Smriti Mandhana heaps special praise on Lauren Bell and Georgia Voll after WPL 2026 final
They say cometh the hour, cometh the captain and Smriti Mandhana played a very special innings to power RCB to a grandstand finish as they lifted their second WPL title.
Mandhana smashed 87 off just 41 balls, clobbering 12 fours and three sixes while striking at a rate of 212.20.
Winning the Player of the Match award for her match-winning performance, the RCB captain opened up on what the dugout chats were and how individual performances stood out when it mattered the most.
She reserved very special praise for Lauren Bell and Georgia Voll as they were instrumental in securing RCB’s second WPL crown.
Talking about the fans and Lauren Bell’s brilliant spell, Smriti said, “I feel RCB fans are the best fans in the world. To win two titles in four years is amazing. We did think that it's a big surface and 204 is a good score. The last 4 overs we bowled well and pulled it back. Credit to Lauren Bell, 400 in the match and she goes for just 20. To me that's a match-winning spell.”
Praising Georgia Voll and the entire support staff, Smriti said, “Of course Volly led the way, she had the strike almost in the powerplay. I remember telling the girls that Volly will get a match-winning knock in the final. The support staff has been great. Phone calls came and they said this is what we are looking for. Anya, Malo and RX sir. We believed in them.”
She concluded by saying, “The girls are working extremely hard and that shoots up your belief. They are working hard in the gym and that gives confidence to chase down any score. But what Volly did was special. Everyone going back to their home will say this is what we have contributed.”
