Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have booked their spot as the first finalists in the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, delivering a commanding performance to defeat UP Warriorz by 9 wickets in the playoff clash on Wednesday.
Asked to chase 145, RCB made light work of the target, reaching it in only 12.1 overs with clinical precision and aggressive intent. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a classy half-century, anchoring the innings while her opening partner and the rest of the top order unleashed a barrage of boundaries.
UP Warriorz, batting first, posted a competitive 144, largely built around a fighting fifty from Grace Harris, who was later named Player of the Match for her resilient knock. Despite her efforts, the Warriorz’s innings lacked momentum against RCB’s disciplined bowling attack and failed to capitalise in the death overs.
The victory marks a significant milestone for RCB, who have consistently shown improvement throughout the season and now stand one step away from lifting their maiden WPL title. Their dominant chase highlighted the depth and firepower in the batting lineup, sending a strong message to the remaining teams.
RCB will now await the winner of the upcoming eliminator to discover their opponents in the grand final. Fans in Bengaluru and across the country are already celebrating what has been a breakthrough campaign for the franchise in women’s cricket.
