Bengalur, Jan 18 : Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continue to dominate the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), with former RCB pacer Kate Cross stating that the side is virtually assured of a playoff berth as the tournament moves into its Vadodara leg.
RCB extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, riding on captain Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant 96. Though Mandhana narrowly missed out on a maiden WPL century, her authoritative innings laid the foundation for yet another emphatic win, keeping RCB comfortably placed at the top of the points table.
Reflecting on RCB’s start, Cross noted that while the opening win against Mumbai Indians was a close contest, the team has since operated at a level above the rest. She said the unbeaten run heading into Vadodara has put Mandhana and her side in an ideal position, adding that RCB have “basically qualified” and could not have asked for a better beginning, especially after the late withdrawal of Ellyse Perry.
Cross also heaped praise on Mandhana’s leadership and form, stating that a strong RCB is synonymous with the skipper scoring runs. Calling the 96 against Delhi Capitals her best innings of the season, Cross said Mandhana looked completely at ease at the crease and was unfazed by early wickets, producing a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Praising RCB’s bowling attack, Cross singled out Lauren Bell for her impactful powerplay spell against Delhi Capitals. Bell removed the top order, including Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt, and climbed up the Purple Cap standings with a three-wicket haul. Cross described Bell’s delivery to Wolvaardt as a “dream ball” for any seamer and highlighted her growing importance as Mandhana’s strike bowler.
RCB will now face Gujarat Giants at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara as the second leg of WPL 2026 gets underway, with the Bengaluru side aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and seal early qualification for the playoffs.