Did RCB Secure Their Spot in the WPL 2026 Final with a Dominant Win Over UPW?
Synopsis
RCB has triumphed over UPW in a stunning match, securing their place in the WPL 2026 final. With standout performances from Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana, RCB showcased their dominance and left UPW's playoff hopes dashed. Read on for a detailed breakdown of this thrilling encounter.
Key Takeaways
Grace Harris scored a brilliant 75 runs.
Smriti Mandhana contributed with an unbeaten 54 runs.
RCB chased down a target of 144 in just 13.1 overs.
Nadine de Klerk was the leading bowler for RCB with 4 wickets.
UPW's ineffective Power-play bowling was crucial in their defeat.
Vadodara, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have become the first squad to secure a position in the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 after a commanding victory against UP Warriorz (UPW), winning by eight wickets at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Kotambi, in Vadodara on Thursday.
In pursuit of 144 runs, RCB efficiently achieved the target, completing the chase in just 13.1 overs, significantly thanks to exceptional half-centuries from Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana. Harris delivered a brilliant 75 runs, while Mandhana provided stability with an unbeaten 54.
The opening duo set a rapid pace, accumulating 63 runs during the Power-play and forming an impressive 108-run partnership in just 9.1 overs. Although Harris was dismissed by Shikha Pandey, the damage inflicted was substantial.
Georgia Voll contributed a swift 16 runs in a 35-run partnership with Mandhana before falling to Asha Sobhana. The RCB captain, who reached her half-century shortly before Voll’s dismissal, finished the match in style with a boundary off Deepti Sharma.
Earlier, UP Warriorz batted first and managed to score 143/8, largely due to a solid opening from skipper Meg Lanning and a steady innings from Deepti. The pair added 74 runs for the first wicket, which included 50 runs in the Power-play, marking UPW’s first 50-plus opening partnership of the season.
Lanning was on track for a substantial score before being removed for 41 by Nadine de Klerk, who later dismissed debutant Amy Jones, shifting momentum in RCB’s favor.
Deepti anchored the innings with a resilient 55 off 43 balls, but with wickets falling regularly at the other end, UPW struggled to accelerate in the final overs. De Klerk was RCB’s standout bowler, boasting figures of 4-22, while Grace Harris contributed with two wickets.
UPW’s subpar total and ineffective Power-play bowling proved detrimental, effectively extinguishing their playoff aspirations. In contrast, RCB continued their impressive form to secure a spot in the final with a stellar performance.
Brief scores:
UP Warriorz 143/8 in 20 overs (Deepti Sharma 55, Meg Lanning 41; Nadine de Klerk 4-22, Grace Harris 2-22) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 147/2 in 13.1 overs (Grace Harris 75, Smriti Mandhana 54*; Shikha Pandey 1-36, Asha Sobhana 1-24) by 8 wickets.
Point of View
I believe this match exemplifies the spirit of competition in women’s cricket. RCB's impressive performance not only secures their place in the final but also highlights the growing popularity and skill level in the Women’s Premier League. It's a remarkable moment for the sport and its fans.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the star player for RCB in the match?
Grace Harris was the standout performer for RCB, scoring a remarkable 75 runs.
What was the total score posted by UP Warriorz?
UP Warriorz scored 143 runs for 8 wickets in their innings.
How many overs did RCB take to chase down the target?
RCB completed the chase in just 13.1 overs.
What was the significant partnership in the match?
The partnership between Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana, which added 108 runs, was crucial to RCB's victory.
What does this victory mean for RCB?
This victory secures RCB's place in the WPL 2026 final, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
