Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a commanding eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Thursday night, securing their berth in the 2026 final. The win, achieved at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, came through a dominant all-round effort that left the Warriorz side’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
De Klerk Leads with Ball, Harris Explodes with Bat
RCB’s triumph was powered by a superb bowling performance from South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who claimed figures of 4 for 22, asserting control over the Warriorz batting lineup. Her disciplined bowling dismantled early partnerships and kept pressure on the opposition, effectively turning the tide in RCB’s favour.
With the bat, Grace Harris delivered a match-defining knock of 75 runs off just 37 balls, punctuated by powerful boundaries that kept RCB ahead throughout the chase. Harris, supported ably by captain Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 54, guided the chase with calculated aggression. The pair put together an unbroken first-wicket stand that nullified any pressure situation and sealed the victory with more than 40 balls to spare.
UP Warriorz Fight But Fall Short
Earlier, UP Warriorz had posted a modest total of 143 for 8 in their 20 overs. Despite some resistance in the middle order, the side was unable to build a significant stand against RCB’s disciplined bowling attack. The loss effectively dampens their chances of progressing to the playoffs, with the team now requiring unlikely results in other matches to stay alive in the tournament.
RCB’s Momentum and Road Ahead
The victory lifts RCB to 12 points, confirming their place in the final and placing them atop the WPL 2026 standings. This performance underscores their consistency in the league and sets up a high-stakes rematch in the championship clash.
Fans and cricket followers will now turn their attention to the upcoming final, where RCB will look to convert their strong form into silverware.
