Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their strong start to the Women’s Premier League with a dominant nine-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai, producing one of their most clinical performances of the season. While Smriti Mandhana’s calm presence at the top was reassuring, the night truly belonged to Grace Harris, whose explosive batting turned a modest chase into a statement win.
Chasing a target of 144, RCB made the task look effortless, finishing the job in just 12.1 overs and sealing their second consecutive win of the tournament with 47 balls remaining. Harris’ breathtaking 85 off just 40 deliveries left the UP Warriorz bowlers with few answers and set the tone for what could be a special WPL campaign for Bengaluru.
Harris Sets the Tempo Early
From the very first ball, Harris showed clear intent. A crisp straight drive off Deepti Sharma signaled that the Australian opener was in no mood to settle. Unlike many chases that begin cautiously, Harris went after the bowling immediately, combining brute power with clean timing.
Smriti Mandhana, usually the aggressor, was content to rotate strike and play the supporting role—an unusual sight but a telling sign of how dominant Harris was. The partnership flowed smoothly, with Harris taking charge and Mandhana ensuring there were no risks taken at the other end
Powerplay Carnage Breaks the Game Open
The turning point came early. Harris targeted Kranti Gaud in the fourth over, striking three boundaries to underline her intent. But what followed was even more destructive. Facing Deandra Dottin, Harris unleashed a stunning assault, collecting 32 runs in an eight-ball over that included three sixes and three fours.
She brought up her half-century in just 22 balls, one of the fastest this season, as RCB raced to 78 without loss inside the powerplay. By then, the match was effectively decided, with UP Warriorz struggling to contain the momentum.
Mandhana Plays the Perfect Supporting Role
While Harris dominated the spotlight, Mandhana’s unbeaten 47 was equally important. The RCB captain played with maturity, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries without forcing the pace. Her composure allowed Harris to bat freely, creating a partnership that was both destructive and controlled.
Together, they dismantled the UP Warriorz attack with minimal risk, ensuring RCB never felt pressure during the chase.
UP Warriorz Struggle Despite Late Recovery
Earlier in the evening, UP Warriorz endured a difficult start after being put into bat. RCB’s bowlers were disciplined and aggressive, reducing UPW to 50 for five within 8.2 overs. The top order failed to build partnerships, placing the team under severe pressure.
However, Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin staged a strong recovery. The experienced all-rounders stitched together an unbeaten 93-run stand for the sixth wicket, showing resilience and skill. Deepti anchored the innings with a composed 45 not out, while Dottin provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 40.
Their partnership lifted UP Warriorz to a respectable 143 for five, but it ultimately proved insufficient against RCB’s explosive batting.
Bowlers Lay the Foundation for RCBy
RCB’s victory was not built on batting alone. Their bowlers laid the groundwork with tight lines and smart variations. Nadine de Klerk and Shreyanka Patil were particularly effective, picking up two wickets each and ensuring UP Warriorz never fully regained control.
By keeping the target manageable, they gave RCB’s batters the freedom to attack from the outset.
A Statement Win for Bengaluru
This emphatic victory sends a strong message across the league. RCB look balanced, confident, and dangerous, with match-winners across departments. Grace Harris’ innings will be remembered as one of the standout knocks of WPL 2026, while Mandhana’s leadership continues to provide stability.
As the tournament progresses, performances like these will strengthen RCB’s belief that they are genuine title contenders. For UP Warriorz, regrouping quickly will be crucial as they search for consistency in the matches ahead.