Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women to Face UP Warriorz in WPL 2026 Match No. 5
In the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W) are gearing up to take on UP Warriorz (UP W) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Monday, January 12. After a significant break, both teams will be looking to secure a victory in this crucial encounter.
RCB W’s Strong Start
RCB Women started their campaign on a high note by defeating the defending champions Mumbai Indians in a thrilling match that went down to the last ball. Led by the talented Smriti Mandhana, RCB W showed great resilience and skill to clinch the victory. Currently sitting at third place on the points table, the 2024 champions will be aiming to continue their winning momentum with another strong performance.
UP Warriorz Looking for Redemption
On the other hand, UP Warriorz faced a tough loss in their opening match against Gujarat Giants Women, falling short by 10 runs in a closely contested game. Despite a strong batting display, the team led by Meg Lanning will be looking to improve their bowling performance to secure their first win of the season.
Match Details and Pitch Report
Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai has seen teams batting first emerge victorious in two out of three games played. The pitch tends to slow down as the match progresses, indicating an advantage for the team batting first to set a defendable target. The toss-winning captain would likely opt to bat first to capitalize on the pitch conditions.
RCB W vs UP W — Predicted Playing 11s
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
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Smriti Mandhana
Known for her explosive batting, Smriti Mandhana will be a key player for RCB W. Her form will be crucial in guiding the team to victory and securing the top spot on the points table.
Probable Best Bowler: Deepti Sharma
Ranked as the No. 1 bowler in T20Is, Deepti Sharma is expected to deliver a match-winning performance for UP Warriorz. Despite a challenging start to the season, her skill and experience make her a formidable force in the bowling attack.
Today’s Match Prediction
Based on the pitch conditions and recent performances, the team batting first is likely to have the upper hand in this match. With both teams hungry for a win, it promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter between RCB W and UP Warriorz.
Team Analysis and Strategies
As RCB W gears up to face UP Warriorz, both teams will be analyzing their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses to formulate their game strategies. RCB W will rely on their strong batting lineup, with players like Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris expected to lead the charge. On the other hand, UP Warriorz will look to capitalize on their bowling attack, spearheaded by Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone.
RCB W might aim to set a challenging target if they win the toss and opt to bat first, utilizing their power hitters to accumulate runs quickly. On the other hand, UP Warriorz might focus on restricting RCB W’s scoring in the first innings and then chase down the total with calculated aggression in the run chase.
Player Match-Ups to Watch
One of the key matchups to watch in this game will be between Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma. Mandhana’s aggressive batting style will face a stern test against Sharma’s spin bowling prowess. How Mandhana tackles Sharma’s deliveries and whether Sharma can outfox Mandhana will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Another intriguing battle to observe will be between Grace Harris and Sophie Ecclestone. Harris’s ability to take on quality spin bowling will be tested by Ecclestone’s variations and accuracy. The duel between these two players could play a significant role in shaping the course of the game.
Importance of Momentum in T20 Cricket
In T20 cricket, momentum plays a vital role in shaping a team’s performance. A couple of wins can boost a team’s confidence and form, while consecutive losses can lead to a dip in morale. Both RCB W and UP Warriorz will be aware of the importance of gaining momentum early in the tournament to establish themselves as strong contenders for the title.
For RCB W, maintaining their winning streak will be crucial to build momentum and assert their dominance in the league. On the other hand, UP Warriorz will be eager to bounce back from their opening defeat and kickstart a winning run to climb up the points table.
Final Thoughts
With the stage set for an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two competitive teams. As the players take the field at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, all eyes will be on the key performers and pivotal moments that could sway the outcome of the match.
Ultimately, in a game of uncertainties and surprises, the team that can adapt to the conditions, execute their plans effectively, and handle pressure situations with composure will emerge victorious. As the WPL 2026 progresses, each match will bring new challenges and opportunities for teams to showcase their skills and stake their claim for the coveted title.
