Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) delivered a commanding all-round performance to cruise past UP Warriorz Women (UPW-W) by nine wickets in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, powered by a breathtaking innings from Grace Harris.
Chasing a modest target, RCB’s pursuit was virtually sealed inside the powerplay as Harris launched a ferocious counterattack that left the UP Warriorz bowling unit shell-shocked. Her explosive strokeplay ensured the contest was over almost as soon as it began.
Earlier, UP Warriorz were put under pressure after being sent in to bat. Lauren Bell set the tone with a disciplined opening spell, restricting scoring opportunities and forcing errors. The breakthrough came with the dismissal of Harleen Deol, and the innings soon unraveled.
Shreyanka Patil turned the game decisively in RCB’s favour, striking twice in one over to remove Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield. Moments later, Nadine de Klerk added further damage with two quick wickets, reducing UPW to 50 for 5 and firmly tilting the momentum.
Facing collapse, Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin staged a resilient recovery. Displaying composure and smart game awareness, the duo rebuilt the innings before accelerating in the final phase. Their unbeaten 93-run partnership revived UPW’s hopes, with Deepti anchoring the innings and Dottin providing the firepower. The last six overs produced 67 runs, lifting UP Warriorz to 143 for 5.
Any optimism was swiftly extinguished once Harris took strike. She produced a stunning powerplay assault, including a devastating 32-run over off Deandra Dottin, clearing the ropes with ease. Harris raced to a half-century in just 22 balls and continued her dominance against spin, dispatching Asha Sobhana into the stands. RCB reached 100 in just 7.5 overs, the second-fastest team hundred in WPL history.
At the other end, captain Smriti Mandhana played a calm and assured innings, rotating the strike efficiently and ensuring there were no setbacks. Harris eventually departed for a scintillating 85, but the outcome was beyond doubt. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47 as RCB completed the chase in just 12.1 overs.
The emphatic victory significantly boosted RCB’s net run rate and reinforced their credentials as early contenders for the WPL 2026 title.
