TATA WPL 2026: RCB on Fire as They Secure Back-to-Back Victories
The fourth season of the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) has truly belonged to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) so far. After a nail-biting victory against Mumbai Indians in the season opener, Smriti Mandhana’s side has now clinicaly dismantled the UP Warriorz (UPW) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. With this 9-wicket win, RCB has not only secured back-to-back victories but has also sent a loud message to the rest of the league: the defending champions are here to dominate.
The Toss and Early Struggles for UP Warriorz
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid off almost immediately. UP Warriorz struggled to find any momentum in the Powerplay. The RCB pace attack, led by the disciplined Lauren Bell, kept things tight. Bell drew first blood by dismissing Harleen Deol (11 off 14 balls) in the fifth over, leaving UPW at a sluggish 21/1.
The introduction of spin only added to UPW’s woes. Shreyanka Patil was sensational, picking up the crucial wickets of skipper Meg Lanning (14 off 21) and the dangerous Phoebe Litchfield (20 off 11) in quick succession. When Nadine de Klerk dismissed Kiran Navgire and Shweta Sehrawat on consecutive deliveries, the Warriorz were reeling at 50/5 in the 9th over.
Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin
With half the side back in the dugout, UP Warriorz were staring at a collapse. However, the experienced Deepti Sharma and powerhouse Deandra Dottin showed immense grit. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 93-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Deepti Sharma played a composed knock of 45 off 35 balls*, finding gaps with precision, while Dottin provided the muscle with 40 off 37 balls*. Their late flourish in the final overs pushed the total to a respectable 143/5 in 20 overs. While the recovery was impressive, the target of 144 seemed below par on a batting-friendly Navi Mumbai track.
The Grace Harris Show: RCB’s Scintillating Chase
If there were any doubts about the chase, Grace Harris put them to rest within the first few overs. Opening the batting with Smriti Mandhana, Harris was in a destructive mood. She reached her half-century in just 22 balls, hitting boundaries at will against both pace and spin.
The opening pair added a mammoth 137 runs, effectively killing the contest. Harris’s innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she smashed 85 runs off just 40 balls, including 10 fours and 5 massive sixes. Although she fell to Shikha Pandey with just 7 runs needed for victory, the damage was already done.
Captain Smriti Mandhana played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 32 balls*. Her innings was a blend of elegant drives and smart strike rotation. Richa Ghosh came in to hit the winning boundary, as RCB chased down the target in just 12.1 overs.
Player Performances
UP Warriorz Innings (Total: 143/5 in 20 Overs)
| Player Name | Runs | Balls | 4s / 6s |
| Meg Lanning (c) | 14 | 21 | 1 / 0 |
| Harleen Deol | 11 | 14 | 2 / 0 |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 20 | 11 | 3 / 1 |
| Kiran Navgire | 5 | 3 | 1 / 0 |
| Deepti Sharma | 45 | 35 | 5 / 1 |
| Deandra Dottin | 40 | 37 | 3 / 1 |
-
Shreyanka Patil: 4-0-50-2
-
Nadine de Klerk: 4-0-28-2
-
Lauren Bell: 4-0-16-1
RCB Innings (Total: 145/1 in 12.1 Overs)
| Player Name | Runs | Balls | 4s / 6s |
| Grace Harris | 85 | 40 | 10 / 5 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 47 | 32 | 9 / 0 |
| Richa Ghosh | 4 | 2 | 1 / 0 |
TATA WPL 2026: RCB on Fire as They Secure Back-to-Back Victories
With this victory, RCB has jumped to the top of the points table. Their bowling unit looks balanced, and the opening partnership of Mandhana and Harris looks like the most formidable duo in the tournament. For UP Warriorz, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to fix their top-order fragility.
