Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in Women’s Premier League history by smashing the highest score by an Indian batter. In match 11 of WPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals on January 17 at DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, she scored a brilliant 96 off 61 balls, featuring 13 fours and 3 sixes. This explosive knock helped RCB chase down 167 with 8 wickets in hand, staying unbeaten in four matches.
Mandhana’s innings surpassed Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s previous record of 95* off 48 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes) against Gujarat Giants in 2024. She fell just short of a century, caught spectacularly by Lucy Hamilton, but earned Player of the Match honors. Her 142-run second-wicket stand with Georgia Voll (54* off 42) sealed a comfortable victory after Grace Harris fell early for 1.
This marks Mandhana’s career-best in WPL, topping her prior highs of 81 and 80. No batter has hit a WPL century yet, with Sophie Devine and Voll holding 99s. Delhi managed 166/6, powered by Shafali Verma’s 62 off 41, but RCB’s bowling restricted them effectively. Mandhana’s form leads the Orange Cap race with 166 runs in four games.
Her leadership and consistency boost RCB’s title hopes in the fourth WPL season. Fans hail her as “Captain Fantastic” for classy strokeplay against spinners like Nandni Sharma.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What was Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking score?
96 off 61 balls (13 fours, 3 sixes) vs Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026, leading RCB to an 8-wicket win. Earned Player of the Match.
2. Whose record did Mandhana break and what was it?
Harmanpreet Kaur’s 95* off 48 (10×4, 5×6) vs Gujarat Giants in 2024. Mandhana’s 96 is now top for Indians in WPL.
3. How did RCB chase against Delhi Capitals?
Mandhana’s 96 and 142-run stand with Georgia Voll (54*) chased 167 in 8-wicket win. Shafali Verma scored 62 for DC.