Vadodara, Jan 29 (NationPress) All-rounder Grace Harris expressed that returning to some of her older batting techniques has been beneficial, especially after her remarkable all-round display propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) into the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. RCB secured an impressive eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in Vadodara on Thursday.

Harris played a pivotal role in RCB’s triumph, first taking 2 wickets for 22 runs and then scoring a rapid 75 runs off just 37 balls in a chase that seemed effortless. Her stellar performance was key in helping the 2024 champions chase down a target of 144 runs in only 13.1 overs, marking their sixth win of the season.

“I’m genuinely thrilled to be recognized as an all-rounder in this match. I felt a sense of excitement when Smriti mentioned, 'You’ll be bowling next over', which made me eager to bowl today,” Harris reflected on her dual contributions during a post-match interview.

In pursuit of 144, RCB asserted their dominance right from the start, with Harris launching an aggressive assault in the opening overs, setting a fierce tone for the Power-play. She capitalized on every delivery that fell on her pads, dismantling Kranti Gaud in a flurry of boundaries and applying pressure on the spinners as she and her opening partner, skipper Smriti Mandhana, raced to a commanding 63 runs without loss in six overs.

Harris quickly reached her half-century shortly after the Power-play, hitting S. Asha over long-on, and exhibited her ability to find gaps with apparent ease. She attributed her liberated stroke-play to simplifying her approach.

“We’ve worked on various elements in my batting, and I’m pleased to have reverted to some older patterns. This strategy seems effective. I’m feeling less constrained, not overthinking, which has made a significant impact. Primarily, it’s about adjusting my head position alongside minor technical tweaks. Tactically, I focus on how to best engage with different bowlers, but I tend to overthink that, so I’ve embraced a more relaxed mindset. This shift has enabled me to explore more areas of the ground without stressing about the one ball that could lead to my dismissal,” she explained.

The onslaught against UPW’s bowling attack continued until Harris was dismissed on the first ball of the 10th over, by which time RCB had already scored 108 runs in their chase. The Australian all-rounder added that while planning tactically is crucial, her current priority is to maintain clarity rather than complicate matters.

“We do discuss strategy, whether to play from the crease or venture out, depending on the spinner and the day’s conditions. Right now, I’m focusing on simplicity, which I believe has been beneficial. I possess considerable power, so I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can trust my best shot to clear the boundary. I’m just aiming to capitalize on opportunities and keep myself relaxed,” she noted.

Following Harris’ departure, Mandhana stepped up, racing to her half-century as RCB completed the chase with 41 balls remaining. Harris also highlighted their opening partnership, commenting on the contrasting personalities and the effective communication that sustained their momentum.

“When we glove-tap, I’m likely the one doing most of the talking. She’s very composed, understands her game well, and allows me to express what I need to. She helps me refocus for the next ball using my keywords and gives me insights into the bowlers’ strategies and where I could target. After that, it’s a matter of seeing what unfolds,” she said.

Earlier, UP Warriorz showed promise after being invited to bat, reaching 74 runs without loss in eight overs thanks to Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma. However, Nadine de Klerk’s four-wicket haul triggered a collapse, with Harris also contributing as the Warriorz stumbled to 143 for 8 despite Deepti’s 55.

The loss leaves UP Warriorz's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, while RCB's emphatic win secures their spot in the final, fueled by Harris's outstanding all-round performance, earning her the title of 'Player of the Match.'