Royal Challengers Bengaluru face UP Warriorz in a decisive Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 league clash on January 29 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. While RCB have already sealed playoff qualification,
their eyes are firmly set on a top-two finish and direct entry into the final.
Match Context
RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana won the toss and chose to bowl first against Meg Lanning’s UP Warriorz. This marks RCB’s final league-stage match after back-to-back setbacks—
a batting collapse against Delhi Capitals and a dramatic escape against Mumbai Indians powered by Richa Ghosh’s blistering 90 off 50 balls.
For UP Warriorz, the situation is far more dire. Sitting at the bottom of the table with just two wins, four points, and a net run rate of -0.769, they must win both remaining games—by big margins—
and hope other results fall their way to stay in playoff contention.
Team Form & Stakes
RCB remain one of the most balanced sides this season, combining Mandhana’s calm leadership,
Ghosh’s explosive finishing, and Lauren Bell’s pace attack. A victory here would confirm
their spot in the WPL final.
UP Warriorz face a major blow with leading run-scorer Phoebe Litchfield (243 runs) unavailable.
She has been replaced by Amy Jones, while the burden shifts to Lanning, Harleen Deol, and spin ace Sophie Ecclestone on a challenging Vadodara pitch.
Key Performers
UP Warriorz showed early fight as Grace Harris smashed a quickfire fifty, pushing the score beyond 70.
However, RCB’s bowling unit kept the pressure tight as live updates unfolded.
RCB will once again bank on their power-packed middle order and disciplined bowling, especially after crushing UPW by 9 wickets in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Head-to-Head Record
RCB hold a clear edge in recent encounters, winning 4 of the last 7 matches against UP Warriorz.
Though UPW did register a memorable 10-wicket win earlier this season, inconsistency has hurt their campaign.
What’s at Stake
For RCB, it’s about momentum and a straight ticket to the final. For UP Warriorz, it’s survival—nothing less than
a miracle run will do. With injuries, pressure, and playoff dreams colliding, this clash promises high drama
in the closing stages of WPL 2026.
Expect intensity, bold decisions, and a season-defining night in Vadodara.
