of options. Anything could happen in the final; both teams are very strong. Let's see who wins the battle between the two best friends," he said.

RCB skipper Mandhana says it has been a trend in the tournament and they want to know what they are going to chase.

"It's always good to know what you're going to chase. We're playing with the same XI what we played in the last match. (On the break and and playing the final) It's been brilliant, I feel. First 2-3 days, we all had a good time off. We didn't think a lot about cricket. And of course, in the last two or three days, we came back together, practised hard. And again, there's nice nerves, nice anxiousness, and nice excitement. And I feel you all have to embrace it. And we've all had a chat about it. And don't run away from it, just embrace it. (Different preparations for the final?) Well, I'm not sure that it's different. What's worked for us is keeping things as simple as we can. And I think nothing changes for us today as well. Everyone had that calm energy today. But of course, the excitement level is high. And for sure, I mean, we know that we have to turn up and play our best cricket," said Mandhana.

DC captain Jemimah is happy to lose the toss, but admits that she would've liked to bowl first. Both teams are unchanged.

"It's better to lose the toss in such big games. We are going with the same team. We've kept it very simple, kept our plans simple. We played the Eliminator here, so we know what it's going to like like," Jemimah said at the toss.

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