Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women set to take on UP Warriorz in Women’s Premier League Match
In the highly anticipated Match No. 5 of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W) are gearing up to face off against UP Warriorz (UP W) at the iconic Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Monday, January 12. Both teams are coming into this clash after a well-deserved break and will be looking to secure a crucial victory.
RCB W’s Strong Start
RCB Women kicked off their campaign on a high note by defeating the defending champions Mumbai Indians in a thrilling encounter in the tournament opener. Led by the dynamic Smriti Mandhana, RCB W secured a last-ball victory, showcasing their prowess and determination. Currently positioned third on the points table, the 2024 champions are determined to continue their winning momentum and secure another triumph.
UP Warriorz Looking for Redemption
On the flip side, UP Warriorz had a disappointing start to their season as they suffered a narrow 10-run loss to the Gujarat Giants Women in their opening match. Despite a strong batting performance, led by captain Meg Lanning, UP W fell short in the end. The team will be aiming to bounce back strongly in their upcoming clash against RCB W and put their first points on the board.
Match Details and Pitch Report
The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai has seen teams batting first win two out of the three games played so far, indicating a preference for setting a target on the board. The pitch tends to slow down as the match progresses, making it crucial for the toss-winning captain to opt for batting first and aim to set a competitive total.
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning (captain), Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Shweta Sehrawat (wicketkeeper), Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Goud
Key Players to Watch
Probable Best Batter: Smriti Mandhana is expected to lead the charge for RCB W with her explosive batting skills, aiming to guide her team to another victory.
Probable Best Bowler: Deepti Sharma, the top-ranked T20I bowler, will be looking to showcase her bowling prowess and help UP Warriorz secure their first win of the season.
Match Prediction
Today’s prediction leans towards the team batting first to come out victorious in what promises to be an exciting showdown between RCB W and UP Warriorz. Both teams will be eager to make their mark in the WPL 2026 and secure valuable points early in the season.
Excitement Builds as RCB W and UP Warriorz Gear Up for Clash
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League, the stakes have never been higher. With both teams looking to make their mark in the tournament, the clash at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with intense competition and skilled performances.
RCB W’s Strategy for Success
RCB Women have shown their mettle in the early stages of the tournament, with captain Smriti Mandhana leading from the front. Known for her aggressive batting style and astute captaincy, Mandhana has been instrumental in guiding her team to success. With players like Grace Harris and Richa Ghosh complementing her efforts, RCB W boasts a well-rounded squad that is capable of taking on any challenge.
UP Warriorz’ Quest for Victory
On the other hand, UP Warriorz are eager to turn their fortunes around after a narrow defeat in their opening match. With captain Meg Lanning at the helm, the team is banking on her experience and leadership to lead them to victory. Players like Deandra Dottin and Deepti Sharma bring their own unique skills to the table, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
The Battle on the Pitch
As the teams prepare to face off on the pitch at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, all eyes will be on the pitch conditions and the toss. With a preference for setting a target evident in the previous matches, the toss-winning captain will have a crucial decision to make. The pitch’s tendency to slow down as the game progresses adds another layer of complexity, emphasizing the importance of a strong start for the batting team.
Players to Watch Out For
While Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma are expected to play pivotal roles for their respective teams, other players will also be looking to make an impact. From explosive batting displays to disciplined bowling performances, the match is set to showcase the talents of some of the best players in the Women’s Premier League.
Anticipation for a Thrilling Encounter
With the match prediction favoring the team batting first, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between RCB W and UP Warriorz. As both teams strive for victory and aim to climb up the points table, fans can expect a high-octane contest filled with drama, excitement, and top-notch cricketing action.
Stay tuned as the Women’s Premier League continues to unfold, bringing forth new twists, turns, and unforgettable moments in the world of women’s cricket.
