Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marked a strong return to form in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 by defeating UP Warriorz by eight wickets. This victory came after RCB faced two consecutive losses, solidifying their position at the top of the points table.
Match Highlights
The 18th match of the WPL, held in Vadodara, saw RCB achieving a total of 12 points from eight matches, boasting six wins and two losses. Their Net Run Rate stands at +1.247. In contrast, UP Warriorz languish at the bottom with only four points from seven matches, having recorded five defeats and two victories, and a Net Run Rate of -1.146.
Batting Performance of UP Warriorz
- UP Warriorz batted first, finishing at 143 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs.
- A significant opening partnership of 74 runs between Deepti Sharma and captain Meg Lanning was key for the team.
- Lanning scored 41 runs off 30 balls, hitting six fours and one six.
- Deepti Sharma completed her half-century, scoring 55 runs off 43 balls, making it her fourth score of over 50 in the season.
- UP Warriorz’s performance was hindered with Amy Jones scoring just one run and Chloe Tryon managing only six runs.
Bowling Performance of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Nadine de Klerk was the standout bowler for RCB, taking four wickets for just 22 runs. Lauren Bell, Shreyanka Patil, and Grace Harris also contributed effectively, each picking up crucial wickets.
RCB’s Stellar Chase
In pursuit of 144 runs, RCB showcased a strong performance, with captain Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris forming a crucial opening partnership of 108 runs. This win made Mandhana one of the players with the highest century stands in the tournament’s history, alongside notable names like Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Key Contributions in RCB’s Batting
- Grace Harris finished her innings with 75 runs from 37 balls, including 13 fours and 2 sixes.
- Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 54 runs off 27 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes.
RCB successfully chased down the target in just 13.1 overs, securing a commanding eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz. Shikha Pandey and Asha Sobhana each took one wicket for UP Warriorz, but it was not enough to stop RCB’s dominant performance.
