Did Grace Harris Expect to Face the Older Ball After Her Stunning 85 Against UPW?
Synopsis
Grace Harris delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring 85 off 40 balls against UP Warriorz, leading RCB to a significant win. Harris, preparing to face the older ball, shared insights into her batting approach and her admiration for teammate Smriti Mandhana. Read on to discover how this match unfolded and the impact of their partnership.
Key Takeaways
Grace Harris scored 85 runs off 40 balls .
RCB won by nine wickets against UP Warriorz.
Harris and Mandhana formed a record 137-run partnership .
Harris hit 30 runs in one over against Deandra Dottin.
RCB's bowlers restricted UP Warriorz to 144 runs .
Navi Mumbai, Jan 12 (NationPress) Following a remarkable display of batting, where she scored 85 runs from just 40 balls, Grace Harris played a pivotal role in leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a commanding victory over UP Warriorz by nine wickets and with 47 balls to spare. Despite her outstanding performance, Harris mentioned that she had been preparing to face the older ball rather than the new one.
As the Player of the Match, Harris's innings featured 10 fours and 5 sixes. Opening the batting with Smriti Mandhana, she set a blistering pace right from the start, contributing to a sensational 137-run partnership, which is now the highest opening stand for RCB in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
"I'm really enjoying my time at RCB. The environment is fantastic, and I'm loving my life right now. I did kinda think I would be facing the older ball, so I was ready for the change-ups and death overs. Finding out I would be opening with Smriti, who is incredibly classy and calm, was a great bonus. Watching her reminds me that you don’t need to overhit the ball; she's so technically sound," Grace Harris shared after the match.
Harris’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting. Partnering with Mandhana, who was not out on 47 off 32 balls with nine boundaries, the duo showcased a perfect blend of stability and aggression. The partnership was only interrupted by Shikha Pandey when RCB needed just seven runs from 74 balls, further highlighting the one-sided nature of the match.
Among her impressive feats was a memorable over where she scored 30 runs off Deandra Dottin, with the over totaling 32 runs due to three fours, three sixes, and a no-ball. This was Dottin's only over in the innings.
"I haven’t named this bat yet; I might name it after an Indian burger. It has a good middle so far. So far, so good. In the second innings, you need to make the most of the great conditions. Here, it’s better to bowl first, which gives you an edge. Credit goes to our bowlers for restricting them to 144, which made chasing easier. Kate Cross mentioned it earlier on TV," she added.
Point of View
This match showcases the growth and talent within women's cricket, particularly highlighting Grace Harris's exceptional performance. Her ability to adapt and thrive under pressure reflects the increasing competitiveness of the Women's Premier League, making it an exciting time for the sport.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Grace Harris's score in the match?
Grace Harris scored 85 runs off 40 balls .
Who was the opening partner of Grace Harris?
Grace Harris opened the innings with Smriti Mandhana .
What notable achievement did Harris accomplish alongside Mandhana?
They set a record for the highest opening partnership for RCB in the WPL, totaling 137 runs .
How did Harris perform against Deandra Dottin?
In a single over, Harris scored 30 runs off Deandra Dottin, contributing to a total of 32 runs in that over.
What is the significance of this match for RCB?
This victory marked a strong showing for RCB, demonstrating their batting strength and teamwork in the Women's Premier League.
