Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed their place in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz at the BCA Cricket Stadium in Vadodara.
After coming into the match on the back of two consecutive defeats, the Smriti Mandhana-led side delivered a near-perfect performance to book their second appearance in a WPL final.
Asked to bat first, UP Warriorz showed early promise as captain Meg Lanning and all-rounder Deepti Sharma put together a solid 74-run opening partnership.
Lanning looked fluent during her stay and scored 41 runs off 30 deliveries, striking six boundaries and a six. However, her dismissal proved to be a turning point in the innings.
The middle order failed to provide momentum, with Amy Jones, Harleen Deol, and Chloe Tryon unable to capitalize on their starts.
Deepti Sharma held one end together with a fighting half-century, scoring 55 runs off 43 balls.
Despite her efforts, UP Warriorz could only manage 143 for eight in their 20 overs, a total that looked below par on a good batting surface.
It was also their first 50-plus opening stand of the season, highlighting their struggles at the top throughout the tournament.
In response, RCB’s openers produced a breathtaking chase. Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana stitched together a match-winning 108-run partnership that completely took the game away from UP Warriorz.
Harris was the aggressor, smashing 75 runs off just 37 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. Her fearless strokeplay dismantled the UP bowling attack and ensured the required run rate was never an issue.
Mandhana, on the other hand, played a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 54 off 27 deliveries. After a measured start, she took control once Harris departed, guiding RCB home with calm authority.
The victory also saw Mandhana become one of the joint-most players to be involved in century partnerships in WPL history, alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt.
RCB chased down the target in just 13.1 overs, underlining their dominance. With this win, they remain at the top of the points table with 12 points from eight matches.
UP Warriorz, meanwhile, are still mathematically in contention for the playoffs but face a tough road ahead.
RCB will now enjoy a brief break before the WPL final on February 5, with Mandhana indicating that the team will relax and recharge ahead of the big clash.
