Mumbai, 12 January – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a commanding 9-wicket victory against UP Warriors in the fifth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. With this win, RCB rose to the top of the points table, while UP Warriors slipped to fifth after their second consecutive loss.
UP Warriors Set a Moderate Target
After losing the toss, UP Warriors were put into bat at the DY Patil Sports Academy. The team struggled early, losing five wickets for just 50 runs. Captain Meg Lanning contributed 14 runs, and Phoebe Litchfield added 20 before both were dismissed.
However, Deandra Dottin and Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with a strong sixth-wicket partnership, scoring 93 runs off 70 balls. Deepti remained unbeaten on 45 runs from 35 balls, including one six and five fours. Dottin scored 40 runs off 37 balls, featuring one six and three fours.
From the bowling side, Shreyanka Patil and Nadine de Klerk took two wickets each, while Lauren Bell claimed one.
RCB Chase Down with Ease
Chasing 144 runs, RCB achieved victory in just 12.1 overs. Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana provided a powerful start, putting on a 137-run partnership in 11.4 overs. Harris scored a quickfire 85 runs off 40 balls, hitting five sixes and ten fours before getting out. Mandhana then guided the team home with an unbeaten 47 runs from 32 balls, striking nine fours.
Shikha Pandey was the only bowler to take a wicket for UP Warriors.
RCB’s Win Among Fastest in WPL History
This victory is notable for being achieved with 47 balls to spare, placing RCB third in the list of quickest wins in WPL history. The fastest win record belongs to Delhi Capitals, who defeated Gujarat Giants in 2023 with 77 balls remaining. Delhi Capitals also registered a 66-ball remaining win against Mumbai Indians the same year.
With this win, RCB continues to demonstrate their strong form in the tournament, while UP Warriors will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
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