Hey cricket fans! Welcome back to IPL Star, your ultimate hub for all things IPL and WPL. If you’re passionate about women’s cricket, especially the high-stakes drama of the Women’s Premier League, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most one-sided clashes of the season: RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Match 18. This game wasn’t just a match; it was a statement from Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, showcasing why they’re the team to beat this year.
A balmy evening in Vadodara, the BCA Stadium buzzing with anticipation. RCB, led by the ever-cool Smriti Mandhana, needed just one more win to lock in their spot in the WPL 2026 final. Facing them were the struggling UP Warriorz, desperate to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. What unfolded was a masterclass in all-round cricket, with Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk stealing the show. RCB cruised to an 8-wicket victory with a whopping 41 balls to spare, restricting UPW to 143/8 before chasing it down in 13.1 overs.
This win didn’t just add two points to RCB’s tally; it cemented their position at the top of the table with 12 points from 8 matches. For UP Warriorz, it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign plagued by inconsistencies, leaving them at the bottom with only 4 points. If you’re new to WPL or just catching up, this recap will break it all down – from the toss to the post-match reactions – in simple, fan-friendly language.
Let’s start with the basics. The match took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. Kickoff was at 7:30 PM local time (2:00 PM GMT). RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely. Umpires were Ajitesh Argal and Anish Sahasrabudhe, with Tony Emmatty as the third umpire and Niyati Koustubh Lokur as referee. Fans tuned in via JioHotstar for streaming or Star Sports Network on TV.
Why does this win matter so much for RCB? After a stellar start to WPL 2026, they hit a rough patch with two back-to-back losses. But as Mandhana said in her post-match chat, “We’ve just told ourselves not to think emotionally or dig a hole for ourselves. We reviewed things practically and focused on what we could do better.” This victory was the perfect rebound, boosting their net run rate to +1.247 and giving them a full week’s rest before the final on February 5.
For UP Warriorz, led by Meg Lanning, it was a tale of what could have been. Lanning, a three-time WPL finalist in previous seasons, reflected, “We got ourselves onto a reasonable platform with the bat but just couldn’t carry on. It’s probably been a bit of a theme throughout the tournament.” Their campaign now hangs by a thread, needing miracles in remaining games.
Grace Harris, the Player of the Match, summed up her all-round heroics: “I’m just really glad to be classified as an all-rounder for this game. With the batting, we’ve gone back to some older patterns, and it’s working.” Her words highlight the mental shift that turned the tide.
Teasing what’s ahead: We’ll dissect UP Warriorz’s innings collapse, RCB’s bowling brilliance, the explosive chase, standout players, stats galore, and what this means for the playoffs. Stick around – this is going to be a long, juicy read packed with insights for every cricket lover.
Match Snapshot: RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Essentials
Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick snapshot in table form for easy reference:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | January 29, 2026 |
| Venue | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, India |
| Toss | RCB Women won and elected to bowl |
| UP Warriorz Score | 143/8 in 20 overs |
| RCB Women Score | 147/2 in 13.1 overs |
| Result | RCB Women won by 8 wickets (41 balls remaining) |
| Player of the Match | Grace Harris (75 off 37 & 2/22) |
| Broadcast | Streaming: JioHotstar; TV: Star Sports Network |
This table captures the essence, but the real story lies in the twists and turns. ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz confirm this was RCB’s most dominant performance yet, with Harris’s knock drawing comparisons to her previous exploits against UPW.
Why This Win Matters for RCB in WPL 2026
In the context of WPL 2026, RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 this match was pivotal. RCB entered with 10 points from 7 games, needing a victory to avoid the eliminator. Their strategy? Bowl first on a pitch that offered bounce early but flattened out. As Lauren Bell noted, “The pitch was better than the first game here. There was a bit of bounce for me.” This insight from post-match interviews (sourced from India Today) shows RCB’s adaptability.
