WPL 2026 - Match 18 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat UP Warriorz by 8 wickets
WPL 2026 - Match 18 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat UP Warriorz by 8 wickets
29 January 2026 | Vadodara
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat UP Warriorz Women by 8 wickets in Match 18 of WPL 2026 at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara. A disciplined bowling display set the foundation before an aggressive and assured chase ensured RCB wrapped up the contest with more than six overs to spare.
Match Result Snapshot
UP Warriorz: 143/8 (20 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 147/2 (13.1 overs)
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Grace Harris
How the Match Turned
UP Warriorz struggled to build sustained momentum after being put under early pressure, with regular wickets preventing them from posting a commanding total. Despite a stabilising effort in the middle overs, the lack of acceleration at the death restricted the Warriorz to a below-par score on a good batting surface.
In response, Royal Challengers Bengaluru took control almost immediately, maintaining a high scoring rate without unnecessary risk. The chase quickly tilted in RCB’s favour as their top order combined aggression with composure, ensuring the target was comfortably overhauled well before the final overs.
Key Performances
Grace Harris (RCB): Delivered a match-defining knock, scoring a commanding 75 (37 balls). Her aggressive approach dismantled the UP Warriorz bowling attack and ensured RCB’s chase remained firmly on track.
Smriti Mandhana (RCB): Played a composed supporting role, finishing unbeaten on 54* (27 balls), striking the right balance between control and aggression during the successful chase.
Nadine de Klerk (RCB): Set the tone with the ball, producing an impactful spell of 4/22 that restricted UP Warriorz and prevented them from building key partnerships.
Meg Lanning (UPW): Played a composed innings of 41 (30 balls), providing stability at the top and briefly setting a platform for UP Warriorz before RCB regained control.
Deepti Sharma (UPW): Top-scored for the Warriorz with a resilient 55 (43 balls), holding the innings together under pressure.
Numbers That Mattered
UP Warriorz Innings
143/8 (20 overs)
Early wickets prevented a competitive total
RCB Chase
147/2 (13.1 overs)
High scoring rate sealed an early finish
Defining Performance
Grace Harris: 75 (37)
Dominated the chase with controlled aggression
Critical Phase
Powerplay overs
RCB’s fast start removed any pressure
What This Result Means
The comprehensive win strengthens Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s position in WPL 2026 and underlines their growing confidence as a balanced unit. Dominant performances with both bat and ball suggest RCB are peaking at a crucial stage of the tournament.
For UP Warriorz, the defeat highlights ongoing challenges in building competitive totals and applying sustained pressure with the ball. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, sharper execution will be vital to revive their campaign.