As the Women’s Premier League 2026 heats up, all eyes turn to the thrilling clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz Women in Match 18. This high-stakes encounter at BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, promises edge-of-the-seat action as RCB Women aim to reclaim their unbeatable form while UP Warriorz Women battle for survival. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, this RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 matchup could redefine the season’s narrative.
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 is more than just a game—it’s a test of resilience. RCB, the table-toppers, have hit a rough patch with two straight losses, but their depth and star power make them favorites. UP Warriorz, languishing at the bottom, face a must-win scenario after losing key batter Phoebe Litchfield to injury. Will Meg Lanning’s leadership inspire a turnaround, or will Smriti Mandhana’s Bengaluru brigade dominate? Let’s dive deep into this RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 Match 18 preview.
Why This Clash Matters in WPL 2026
The Women’s Premier League 2026 has been a rollercoaster, with tight races for the knockout spots. RCB Women started like a house on fire, winning five in a row to seal their playoffs berth early. But recent defeats to Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have exposed cracks in their top order. Grace Harris and Georgia Voll, once reliable, have struggled, scoring just one big knock each lately. Head coach Malolan Rangarajan admitted, “We know the impact Shreyanka can create, and it’s a very fair question if she should be promoted because if she has more deliveries, can she score a lot more? That’s something we’ll consider for sure going forward.”
For UP Warriorz Women, the story is one of persistent woes. Since their third-place finish in 2023, they’ve slid down the ladder. Despite squad overhauls, a new coach in Abhishek Nayar, and handing captaincy to the legendary Meg Lanning over Deepti Sharma, results haven’t improved. Their Indian core has underperformed, with the opening partnership averaging a dismal 12.16 runs. Kiran Navgire’s scores of 1, 5, 0, 10, 0, 0 highlight the issue. Mathematically alive, UPW need victories in their last two games—starting with this one—to have any shot at playoffs. A one-week break might help them reset, but as RCB knows, breaks can swing momentum either way.
This RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 game embodies the league’s competitiveness. No team dominates unchallenged, and with four sides vying for two remaining playoff berths, every run and wicket counts. Fans are buzzing—will RCB arrest their slump before playoffs, or can UPW pull off an upset to keep their dreams alive?
Stakes for RCB Women and UP Warriorz Women
For RCB Women, the pressure is subtle but mounting. Topping the table with the best net run rate (+0.947), they’re poised for a direct final spot. But three losses in a row heading into knockouts? That’s a red flag. Their batting firepower, led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, needs to fire collectively. A win here restores confidence and momentum.
UP Warriorz Women’s stakes are existential. At the bottom with a poor net run rate (-0.769), even two wins might not suffice without favorable results elsewhere. Litchfield’s injury is a massive blow—she was their top scorer. Replacements like Amy Jones or Deandra Dottin must step up. Their four-pronged spin attack could thrive on Vadodara’s pitches, but Indian batters like Harleen Deol and Deepti Sharma need to contribute runs.
Imagine the drama: RCB chasing glory, UPW fighting oblivion. This isn’t just cricket; it’s a narrative of redemption and dominance in Women’s Premier League 2026.
Match Details, BCA Stadium Kotambi Vadodara Guide, Pitch Report & Dew Factor
Set for January 29, 2026, this evening thriller kicks off at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. Known for its modern facilities and passionate crowds, the venue adds to the excitement.
Essential Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Women’s Premier League 2026 |
| Match Number | 18th Match |
| Teams | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) vs UP Warriorz Women (UPW-W) |
| Date | January 29, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (Local), 2:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, India |
| Broadcast (India) | TV: Star Sports Network; Streaming: JioHotstar |
| Ticket Buying | Available on BookMyShow or official WPL app; prices from ₹100-₹500; book early for best seats |
Tickets sell fast for WPL games—grab yours online to avoid disappointment. The stadium’s capacity of around 40,000 ensures a vibrant atmosphere.
BCA Stadium Kotambi Pitch Report WPL 2026
The pitch at BCA Stadium has evolved during WPL 2026. Early matches were bowler-friendly, with sluggish, low surfaces favoring spinners and making big scores rare. Totals hovered around 140-150, and chasing was tough without dew’s aid.
Recent games tell a different story. The last two fixtures saw teams breaching 170 consistently—Mumbai Indians nearly hit 200, and Delhi Capitals chased 175 against Gujarat Giants. Surfaces now offer better bounce, even carry, and some grass for pacers. Batters can play strokes freely once set, but early grip aids spinners.
