Royal Challengers Bengaluru thrashed UP Warriorz by eight wickets to qualify for the WPL final, knocking out the opposition out of the WPL 2026 playoffs race. While UP Warriorz wasted a brilliant start to settle for a below-par 143 for eight after Smriti Mandhana chose to field. Nadine de Klerk‘s outstanding performance with 4/22 and Grace Harris’ 2/22 contributed to RCB’s comeback. With 41 balls remaining, RCB put up a show as Harris turned up the heat with his mesmerizing batting, slamming a 75 off 37 balls. RCB secured their spot in the final and finished first in the five-team. This victory gave them 12 points. Despite having a game in hand, with four points and the lowest net run-rate despite having a game in hand, the UP Warriorz’s campaign is hanging by a thread.
UP Warriorz Struggle After Top-Order Collapse
As UP Warriorz took the field, they found themselves in a precarious position after a couple of early wickets in the powerplay. They could manage a modest 36 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs, and before they knew it, the RCB’s tight bowling was taking its toll on their middle order.
By the time they reached the first strategic timeout, UP Warriorz were struggling at 50/4 in 8.1 overs, and regular wickets had squashed any hope of a miraculous comeback. RCB took full advantage of the Decision Review System and overturned the on-field umpire’s call on Deandra Dottin in the 9.6th over, and then a similar call for Deepti Sharma at the 13.6th, essentially putting them in charge of the game.
Coming running over back from the brink, Dottin and Sharma pieced together a 50-run stand in a blistering 48 balls, and Deepti Sharma topscored with 45, and Dottin’s 40 got UP Warriorz back up to a respectable 143 for five in 20 overs. However, they were up against a firebrand RCB batting lineup that had been in top form.
Grace Harris Leads a Ruthless RCB Chase
RCB-W opened the chase with aggressive intent, and Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana tore through the UP Warriorz bowling. They rocketed to 78 runs in the powerplay, nearly doubling what the Warriorz had managed, and Harris’s 50 took just 22 balls to come by, coming replete with seven boundaries and three sixes. The opening pair got fifty runs off just thirty-one balls and set the stage for a whirlwind chase.
When the first wicket finally fell, RCB had crossed the hundred mark in 7.5 overs, effectively knocking out the contest, and Harris’ thrilling knock and Mandhana’s calm support sealed the deal, sending the RCB chasing down the target with eight wickets in the bank.
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Grace Harris Named Player of the Match
RCB Women chased the target with ease, scoring 78 runs without loss in the powerplay, with Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana going hammer and tongs. Grace had a brilliant performance, smashing a 50 off just 22 runs, helping the pair to register a century stand.
Grace Harris was rightfully named Player of the Match. She had a very explosive innings that dismantled UP Warriorz’ bowling attack. Her fearless batting abilities made sure there was no pressure during the chase and also highlighted RCB’s batting depth heading into the final.
Match Conclusion and Highlights
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women qualified for the final of the WPL 2026 tournament with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, RCB Women bowled superbly to restrict UP Warriorz Women’s attack to 143/5, with Deepti Sharma scoring a crucial 45 and Deandra Dottin scoring 40 runs, helping the team recover from a disastrous start at 50/4 to eventually cross the 100-run mark. This emphatic win sends a strong message ahead of the WPL 2026 final, with RCB-W peaking at the perfect time. Their ability to dominate with both ball and bat will give them immense confidence as they prepare to face their final opponents.
For UP Warriorz Women, the defeat marks the end of their campaign. Despite flashes of hope in the middle order, they were knocked out by RCB-W’s all-round superiority.Keep up with Jeetwin Sports to get updated on more news about sports.
