WPL 2026 - Match 5 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru Beat UP Warriorz by 9 Wickets
WPL 2026 - Match 5 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru Beat UP Warriorz by 9 Wickets
12 January 2026 | Mumbai
Match Result Snapshot
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat UP Warriorz Women by 9 wickets in Match 5 of the WPL 2026. After restricting UP Warriorz to a modest 143/5, RCB chased down the target with ease, reaching 145/1 in just 12.1 overs.
The match was decided by RCB’s disciplined bowling in the first innings and a blistering opening partnership in the chase. The comprehensive nature of the win underlined RCB’s strong early momentum in the tournament.
How the Match Turned
UP Warriorz opted to bat first but struggled to build sustained momentum against a well-planned RCB bowling attack. While there were brief phases of acceleration in the middle overs, regular wickets prevented UP Warriorz from capitalising fully on a decent batting surface.
The turning point came during the middle overs when RCB tightened their lines and forced UP Warriorz into a cautious approach. Despite finishing strongly through Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin, UP Warriorz were left with a total that always looked below par.
In response, RCB’s chase was virtually decided inside the powerplay. The openers dominated from the outset, removing any pressure and ensuring the required run rate never became a factor.
Key Performances
- Grace Harris (RCB): Played a match-winning innings of 85 off 40 balls, combining power with clean strokeplay to dismantle the UP Warriorz bowling attack.
- Smriti Mandhana (RCB): Anchored the chase with an unbeaten 47, providing balance and composure alongside Harris.
- Laurel Bell (RCB): Delivered an impactful bowling spell, using pace and discipline to apply pressure during the middle overs and finish with crucial wickets.
- Deepti Sharma (UPW): Scored an unbeaten 45, holding the innings together and pushing UP Warriorz to a respectable total.
- Deandra Dottin (UPW): Added late momentum with a quick 40*, ensuring UP Warriorz crossed the 140-run mark.
RCB’s balance between aggressive batting and controlled bowling proved decisive in shaping the outcome of the match.
Numbers That Mattered
UP Warriorz Women
143/5 in 20 overs
Middle-order resistance but lack of acceleration
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
145/1 in 12.1 overs
Comfortable chase with 47 balls remaining
Highest Partnership
137 runs (RCB opening stand)
Completely shifted match momentum
Bowling Impact
Laurel Bell – key middle-over breakthroughs
RCB bowlers maintained pressure throughout
What This Result Means
This emphatic win strengthens Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s position early in the WPL 2026 season. Their ability to control matches with both bat and ball highlights a well-rounded squad capable of adapting to different match situations. The dominant nature of the chase also sends a strong message to the rest of the competition.
For UP Warriorz, the defeat exposes areas that need attention, particularly their inability to convert steady starts into imposing totals. While individual performances offered positives, a more cohesive team effort will be required in upcoming fixtures to stay competitive in the tournament.