From online previews (e.g., CricTracker and News18), the pitch remains slightly slow, challenging run-scoring. Kotambi Stadium key stats show low-scoring trends overall, but defenses have succeeded lately. Teams have opted to chase in all 17 WPL games so far due to dew.
| Pitch Stats (WPL 2026 at Vadodara) | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 8+ (including recent) |
| Highest Team Score | ~199 (MI Women) |
| Lowest Team Score | ~120 (early games) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 155-160 |
| Teams Winning Batting First | 30% |
| Teams Winning Chasing | 70% |
| Successful Defenses (Recent) | 2 out of last 2 |
Dew Impact & Toss Strategy
Dew is the game-changer in evening matches here. It makes the ball skid, harder for bowlers to grip, favoring chases. Captains winning the toss (around 7:00 PM IST) almost always bowl first. Predictions: Bowl first if you win—target 160-180 if batting first to compete.
Weather Forecast for January 29, 2026
Vadodara’s January weather is ideal for cricket. Expect clear skies, temperatures from 28°C daytime dropping to 15-18°C evening, humidity 50-60%, and light winds. No rain risk (dry season), but dew will build under lights. From Business Standard and other sources, cooler, dry conditions prevail, ensuring no interruptions.
This setup favors a high-quality contest. Will the pitch’s dual nature—early grip, later skid—decide the RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 outcome?
Squad Analysis, Probable Playing XI & Key Team News
Both teams bring star-studded squads, but injuries and form dictate changes. RCB Women boast balance, while UP Warriorz rely on overseas talent amid domestic struggles.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Squad Analysis & Strategy
RCB’s squad is a powerhouse, blending experience with youth. Smriti Mandhana leads a batting lineup capable of fireworks, supported by all-rounders like Nadine de Klerk and bowlers like Lauren Bell. Recent dips prompt tweaks—perhaps promoting Shreyanka Patil for impact batting.
Full Squad:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | Opening Batter |
| Lauren Bell | Bowler |
| Nadine de Klerk | Allrounder |
| Richa Ghosh | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Grace Harris | Allrounder |
| Dayalan Hemalatha | Top order Batter |
| Gautami Naik | Allrounder |
| Shreyanka Patil | Allrounder |
| Kumar Prathyoosha | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Prema Rawat | Bowler |
| Arundhati Reddy | Bowler |
| Sayali Satghare | Allrounder |
| Linsey Smith | Bowler |
| Pooja Vastrakar | Bowler |
| Georgia Voll | Top order Batter |
| Radha Yadav | Bowler |
Probable XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.
Strategy: Stabilize top order, use spin in middle overs, pace early. No major injuries; full strength.
UP Warriorz Women Squad Analysis & Injury Updates
UPW’s squad overhaul hasn’t yielded results, with Indians faltering. Litchfield’s injury forces changes—Amy Jones joins as replacement, possibly opening or keeping. Dottin could return for firepower.
Full Squad:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Meg Lanning (c) | Top order Batter |
| Harleen Deol | Middle order Batter |
| Deandra Dottin | Allrounder |
| Sophie Ecclestone | Bowler |
| Kranti Gaud | Bowler |
| Shipra Giri | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Amy Jones | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Charli Knott | Batting Allrounder |
| Suman Meena | Bowler |
| Kiran Navgire | Middle order Batter |
| Shikha Pandey | Allrounder |
| Pratika Rawal | Opening Batter |
| Shweta Sehrawat | Batting Allrounder |
| Deepti Sharma | Allrounder |
| Simran Shaikh | Middle order Batter |
| Asha Sobhana | Allrounder |
| Gongadi Trisha | Opening Batter |
| Chloe Tryon | Allrounder |
Probable XI: Meg Lanning (c), Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Asha Sobhana, Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud.
Team News: Litchfield out; Jones in. Navgire’s form might see her drop, with Deol opening. Spin-heavy attack suits Vadodara.
From Cricinfo and News18 previews, UPW’s spin could challenge RCB’s batters, but batting fragility is key concern.
Players to Watch and Key Battles
Stars define WPL games. Here’s who could shine in RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026.
Batters to Watch in RCB vs UPW WPL 2026
Smriti Mandhana (RCB): 301 runs in 10 matches, average 33.44, strike rate 133.18. Her elegant strokes set tones, but offspin vulnerability looms.
