Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased a dominant performance in the fifth match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, securing a convincing 9-wicket victory over UP Warriorz (UPW). The match, held at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on January 12, 2026, saw RCB maintain their undefeated status in the tournament.
Winning the toss, RCB opted to bowl first, a decision that proved fruitful as they restricted UP Warriorz to a modest total of 143 for 5. UPW's innings began cautiously, with the RCB bowlers, particularly Lauren Bell, applying early pressure. Bell struck an early blow, dismissing Harleen Deol, which further stifled UPW's momentum. Middle-order woes saw UPW slump to 50 for 5, thanks to Shreyanka Patil and Nadine de Klerk who took two wickets each. Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin then staged a recovery, patiently rebuilding the innings with an unbeaten 93-run partnership. Sharma focused on rotating the strike, while Dottin contributed timely boundaries, pushing their team to a defendable total. Their efforts in the final six overs yielded 67 runs, ending the innings on a high note. Sharma and Dottin fired UPW past 140 with a flurry of boundaries.
RCB's chase was nothing short of explosive. Openers Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana started aggressively, posting 78 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Harris was particularly destructive, reaching her half-century in just 22 balls. The opening stand reached 137 before Harris was dismissed for a scintillating 85 off 40 balls, falling just short of the target. Her innings included clearing the ropes at will and dismantling UPW's Deandra Dottin in a powerplay over that cost 32 runs. Mandhana remained composed and anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 47 off 32 balls. RCB completed the chase in just 12.1 overs, underlining their status as title contenders. This was the fastest chase for RCB in WPL history.
The victory propels Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the WPL 2026 standings. UP Warriorz will need to address their bowling concerns after leaking runs in their previous encounters.
The Women's Premier League 2026 features five teams competing in a double round-robin format. The tournament is being held across Mumbai and Baroda.
