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Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women Match Preview – WPL 2026

Date: 29 January 2026
Time: 14:00 GMT / 19:30 IST
Venue: BCA Stadium, Vadodara, India
Tournament: Women’s Premier League 2026 (Match 18)

Match Context

The 2026 Women’s Premier League is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons yet, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz Women both vying for crucial points in the race to the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women are in a strong position, having already defeated UP Warriorz in their earlier encounter by 9 wickets. RCB are currently looking to secure a top spot in the standings, with a potential direct entry into the final on the line. On the other hand, UP Warriorz are under pressure to bounce back after losing four of their last six matches. A win here is vital for them to keep their playoff aspirations alive, especially with the need to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR).

Team Form and Strategy

Royal Challergers Bengaluru Women

RCB’s batting lineup is one of the most formidable in the tournament, led by the experienced Smriti Mandhana. Grace Harris, who has a proven record of delivering when the team needs her, has a 14% win rate when scoring over 50 in the side’s victories. Georgia Voll, with her aggressive strokeplay and low dot ball percentage (36%), is a key asset in the middle overs.

On the bowling front, RCB have a balanced attack led by Lauren Bell, who has taken 3+ wickets in 17% of her international innings. Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil provide a spin threat, while Arundhati Reddy and Nadine de Klerk offer pace and accuracy.

UP Warriorz Women

UP Warriorz, led by captain Meg Lanning, are aiming to break their recent losing streak and gain momentum in the final stretch of the league. Kiran Prabhu Navgire, with her 24% boundary rate in international innings, is expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs. Chloe Tryon and Shikha Pandey provide a potent fast-bowling attack, while Sophie Ecclestone, with an economy rate below 6.00 in 49% of her innings, is a key spinner.

However, UP Warriorz will need to be more clinical in both batting and bowling to challenge RCB, especially in the Powerplay where Bell has claimed 48% of her wickets.

Pitch and Conditions

The BCA Stadium in Vadodara is known for being a batting-friendly venue. With true bounce and minimal assistance for spinners, teams are expected to post scores in the 170s. The pitch conditions are likely to favor aggressive batting and medium-pace bowling, which could play into RCB’s hands given their all-round strength.

Head-to-Head

In their previous meeting, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women dominated UP Warriorz with a comprehensive 9-wicket victory. That result gives RCB the psychological edge going into this match.

Key Match Stats

• Grace Harris' 50+ = 14% win rate for RCB
• Kiran Prabhu Navgire’s boundary rate = 24%
• Lauren Bell’s 3+ wicket innings rate = 17%
• Sophie Ecclestone’s economy under 6.00 = 49%
• Bell’s Powerplay wickets = 48% of her total

Match Prediction

Despite UP Warriorz’ need for a win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women are the clear favorites in this encounter. RCB’s balanced squad, coupled with their recent form and the advantage of having already beaten UP Warriorz, makes them the stronger side. The pitch is expected to support their aggressive approach, and with Mandhana and Harris at the top, the chase is unlikely to be a challenge.

Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women to win by 6-8 wickets.

Conclusion

This match is a must-win for UP Warriorz, but RCB’s depth and form give them the upper hand. The result could go a long way in determining the final playoff picture. Fans can expect a high-scoring, fast-paced contest that will test the mettle of both teams.

Stay tuned for live updates and real-time coverage of this exciting WPL clash.
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