For fans, this win evokes memories of RCB’s resurgence in past seasons. It’s their sixth league win, tying records from Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in earlier editions. Plus, it was a revenge of sorts – RCB had already beaten UPW earlier in the season by 9 wickets with 47 balls left.
If you’re following on social media, X posts from users like @sportstarweb exploded with praise: “Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk played starring roles.” ESPN’s full report for more depth.
Now, let’s break down the innings.
UP Warriorz Innings: Strong Start, Dramatic Collapse
UP Warriorz’s batting started like a dream but ended in a nightmare. Sent in to bat, they introduced a new opening pair: Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma. This move clicked initially, providing their first wicketless PowerPlay of the season against RCB.
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 In the early overs, Lanning played cautiously against Lauren Bell’s swing but accelerated against the spinners. She cut Sayali Satghare for a boundary in the second over and swept Shreyanka Patil in the fourth. Deepti complemented her by targeting Bell, smashing a six and a four in the third over.
By the end of the PowerPlay, UPW were 50/0 – their best start yet. The momentum continued, reaching 74/0 after 8 overs. Lanning hit three fours off Arundhati Reddy, pushing the run rate over 9.50.
But cricket is a game of moments, and Nadine de Klerk’s ninth over changed everything. First ball: Lanning (41 off 30) holed out to Radha Yadav at deep cover – a stunning catch. Four balls later, Amy Jones (debutant, 1 off 2) was lbw, review unsuccessful.
This double strike sparked a collapse. The next six overs yielded just 32 runs for four wickets. Harleen Deol (14 off 14) was bowled by a low-keeping delivery from Grace Harris. Chloe Tryon (6 off 7) was stumped charging at Harris.
Deepti Sharma fought on, reaching her 50 off 40 balls with two fours off Harris. But the death overs were dismal: 21/4. Shweta Sehrawat (7 off 10) skied one to Smriti Mandhana off Bell. Sophie Ecclestone (0 off 1) was lbw to de Klerk. Simran Shaikh (10 off 11) caught by Arundhati Reddy off de Klerk. Deepti fell on the last ball to Shreyanka Patil.
UPW finished at 143/8, a total far below par on a batting-friendly pitch. As per Cricbuzz analysis, the middle-overs slowdown (72/4) was killer.
Here’s the full UP Warriorz batting scorecard in table form:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meg Lanning (c) | 41 | 30 | 6 | 1 | 136.67 |
| Deepti Sharma | 55 | 43 | 6 | 1 | 127.91 |
| Amy Jones (wk) | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Harleen Deol | 14 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Chloe Tryon | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Shweta Sehrawat | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 70.00 |
| Simran Shaikh | 10 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 90.91 |
| Sophie Ecclestone | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Asha Sobhana Joy | 0* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shikha Pandey | 0* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 9 (lb 5, w 4) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 143/8 (20 overs, RR: 7.15) | – | – | – | – |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Lanning) | 74 | 8.1 |
| 2 (Jones) | 78 | 8.5 |
| 3 (Deol) | 95 | 11.5 |
| 4 (Tryon) | 103 | 13.2 |
| 5 (Sehrawat) | 122 | 16.1 |
| 6 (Deepti) | 137 | 18.6 |
| 7 (Ecclestone) | 138 | 19.2 |
| 8 (Shaikh) | 143 | 19.5 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Lanning-Deepti | 74 | 49 |
| Deepti-Jones | 4 | 4 |
| Deepti-Deol | 17 | 18 |
| Deepti-Tryon | 8 | 9 |
| Deepti-Sehrawat | 19 | 17 |
| Deepti-Shaikh | 15 | 17 |
| Shaikh-Ecclestone | 1 | 2 |
| Shaikh-Sobhana | 5 | 3 |
| Sobhana-Pandey | 0 | 1 |
PowerPlay: 0.1-6 overs – 50 runs, 0 wickets.
Strategic Timeouts and Reviews: UPW reviewed Jones’s lbw (struck down). RCB reviewed a couple in death overs (struck down).
