Wait for WPL’s first-ever hundred continues, Smriti Mandhana falls short of century

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana came agonisingly close to etching her name in the history books of the Women’s Premier League.

The India vice-captain was on 96 during the WPL 2026 match between RCB and Delhi Capitals on Saturday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, just a boundary away from becoming the tournament’s first-ever centurion.

However in the 18th over, she was sent back by Nandini Sharma after debutant Lucy Hamilton pulled off a stunning catch at point.

Smriti, with this knock, smacked the joint second-highest individual score in WPL, sharing the feat with Australians Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.

The previous highest individual score in WPL history was 99, achieved by multiple batters like Georgia Voll and Sophie Devine.

Smriti’s 61-ball 96 helped RCB coast to a eight-wicket win over DC and notch up its fourth consecutive victory in the season.

Published on Jan 17, 2026