Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB W) will be aiming to bounce back from their recent setbacks as they take on UP Warriorz (UP W) in match No.18 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday, January 29.
After starting the campaign with five consecutive wins, Smriti Mandhana’s RCB W suffered back-to-back defeats against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in their last two matches. A victory against UP Warriorz would be crucial for them to regain their momentum heading into the playoffs.
On the other hand, Meg Lanning’s UP Warriorz find themselves in a must-win situation, needing victories in their last two games to keep their playoff hopes alive. With only two wins and four defeats from six matches, UP Warriorz will be eager to turn their fortunes around after a recent loss to Gujarat Giants by 45 runs.
Pitch Report at BCA Stadium, Vadodara:
The BCA Stadium in Vadodara has seen an average first-innings total of around 159 in the first five matches of WPL 2026. Teams batting first have won three matches, with the Mumbai Indians posting the highest first-innings score of 199/4 against RCB W.
RCB W vs UP W Head to Head Record in T20s:
Both teams will be looking to add to their head-to-head record in T20s, with RCB W and UP W preparing for an exciting clash.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Gautami Naik, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.
UP Warriorz Women: Meg Lanning (captain), Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Shweta Sehrawat (wicketkeeper), Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Goud.
Probable Best Performers:
Phoebe Litchfield has been a standout performer this season, accumulating 243 runs in six innings at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 154.78. Lauren Bell, on the other hand, has been exceptional with the ball, picking up 11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.45.
Match Prediction:
In what promises to be an exciting encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are tipped to come out on top in this match.
As RCB W and UP W gear up to face off in the Women’s Premier League, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with top-notch performances from some of the best players in women’s cricket. Stay tuned for live updates and scores from this highly anticipated match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
Key Players to Watch:
One player to keep an eye on during this match is Grace Harris from RCB W. She has been in excellent form with both the bat and ball, contributing crucial runs and taking wickets when needed. Harris’ dynamic style of play could prove to be a game-changer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
On the other side, Deepti Sharma from UP Warriorz has been a consistent performer throughout the tournament. Her all-round abilities make her a valuable asset to the team, capable of turning the game around with her skills with both bat and ball.
Recent Form and Momentum:
RCB W will be looking to capitalize on their strong start to the tournament and regain the winning momentum that has slipped in their recent matches. With a talented squad led by the experienced Smriti Mandhana, they have the potential to bounce back and secure a crucial victory against UP Warriorz.
On the contrary, UP Warriorz will be eager to turn their fortunes around after a string of defeats. The team led by Meg Lanning will be determined to put up a strong performance and stay alive in the competition by securing a much-needed win against RCB W.
Factors Affecting the Match Outcome:
One key factor that could influence the outcome of the match is the performance of the top-order batsmen from both teams. Strong starts from players like Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning could set the tone for their respective teams and dictate the course of the game.
Bowling tactics and the ability to adapt to the pitch conditions will also play a crucial role in determining the winner. Teams that can effectively utilize their bowling resources and make strategic changes based on the pitch behavior are likely to have an edge in this contest.
Final Thoughts:
As the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between RCB W and UP Warriorz, fans can expect a competitive match filled with exciting moments and standout performances from the top players. With both teams eyeing a victory for different reasons, the intensity of the game is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from this high-stakes clash in the Women’s Premier League, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz battle it out at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. It’s set to be a game full of twists, turns, and memorable cricketing moments.
