WPL 2026: RCB Clinches Final Spot with Victory Over Warriorz

After suffering two consecutive losses in the Women’s Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru returned to form on Thursday. This resurgence was largely due to stellar performances from Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk. Their contributions were instrumental in helping the Smriti Mandhana-led team secure an eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz at the Kotambi Stadium.

With this win, RCB now sits at the top of the league standings with 12 points from eight matches, ensuring their qualification for the final on February 5 in the fourth season. Meanwhile, barring an extremely unlikely scenario, the Warriorz are on the brink of elimination, awaiting their final league game against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Nadine de Klerk played a critical role by taking four wickets, restricting the Warriorz to 143 for eight. Then, Grace Harris took center stage, scoring a blistering 75 off 37 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes, helping RCB chase down the target in just 13.1 overs. Smriti Mandhana provided solid support with an unbeaten 54.

Grace Harris showcased her aggressive intent early in the PowerPlay. She particularly targeted Kranti Gaud, hitting the young seamer for five boundaries in the third over. By the strategic timeout, Harris had already amassed 49 runs, propelling RCB to 63 without loss in six overs.

Harris reached her half-century off just 28 balls during the seventh over, displaying flair by dispatching Asha Sobhana’s delivery over long-on for six.

When the Warriorz batted first, they failed to capitalize on a solid opening stand of 74 runs between Deepti Sharma (55 off 43 balls) and Meg Lanning (41 off 30 balls). The game changed when de Klerk dismissed Lanning in the ninth over. Trying to hit over cover, Lanning could only find Radha Yadav at deep point.

De Klerk’s impact continued as she trapped Amy Jones leg-before just four balls later. She capped her impressive performance with two more wickets in the final over, conceding only six runs, summarizing the Warriorz’ challenging evening.

Published on January 29, 2026.