Radha Yadav (Source:X)
In a significant development, Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second Women's Premier League title with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2026 final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
While RCB's successful chase sparked celebrations, the dramatic final moments also led to confusion over whether Radha Yadav had been dismissed hit wicket while scoring the winning runs.
Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll guide RCB to WPL title
Delhi Capitals, batting first, posted a total of 203 runs, a score that often proves decisive in high-pressure finals. Their batting effort once again put them in a strong position, but it also extended their unfortunate record, as this was their fourth consecutive appearance as runners-up in a WPL final.
RCB's chase did not start smoothly; the early dismissal of Grace Harris raised hopes for DC. However, captain Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll quickly turned the game around with a superb partnership for the second wicket.
The duo added 165 runs, making the difficult chase look remarkably comfortable. Mandhana played a captain's knock of 87 runs off 41 balls, while Voll supported her brilliantly with 79 runs from 54 deliveries.
RCB maintained pressure throughout the innings by scoring at least one boundary in every over. Even after both Mandhana and Voll were dismissed, RCB remained in control.
Still, Delhi sensed an opportunity when Richa Ghosh also fell, bringing the match closer than expected in the final over.
Truth behind hit-wicket confusion involving Radha Yadav
RCB needed 10 runs from the last six balls. Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk were at the crease. Radha took a single off the first ball, followed by another single from de Klerk.
With eight runs needed off four balls, Radha stepped up under pressure.
She struck a four over cover off left-arm spinner Shree Charani. On the very next delivery, Radha once again made room and lofted the ball over extra cover for another boundary, seemingly sealing a famous victory for RCB.
Why was Radha Yadav not given hit wicket in the WPL final?
However, celebrations were briefly halted. As Radha played the winning shot, television replays showed the bails falling off the stumps.
This led to confusion among players and fans, with many wondering if Radha had been dismissed hit wicket before completing the winning stroke.
The uncertainty even spread to the RCB dugout. Players were unsure whether the match was officially over.
Shreyanka Patil later revealed that the team only relaxed after head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed the decision.
Replays provided clarity on the incident. The bails were dislodged not by Radha's bat, body, or foot, but by the gloves of Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee, who accidentally disturbed the stumps while moving behind the wicket.
As per the rules, Radha could not be given out hit wicket in this situation, and the on-field decision stood.
With that confirmation, RCB's celebrations resumed in full flow. Radha Yadav was officially credited with hitting the winning runs, guiding RCB to the record chase and securing the franchise's second WPL title.
For the DC, it was another heartbreaking final despite a strong overall performance.
