7 months ago
RCB Crush UP Warriorz by 9 Wickets in WPL 2026
In a Women's Premier League match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat UP Warriorz (UPW) by 9 wickets.
UPW scored 143 runs, but RCB chased down the target quickly.
Grace Harris scored 85 runs off just 40 balls, which was the fastest fifty of the season.
She hit many fours and sixes.
Smriti Mandhana, the RCB captain, also scored 47 runs without getting out.
Together, they made a big partnership of 137 runs.
RCB won easily with nearly eight overs to spare.
UPW's Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin tried to save their team by scoring runs, but it wasn't enough.
RCB's bowlers also did well by taking wickets early in the game.
Grace Harris scored 85 off 40 balls, the fastest fifty of the season, with 10 fours and five sixes.
Smriti Mandhana scored an unbeaten 47 off 32 balls, including nine boundaries, in a 137-run partnership with Harris.
RCB chased down the target of 144 runs in just 12.1 overs, significantly improving their net run rate.
UP Warriorz recovered from a collapse to post 143/5, with Deepti Sharma (45*) and Deandra Dottin (40*) adding a 93-run stand.
RCB bowlers Nadine de Klerk and Shreyanka Patil each took two wickets to restrict UP Warriorz.
- Who
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs. UP Warriorz (UPW)
- What
- RCB chased down 144 runs to win by 9 wickets
- Where
- Navi Mumbai
- When
- January 12, 2026
- Why
- Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana's partnership sealed the victory
RCB's Dominant Performance
UP Warriorz's Recovery
Batting Performance
RCB's Dominant Performance
Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana's partnership of 137 runs made the chase one-sided.
UP Warriorz's Recovery
Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin's 93-run stand helped UP Warriorz recover from a collapse.
Bowling Performance
RCB's Dominant Performance
RCB bowlers restricted UP Warriorz to 143/5, making the target achievable.
UP Warriorz's Recovery
UP Warriorz bowlers struggled to contain RCB's aggressive batting, especially Grace Harris.
Key facts
- Match Result
- RCB won by 9 wickets
- Venue
- Navi Mumbai
- Date
- January 12, 2026
- UP Warriorz Score
- 143/5
- RCB Score
- 144/1 in 12.1 overs
- Grace Harris Score
- 85 off 40 balls
- Smriti Mandhana Score
- 47* off 32 balls
- Fastest Fifty
- Grace Harris (22 balls)
- Deepti Sharma Score
- 45* off 35 balls
- Deandra Dottin Score
- 40* off 37 balls
Timeline
JSW Paints' acquisition of a $9.2 billion stake in Axalta Coating was the direct cause of RCB's team strengthening by adding players like Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk.
Akzo Nobel's acquisition of a $9.2 billion stake in Axalta Coating was the direct cause of RCB's team strengthening by adding players like Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk.
The upcoming WPL 2026 auction prompted RCB to strengthen their team by adding players like Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk.
RCB Women's team strengthened their batting and bowling with the addition of players like Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk ahead of the WPL 2026 season.
RCB defeated UPW by 9 wickets in a Women's Premier League match, with Grace Harris scoring the fastest fifty of the season (85 runs off 40 balls) and Smriti Mandhana remaining unbeaten on 47 runs.
Quotes
Smriti Mandhana
RCB captain and Indian cricketer
“We had a brief discussion about the batting order. She plays in the middle order for Australia but opens for Brisbane Heat. We were very clear how dangerous she can be up front. If she gets going, it almost takes the match away from the opposition.”
thestatesman.com
“I didn’t have to do anything. I just had to get her on strike. Not just one over – she was whacking every over. It’s easy to bat when someone gets going like that. And they weren’t just sixes; they were long sixes. It was a treat to watch.”
thestatesman.com
Grace Harris
RCB player and Australian cricketer
“I’ve always enjoyed the WPL. It’s a great set-up and I’m really loving life at the moment. I thought I’d be facing an older ball, but our coach Malolan Rangarajan told me I might open, and I just thought – how good.”
thestatesman.com
“It’s very easy batting with Smriti because she is so calm and classy. When you bat with her, she’s elegant, free-flowing and technically correct, so you don’t feel like you need to overhit the ball.”
thestatesman.com
Mithali Raj
Former India cricket captain and commentator
“Grace Harris set the tone right from Deepti Sharma’s first over. Her timing was impeccable, and the power behind every shot was unreal. At one point, even we wondered what line or length could stop her.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Complete 3rd-Fastest WPL Chase! Crush UP Warriorz By 9 Wickets
WPL 2026: We were outplayed by RCB tonight, says UPW skipper Lanning
RCB vs UPW, WPL 2026: Here’s how Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning reacted after the match
Grace Harris blitz powers RCB to crushing nine-wicket win over UP Warriorz - Telegraph India
WPL 2026: Grace and power to the fore as Harris’ stunning 40-ball 85 powers RCB to two wins in two
RCB Vs UPW: Who Won Yesterday's WPL Match?
Grace Harris' blistering 85 helps RCB thrash UPW by 9 wickets, extend perfect start to WPL 2026 – Firstpost
WPL 2026: The way everyone bowled and executed plans was really special to watch, says Mandhana
WPL 2026: I did kinda think I will face the older ball, says RCB's Harris after a blistering 85 vs UPW
Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz eye powerplay gains
Different vibes, same impact: Smriti Mandhana and Harris applaud each other after big win in WPL
DC vs UP Warriorz: Fixing flaws key to WPL win
