Grace Harris Blitz Powers RCB to Top of WPL 2026 Table in Dominant Win Over UP Warriorz

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a commanding 9-wicket victory over UP Warriorz (UPW) in Match 5 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on January 12. This win propelled RCB to the top of the points table with two victories from two matches.[1][3]

UP Warriorz, batting first after losing the toss, managed 143/5 in their 20 overs. Deepti Sharma top-scored with an unbeaten 45 off 35 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six, while Deandra Dottin contributed 40* off 37 balls with 3 fours and 1 six. A crucial 93-run partnership between them rescued the innings after UPW slumped to 50/5. Nadine de Klerk starred with the ball for RCB, claiming 2 wickets, supported by others like Shikha Pandey.[1][4]

In reply, RCB chased down the target in just 13.1 overs, finishing at 145/1. Grace Harris delivered a match-winning 85-run knock, earning Player of the Match honors for her ruthless ball-striking. Smriti Mandhana remained not out on 47, providing solid support in an opening stand that set the tone. This marked RCB's biggest win by balls remaining in WPL history, with 47 balls to spare.[1][3]

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana opted to bowl first, a decision vindicated by early breakthroughs. Lauren Bell troubled the openers with swing, dismissing Harleen Deol for 11. UPW's experiment with Deol opening alongside Meg Lanning failed as the innings unraveled against tight bowling and sharp fielding.[3][4]

UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning admitted her team was outplayed, praising RCB's bowling and Grace Harris's destructiveness. This loss leaves UPW with two defeats from two games, hurting their net run rate and prompting soul-searching ahead of their next match.[3]

With a 3-3 head-to-head record entering the game, RCB's settled lineup and momentum contrast UPW's struggles in bowling consistency. Fans witnessed a high-scoring thriller on a flat pitch, highlighting RCB's all-round dominance early in WPL 2026.[2][5]