Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB W) Set to Take on UP Warriorz (UP W) in Women’s Premier League 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB W) are gearing up to bounce back to their winning ways as they prepare to clash with UP Warriorz (UP W) in match No. 18 of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday, January 29.
Smriti Mandhana’s squad kicked off their campaign in style with five consecutive victories, securing their spot in the playoffs. However, they faced setbacks in their last two matches against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. A win against UP Warriorz would undoubtedly boost their confidence as they head into the playoffs.
On the other hand, Meg Lanning’s UP Warriorz are in a must-win situation, needing victories in their last two games to keep their playoff hopes alive. With only two wins and four defeats from six matches so far, the team is looking to turn the tide in their favor. In their recent encounter, they suffered a 45-run defeat against Gujarat Giants.
Match Details and Pitch Report
The BCA Stadium in Vadodara has seen high-scoring matches in the Women’s Premier League 2026, with an average first-innings total of around 159 in the initial five games. Teams batting first have emerged victorious in three matches. The highest first-innings total of 199/4 was achieved by Mumbai Indians against RCB W.
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W):
Smriti Mandhana (captain), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Gautami Naik, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.
UP Warriorz Women (UP W):
Meg Lanning (captain), Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Shweta Sehrawat (wicketkeeper), Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Goud.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield has been a standout performer this season, amassing 243 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 40.50 and a striking strike rate of 154.78. With two 50-plus scores under her belt, she poses a significant threat to the opposition.
Probable Best Bowler: Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell has been a key asset for her team, consistently providing breakthroughs with the new ball. The England speedster has scalped 11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.45 and an exceptional strike rate of 15.27. Her economy rate of 5.68 makes her a formidable force on the field.
Match Prediction
As the stage is set for an intense battle between RCB W and UP W, the prediction leans towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerging victorious in this crucial encounter. Fans can expect a thrilling match filled with top-notch performances from both sides as they vie for supremacy in the Women’s Premier League 2026.
Previous Encounters and Head-to-Head Stats
Looking back at the previous encounters between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League, RCB W has had the upper hand with a higher win percentage. Their strong batting lineup led by Smriti Mandhana has often outperformed UP Warriorz in crucial moments. However, cricket being a game of uncertainties, UP Warriorz will be eager to turn the tables and secure a vital win in this upcoming match.
Key Factors and Strategies
Both teams will need to focus on key factors to secure a victory in this crucial match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will rely on their experienced players like Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris to anchor the innings and set up a competitive total. On the other hand, UP Warriorz will look to their captain Meg Lanning and all-rounder Deepti Sharma to deliver match-winning performances with both bat and ball.
In terms of strategies, RCB W might aim to exploit UP Warriorz’s recent struggles with their bowling attack led by Lauren Bell and Nadine de Klerk. On the other hand, UP Warriorz could target RCB W’s middle order, which has shown vulnerabilities in the recent matches. A well-thought-out game plan and execution will be crucial for both teams to come out on top.
Player to Watch Out For
One player to watch out for in this match is Harleen Deol from UP Warriorz. Known for her explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling, Harleen has the ability to change the course of the game single-handedly. Her performances in pressure situations could be a deciding factor in this crucial encounter.
Final Thoughts
With the Women’s Premier League 2026 reaching its peak excitement, every match becomes more significant in the race to the playoffs. The clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with incredible performances and nail-biting moments. Fans can expect a high-octane battle between two top teams vying for supremacy in the league.
Stay tuned for the action-packed match between RCB W and UP W as they take the field to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of victory. The Women’s Premier League continues to raise the bar for women’s cricket, providing a platform for players to shine on the big stage. Don’t miss out on the excitement and drama that awaits in this exciting contest!