This innings highlighted UPW’s Achilles heel: losing momentum after strong starts. Lanning’s 41 was classy, but as she admitted, “I got to 40, which is a good start, but you need to keep going.” Deepti’s 55 was gritty, but isolated.
Fan reactions on X, like from @Tejashyyyyy, noted the stark contrast: “First 8 Overs – 74/0; Next 12 Overs – 69/8.” That’s the collapse in numbers.
PowerPlay Dominance by Lanning and Deepti
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 The PowerPlay was UPW’s highlight. The first three overs were tight (12 runs), but then they exploded: 38 in the last three. Deepti enforcer role shone against Bell and Patil. Lanning raised the bar post-PowerPlay.
But why did it work? The pitch offered little swing after initial overs, and RCB’s seamers leaked boundaries. As per Times of India live blog, “UPW 50 for 0 after the powerplay.”
Nadine de Klerk’s Double Strike Turns the Game
De Klerk’s entry in the ninth over was game-changing. Her medium-pace variations exploited the slowing pitch. Lanning’s dismissal was a tactical masterstroke – a length ball drawing the edge. Jones couldn’t pick the inswinger.
YouTube highlights from Willow TV show de Klerk’s spell: “Nadine de Klerk 4 wickets vs Up Warriorz Women.” Her figures: 4/22, equaling Sophie Devine’s season record.
Middle-Overs Slowdown and Death Overs Struggle
Middle overs (7-15): 56/4 at RR 5.6. Death (16-20): 21/4. Desperation led to errors – Tryon stumped, Sehrawat skying. Deepti faced only 11 balls for 11 runs in one phase, per ESPN.
Pitch analysis: Early bounce favored pace, but spinners gripped later. UPW’s inability to accelerate cost them 20-30 runs.
Cricbuzz commentary for ball-by-ball details – note, this references an earlier match, but patterns similar.
RCB Bowling Comeback: From PowerPlay Leak to Middle-Overs Mastery
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 RCB’s bowling was the unsung hero. After conceding 50 in the PowerPlay, they tightened up. Nadine de Klerk led with 4/22, Grace Harris supported with 2/22. Lauren Bell (1/21) and Shreyanka Patil (1/27) chipped in.
Mandhana praised: “A special mention to Grace, coming in to bowl for the first time and picking up two crucial wickets. Nadine bowled really well again.”
Full RCB bowling figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Bell | 4 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 5.25 |
| Sayali Satghare | 2 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 10.50 |
| Shreyanka Patil | 4 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 6.75 |
| Arundhati Reddy | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| Nadine de Klerk | 4 | 0 | 22 | 4 | 5.50 |
| Grace Harris | 3 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 7.33 |
| Radha Yadav | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 5.50 |
De Klerk’s spell: Struck twice in first over, twice in last. Her variations – inswingers, slower balls – bamboozled UPW. As per News18, “De Klerk can do little wrong these days.”
Harris’s impact: Dismissed Deol with a low one, stumped Tryon. Her first bowl this tournament, yet effective.
Supporting bowlers: Bell’s return spell got Sehrawat. Patil’s flight dismissed Deepti last ball.
Compared to UPW’s earlier games, RCB exploited their middle-order fragility. Business Standard’s update.
Grace Harris Fireworks: 75 off 37 Balls Sets the Tone
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026Chasing 144, RCB exploded. Grace Harris opened with a bang, putting Kranti Gaud away for boundaries from ball one. In Gaud’s second over, Harris hit five fours – a carnage that set 29 off two overs.
PowerPlay: 63/0. Harris reached 50 off 28 balls with a six off Asha Sobhana. Her 75 (37 balls, 13×4, 2×6) at SR 202.70 was brutal.
As per Outlook India, “Grace Harris set the tone just as she did before.” X post from @Akaran_1: “A brilliant 75 off 37 balls.”
Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass (54* off 27)
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Mandhana started steadily but unleashed post-Harris. Three boundaries off Tryon, sixes off Sobhana and others. Her 50 off 26 balls, winning four off Deepti.
