WPL 2026

RCB vs UPW: Playoff Push Meets Survival Fight

by

RCB

One team eyes the final, the other fights to stay alive.


Table of Contents

Match Overview

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She has been replaced by Amy Jones, while the burden shifts to Lanning,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.

 

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Nat Sciver-Brunt Creates WPL History

by

Nat Sciver-Brunt

One Bat. One Century. A Moment That Changed WPL Forever.

Table of Contents

Historic WPL Century

Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name into cricket history on January 25, 2026, becoming the first-ever player to score a century in Women’s Premier League (WPL). The historic knock came during Mumbai Indians’ clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.

Her unbeaten 100 off 57 balls — packed with 16 boundaries and a six — powered Mumbai Indians to a commanding 199/4, keeping their playoff hopes alive after a difficult run of four losses in six matches.

 

Match Performance Breakdown

Mumbai Indians were under early pressure when Sajeevan Sajana departed for 7 off 7 balls. Sciver-Brunt then took control, forming a match-defining 131-run second-wicket partnership with Hayley Matthews.

Matthews played a fluent knock of 56 off 39 balls, smashing nine boundaries. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added late momentum with a quick 20 off 12 balls, including two fours and a six.

Despite support around her, it was Sciver-Brunt’s calm yet aggressive anchoring that defined the innings and lifted MI to a competitive total.

 

RCB Bowling Highlights

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Lauren Bell was the standout performer with figures of 2/21 in four overs. Nadine de Klerk and Shreyanka Patil chipped in with one wicket each.

RCB continue to sit at the top of the WPL standings with 10 points from six games and need just one more victory to secure a place in the final, despite their recent defeat against Delhi Capitals.

 

Career Context & Records

This century marked Sciver-Brunt’s third fifty of the WPL 2026 season, finally converted into a hundred after 1,059 days and 82 matches. The milestone further cements her status as the highest run-scorer in WPL history.

Since becoming England’s captain in April 2025, Sciver-Brunt has delivered consistent performances across formats. Highlights include a commanding 117 in the Women’s World Cup against Sri Lanka (October 2025) and strong outings in The Hundred.

She has been retained by Trent Rockets for The Hundred 2026, reflecting her elite all-round value.

 

Impact on MI & WPL

Despite battling injuries — including a groin issue in July 2025 and Achilles concerns — Sciver-Brunt’s return to full fitness has been remarkable. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball continues to make her one of the most valuable players in world cricket.

This historic WPL century not only reignites Mumbai Indians’ campaign but also marks a defining moment for the league itself — a benchmark innings that will be remembered for years.

Nat Sciver-Brunt didn’t just score a century — she redefined WPL history.

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From Pressure to Power: Amanjot Kaur Is MI’s New Game-Changer

by

Amanjot Kaur

Amanjot Kaur is quietly becoming one of the most reliable all-rounders in Indian women’s cricket. During the ongoing WPL 2026 season, the Mumbai Indians player has stepped up at crucial moments, proving her flexibility, calm mindset, and match awareness.

 

 

WPL 2026 Match Heroics

On January 13, 2026, Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Giants by 7 wickets at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Promoted to number three due to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s absence, Amanjot played a vital knock of 40 runs off 26 balls.

Her 72-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur changed the match momentum. Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 71, while Amanjot showed maturity beyond her years. After the match, she confidently said, “I’m always ready to bat anywhere.”

 

Post-Match Insights

Amanjot credited Harmanpreet for staying calm under pressure and guiding the team during tough moments. Calling it the “Harmanpreet Kaur era,” she highlighted the importance of making the most of the powerplay and ensuring at least one batter plays till the end.

Despite an expensive bowling spell, she stayed focused on overall impact, saying her role is to contribute with batting, bowling, and fielding whenever the team needs her.

 

Special Recognition Off the Field

Beyond the cricket field, Amanjot received special recognition when her photos with Harmanpreet appeared in Mumbai local train women’s compartments. This campaign by Reliance Industries and Central Railway celebrates India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory.

Amanjot played a key role in that final, taking a crucial catch to dismiss South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt.

 

Background & Career Journey

Born on January 1, 2000, in Punjab, Amanjot made her international debut in 2023 with an impressive 41* against South Africa. She later scored a crucial half-century in the 2025 World Cup.

Mumbai Indians bought her for INR 50 lakh in the first WPL season and retained her for INR 1 crore in 2026. In 32 WPL matches, she has scored 249 runs with a strike rate of nearly 130.

 

Emotional Family Moment

After the World Cup win, rumors spread about her grandmother’s death. Amanjot later clarified that her family hid the news of a heart attack to keep her focused. Her father said the World Cup victory gave her “new life.”

With confidence, adaptability, and mental strength, Amanjot Kaur is shaping herself into one of Indian cricket’s most dependable match-winners.

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GG vs DC WPL 2026: Giants Strike Early as Capitals Search for Momentum

by

WPL 

“New season, new captain, same high-voltage WPL drama.”

 

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 continued its thrilling start as Gujarat Giants (GG) faced Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 4 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy – Cricket Ground in Navi Mumbai, India, on January 10, 2026. With early momentum at stake, both teams entered the contest under very different circumstances.

Delhi Capitals, led by new skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, won the toss and chose to bowl first. It was a confident decision after DC’s heavy 50-run loss to Mumbai Indians in their opening match. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, arrived with confidence after securing a 10-run win over UP Warriorz, looking to strengthen their early position on the points table.

Match Highlights

The pitch was largely batter-friendly, with straight boundaries measuring around 66 meters and square boundaries close to 56 meters. However, the lack of early dew allowed bowlers some control in the Powerplay. DC’s pacers made early inroads, maintaining an economy rate of nearly six runs per over.

A key early moment came when Rajeshwari Gayakwad dismissed Shafali Verma, breaking Gujarat’s rhythm and giving DC much-needed momentum. Despite the setback, Beth Mooney and Harleen Deol steadied the innings, continuing their reputation as one of GG’s most reliable partnerships.

Final Scores

Gujarat Giants (GG) batted first after Delhi Capitals (DC) won the toss and chose to bowl at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on January 10, 2026. GG reaching 209 all out. DC’s chase stood at around 78/1 after 9 overs in ongoing updates.

WPL

Team Context & Turning Points

Delhi Capitals kept their bowling attack unchanged, showing faith in their lineup despite the opening loss. Jemimah Rodrigues, captaining DC for the first time, remained optimistic, highlighting flashes of brilliance within the squad. Chinelle Henry’s power-hitting ability added depth to DC’s middle order, keeping the chase alive.

Gujarat Giants leaned on recent history for confidence. In WPL 2025, GG defeated DC by five wickets, with Harleen Deol winning Player of the Match—a reminder of GG’s growing dominance in crucial moments. Although DC still held a slight edge in head-to-head records, Gujarat’s current form shifted the balance.

Key Performances

  • Harleen Deol & Beth Mooney controlled the innings after early pressure

  • Rajeshwari Gayakwad set the tone with early breakthroughs

  • Jemimah Rodrigues’ captaincy debut added leadership stability

  • Pitch conditions later favored batters, hinting at a competitive finish

This early-season clash highlighted the intensity of WPL 2026, where every match carries playoff implications. With Gujarat Giants extending their strong start and Delhi Capitals still searching for rhythm, the tournament has already begun delivering high-stakes drama.

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