Richa Ghosh (RCB): 293 runs, average 36.63, strike rate 165.53. Explosive finisher—her 90 off 50 vs MI saved NRR.
Meg Lanning (UPW): 207 runs in 6, average 34.5, strike rate 123.95. Anchor extraordinaire; her form vital post-Litchfield.
Harleen Deol (UPW): 195 runs in 7, average 32.5, strike rate 129.13. Senior batter must anchor amid changes.
Recent stats from ESPNcricinfo:
| Batter | Team | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Mandhana | RCB-W | 10 | 301 | 33.44 | 133.18 |
| RM Ghosh | RCB-W | 10 | 293 | 36.63 | 165.53 |
| MM Lanning | UPW-W | 6 | 207 | 34.5 | 123.95 |
| H Deol | UPW-W | 7 | 195 | 32.5 | 129.13 |
Bowlers to Watch in RCB vs UPW WPL 2026
Lauren Bell (RCB): 11 wickets in 7, economy 5.68, strike rate 15.27. Pace ace; top performer per News18.
Nadine de Klerk (RCB): 11 wickets in 7, economy 7.54. All-round threat.
Sophie Ecclestone (UPW): 12 wickets in 10, economy 7.71. World’s best spinner; 6 scalps noted in CricketWorld.
Deepti Sharma (UPW): 10 wickets in 10, economy 9.03. Offspin menace.
| Bowler | Team | Matches | Wkts | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LK Bell | RCB-W | 7 | 11 | 5.68 | 15.27 |
| N de Klerk | RCB-W | 7 | 11 | 7.54 | 13.09 |
| S Ecclestone | UPW-W | 10 | 12 | 7.71 | 19 |
| DB Sharma | UPW-W | 10 | 10 | 9.03 | 20.2 |
Key Player Battles That Could Swing the Match
Meg Lanning vs Shreyanka Patil: Shreyanka dismissed Lanning thrice in WPL, conceding 13 runs off 15 balls. Edge to RCB.
Smriti Mandhana vs Deepti Sharma: Deepti got Mandhana three times, 18 runs off 20 balls. Crucial early duel.
Grace Harris vs UPW Spinners: Harris’ last big knock was vs UPW (85), but recent cheap dismissals worry.
Harleen Deol vs RCB Pace: Deol’s versatility key; she must counter Bell early.
These battles, highlighted in CricTracker and YouTube previews, could decide the RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 fate.
Head to Head Records, Recent Performances & Previous Meeting
RCB holds a slight edge in head-to-head, but ties and close finishes make it riveting.
RCB vs UPW Head to Head Stats
Last 5 Matches:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Jan 12, 2026 | RCB Women won by 9 wickets (with 47 balls remaining) |
| Mar 8, 2025 | UPW Women won by 12 runs |
| Feb 24, 2025 | Match tied (UPW Women won the Super Over) |
| Mar 4, 2024 | RCB Women won by 23 runs |
| Feb 24, 2024 | RCB Women won by 2 runs |
RCB won 3, UPW 1, 1 tie. From News18, RCB’s recent dominance stands out.
Momentum & Form Guide
RCB-W Last 5: L L W W W
- Jan 26: Lost to MI by 15 runs
- Jan 24: Lost to DC by 7 wkts
- Jan 19: Won vs GG by 61 runs
- Jan 17: Won vs DC by 8 wkts
- Jan 16: Won vs GG by 32 runs
UPW-W Last 5: L L W W L
- Jan 22: Lost to GG by 45 runs
- Jan 17: Won vs MI by 22 runs
- Jan 15: Won vs MI by 7 wkts
- Jan 14: Lost to DC by 7 wkts
- Jan 12: Lost to RCB by 9 wkts
RCB’s early streak faded; UPW’s MI wins were highlights but inconsistency hurts.
Previous Meeting Recap
In their Jan 12 clash, RCB chased 144 with 9 wickets and 47 balls left. Grace Harris’ unbeaten 85 starred. UPW’s 143/5 wasn’t enough. This sets the tone for revenge in RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026.
WPL 2026 Points Table, Current Standings & Playoff Implications
As of Jan 28, 2026, the table is tight.
Latest WPL 2026 Points Table
| Position | Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | PT | NRR |
| 1 | RCB-W | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | +0.947 |
| 2 | GG-W | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -0.271 |
| 3 | MI-W | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +0.146 |
| 4 | DC-W | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -0.164 |
| 5 | UPW-W | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -0.769 |
From ESPNcricinfo and Times of India, RCB leads, qualified. GG second after recent wins.