Quotes: “She’s very composed, knows her own game,” Harris on Mandhana.
108-Run Opening Stand Crushes UPW Hopes
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 The 108-run stand in 55 balls was match-defining. Harris dominated, Mandhana accelerated. Shikha Pandey ended it by bowling Harris.
Georgia Voll (16 off 15) added 35 with Mandhana before falling to Sobhana.
Full RCB batting scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Harris | 75 | 37 | 13 | 2 | 202.70 |
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | 54* | 27 | 8 | 2 | 200.00 |
| Georgia Voll | 16 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 106.67 |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | 0* | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Extras | 2 (lb 1, w 1) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 147/2 (13.1 overs, RR: 11.16) | – | – | – | – |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Harris) | 108 | 9.1 |
| 2 (Voll) | 143 | 12.6 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Harris-Mandhana | 108 | 55 |
| Mandhana-Voll | 35 | 23 |
| Mandhana-Ghosh | 4 | 1 |
PowerPlay: 0.1-6 – 63/0.
Run progression: 50 in 4.1 overs, 100 in 8.3. Mandhana’s six off Sobhana: “Whoa! That’s an incredible shot,” per commentary.
UPW bowling struggled: Gaud 0/29 in 2, Pandey 1/36.
Final Overs: Mandhana Seals It in Style
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 In the 13th, Sobhana got Voll, but Mandhana hit a six and a four to finish. As Sportskeeda noted, “RCB WOMEN WIN BY 8 WICKETS WITH 41 BALLS TO SPARE!!”
This chase mirrored their earlier win over UPW, per MSN highlights.
Standout Performers and Voices from the Match
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Grace Harris – All-Round Star: 75 & 2/22. Season vs UPW: 160 runs at SR 207.8. Quote: “I’m feeling a bit more free, not thinking too much.”
Nadine de Klerk: 4/22, 15 wickets this season. Mini-profile: South African all-rounder, RCB’s go-to in crunch.
Smriti Mandhana: 54*, second 50 this season. “The support staff have been consistent in their messaging.”
Deepti Sharma: 55, but couldn’t accelerate. Fourth WPL 50.
Meg Lanning: 41, but lamented clusters. “They batted extremely well and punished us.”
Lauren Bell: “I feel like I’ve found a nice rhythm.” On pitch: “Pace off worked nicely.”
X reactions: @sportsclaus: “Nadine de Klerk was pure fire.” @Cricketracker: “De Klerk leads the charge.”
From India Today: Harris’s knock “ended UPW’s campaign.”
Key Statistics, Records, and Milestones – RCB vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026
Stats tell the story:
Grace Harris in WPL 2026:
| Opponent | Runs (Balls) | SR |
|---|---|---|
| vs UPW | 160 (77) | 207.8 |
| vs Others | 68 (49) | 138.98 |
Most 50+ Scores for RCB:
| Player | 50+ Scores |
|---|---|
| Ellyse Perry | 8 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 6 |
| Richa Ghosh | 5 |
Most League Stage Wins in a WPL Season (Tied at 6):
- DC 2023, MI 2023, DC 2024, RCB 2026
Winning with Most Balls to Spare for RCB:
| Balls Spare | Opponent | Year | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | UPW | 2026 | 9 wkts |
| 45 | GG | 2024 | 8 wkts |
| 41 | UPW | 2026 | 8 wkts |
Scoring Breakdown:
| Team | PowerPlay | Middle Overs | Death Overs | Sixes | Fours | Boundaries % | Dots % | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPW | 50/0 | 72/4 | 21/4 | 2 | 16 | 76 | 41% | 9 |
| RCB | 63/0 | 84/2 | – | 4 | 23 | 116 | 30% | 2 |
De Klerk ties Devine’s 15 wickets. Harris’s 28-ball 50 fastest this match.
Per Sportstar: RCB’s third-biggest chase by balls remaining.
What This Result Means: Points Table, Playoff Scenarios, and Path to the Final
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 RCB Secure Top Spot: 12 points, NRR +1.247. Direct final entry, break till Feb 5.
UP Warriorz Campaign Ends: 4 points, NRR -1.146. Need GG to beat MI, then beat DC with superior NRR – unlikely.
Playoff Race Update: GG (8 pts), MI (6), DC (6) fighting for spots.
Updated WPL 2026 Points Table:
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB Women | 8 | 6 | 2 | 12 | +1.247 |
| 2 | Gujarat Giants Women | 7 | 4 | 3 | 8 | -0.271 |
| 3 | Mumbai Indians Women | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | +0.146 |
| 4 | Delhi Capitals Women | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.164 |
| 5 | UP Warriorz Women | 7 | 2 | 5 | 4 | -1.146 |
Next: GG vs MI tomorrow. DC vs UPW Sunday.
As per IPL.com: “RCB are done with the league stage.”
Wrapping Up the Epic Clash: RCB’s Statement Win in WPL 2026
This RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Match 18 was a testament to RCB’s depth – lethal bowling, explosive batting. Harris and de Klerk embodied their spirit, turning a potential thriller into a rout.
Looking ahead, RCB’s break allows recovery. Mandhana: “Definitely looking forward to the break.”
For UPW, it’s reflection time. Lanning: “No excuses. RCB outplayed us.”
At IPL Star, we live for these moments. What did you think of Grace Harris’s knock? Drop a comment below – did it remind you of her past heroics? Share this on socials, and subscribe for more WPL scoops.
For video highlights, check YouTube’s official clip. Stay tuned for our next recap!
FAQs: RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Match 18 Recap
- What was the final result of RCB Women vs UP Warriorz in WPL 2026 Match 18? RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 RCB Women defeated UP Warriorz by 8 wickets with 41 balls remaining in the 18th match of WPL 2026. UP Warriorz scored 143/8, while RCB chased down 147/2 in just 13.1 overs, securing their direct entry into the final.
- Who won the Player of the Match award in RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026? RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Grace Harris was named Player of the Match for her explosive all-round performance: 75 runs off 37 balls and bowling figures of 2/22, powering RCB’s dominant victory.
- How many runs did Grace Harris score in RCB vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Match 18? RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Grace Harris smashed 75 runs off just 37 balls at a strike rate of 202.70, including 13 fours and 2 sixes, setting the foundation for RCB’s rapid chase of 144.
- What were Nadine de Klerk’s bowling figures in RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026? Nadine de Klerk delivered a match-winning spell of 4/22 in 4 overs, taking crucial wickets including Meg Lanning, Amy Jones, Simran Shaikh, and Sophie Ecclestone, restricting UP Warriorz to 143/8.
- Did RCB Women qualify for the WPL 2026 final after beating UP Warriorz? Yes, RCB Women qualified directly for the WPL 2026 final with this 8-wicket win, topping the points table with 12 points and a strong NRR of +1.247.
- What was UP Warriorz’s total in WPL 2026 Match 18 against RCB Women? UP Warriorz were restricted to 143/8 in 20 overs, despite a strong start of 74/0, suffering a collapse triggered by Nadine de Klerk’s double strike.
- How did Smriti Mandhana contribute in RCB’s chase against UP Warriorz in WPL 2026? Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 54* off 27 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes), sealing the chase in style after a 108-run opening partnership with Grace Harris.
- What is the updated WPL 2026 points table after RCB vs UP Warriorz Match 18? RCB Women lead with 12 points (NRR +1.247), followed by Gujarat Giants (8 pts), Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals (6 pts each), while UP Warriorz are eliminated with 4 points.
- Why did UP Warriorz collapse in their innings against RCB Women in WPL 2026? UP Warriorz lost 8 wickets for 69 runs after a promising 74/0 in 8 overs, due to disciplined RCB bowling led by Nadine de Klerk (4/22) and Grace Harris (2/22) in the middle and death overs.
- Where and when was RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Match 18 played? The match was played on January 29, 2026, at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, with RCB winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
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