What This Match Means for Playoff Race
RCB: Win secures top spot, boosts morale. Loss risks three straight defeats, but playoffs safe.
UPW: Must-win; even two victories need help from others. NRR boost essential. Per Business Standard, RCB already playoff-bound, UPW’s path narrow.
This game could shuffle mid-table chaos.
RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026: Winning Prediction, Tactical Breakdown & Key Factors
Tactics will be pivotal on this pitch.
Tactical Breakdown
RCB: Exploit batting depth; counter UPW spin with aggressive play. Pace duo Bell-de Klerk early, spin middle.
UPW: Spin quartet (Ecclestone, Deepti, Asha, Tryon) to choke; bat deep with Dottin. Chase if possible due to dew.
Key Factors: Toss (bowl first), dew, top-order stability. From India Today, Warriorz have upper hand on paper? But form says otherwise.
Bold Winning Prediction
RCB Women are 60-65% favorites. Their full squad, better NRR, and head-to-head edge tip scales. UPW’s spin might trouble, but batting woes hinder. Expect RCB to win by 20-30 runs or 5-6 wickets.
In this epic RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 Match 18, Bengaluru’s stars should shine brighter. Stay tuned for live action!
FAQs for RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 Match 18 Preview
- When and where is the RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 Match 18 scheduled? The 18th match of Women’s Premier League 2026 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz Women is set for January 29, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. This evening clash promises high drama in the RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 showdown.
- What is the BCA Stadium Kotambi Vadodara pitch report for WPL 2026? The BCA Stadium Kotambi pitch in WPL 2026 has shifted from low-scoring early games to more batter-friendly surfaces recently, with scores exceeding 170-190. It offers early grip for spinners, better bounce later, and heavy dew favoring chases. Average first innings score is 155-160, making the RCB vs UPW Vadodara pitch report chase-biased.
- What are the probable playing XI for RCB Women and UP Warriorz Women in WPL 2026 Match 18? RCB Women probable XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell. UP Warriorz Women probable XI: Meg Lanning (c), Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Asha Sobhana, Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud.
- What is the head-to-head record between RCB Women and UP Warriorz Women in WPL? In their last 5 encounters, RCB Women lead with 3 wins, UP Warriorz Women have 1, and 1 tie. RCB dominated the previous WPL 2026 meeting on January 12, winning by 9 wickets. Overall RCB vs UPW head to head WPL 2026 stats favor Bengaluru slightly.
- Who are the top players to watch in RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026? Key batters: Smriti Mandhana (301 runs), Richa Ghosh (293 runs, SR 165+), Meg Lanning (207 runs), Harleen Deol (195 runs). Bowlers: Lauren Bell (11 wickets, econ 5.68), Sophie Ecclestone (12 wickets), Nadine de Klerk and Deepti Sharma (10-11 wickets each).
- What are the key player battles in RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026? Critical matchups include Meg Lanning vs Shreyanka Patil (Lanning dismissed 3 times cheaply) and Smriti Mandhana vs Deepti Sharma (Mandhana out 3 times). These Smriti Mandhana vs Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning vs Shreyanka Patil battles could decide the game.
- What is the current WPL 2026 points table standing for RCB and UP Warriorz Women? As of January 28, 2026, RCB Women top the WPL 2026 points table with 10 points (+0.947 NRR from 7 games), while UP Warriorz Women are last with 4 points (-0.769 NRR from 6 games). RCB have qualified for playoffs; UPW face elimination.
- How does the dew factor impact RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women at Vadodara? Heavy dew at BCA Stadium Kotambi makes bowling second easier, with teams chasing winning 70% of recent games. Toss-winning captains prefer to bowl first. The dew factor Vadodara WPL significantly favors the chasing side in this evening match.
- Who will win RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 Match 18 – prediction? RCB Women are 60-65% favorites due to superior depth, form, and head-to-head edge. Despite UPW’s strong spin attack, RCB vs UPW match prediction WPL 2026 leans toward Bengaluru winning by 20-30 runs or 5-6 wickets.
- Where to watch RCB Women vs UP Warriorz Women WPL 2026 Match 18 live? The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India and streamed on JioHotstar. Fans can catch all the action of Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women Vadodara clash starting at 7:30 PM IST.