WPL 2026: Harris Powers RCB to Dominant Nine-Wicket Win Over UP Warriors

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their strong start to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over UP Warriors. The match was played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where RCB dominated both with the ball and the bat to secure their second consecutive win of the season.

Under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, RCB have now won both of their opening matches and moved to the top of the points table with four points. After edging past defending champions Mumbai Indians in a thrilling last-ball finish in their opening game, RCB delivered a far more commanding performance against UP Warriors.

UP Warriors Post 144 After Middle-Order Recovery

UP Warriors, batting first after losing the toss, were restricted to 144 runs despite a late recovery. Their innings struggled early as RCB’s bowlers applied consistent pressure from the beginning.

Lauren Bell provided the early breakthrough, maintaining tight lines and picking up a key wicket in the third over. Her disciplined spell ensured UP Warriors could not capitalize during the powerplay.

The momentum shifted decisively in the eighth over when Shreyanka Patil struck twice in quick succession. She dismissed UP captain Meg Lanning and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy’s replacement Litchfield in the same over, leaving UP Warriors in serious trouble.

The collapse continued in the following over as Nadine de Klerk picked up two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Within just eight balls, UP Warriors lost four wickets, reducing them to 50 runs with half their side back in the pavilion.

At that stage, a below-par total looked likely, but a steady partnership prevented a complete collapse.

Deepti Sharma and Dottin Stabilise the Innings

Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin came together to rebuild the innings. The pair focused on rotation of strike rather than aggressive shot-making, understanding the need to bat through the remaining overs.

Deepti Sharma played a composed innings, remaining unbeaten on 45, while Dottin supported her with a measured 40 not out. Together, they added an unbeaten partnership of 93 runs.

Despite spending considerable time at the crease, neither batter was able to accelerate freely. RCB’s bowlers maintained pressure, cutting off boundary options and forcing UP Warriors to settle for singles.

UP Warriors eventually finished on 144 runs, a total that looked insufficient given the conditions and RCB’s strong batting lineup.

Harris and Mandhana Deliver Explosive Start

RCB’s chase began with intent as openers Harris and Smriti Mandhana took control from the very first over. The duo had provided a brisk start in the previous match as well, but this time they ensured there was no slip-up after the powerplay.

Harris, in particular, took the attack to the UP Warriors bowlers. She targeted the shorter boundaries and punished loose deliveries with clean hitting.

A defining moment of the chase came in an over bowled by Deandra Dottin, where Harris smashed three sixes and three boundaries, collecting 32 runs in a single over. That over effectively ended any hopes of a UP Warriors comeback.

Fastest Fifty of the Season

Harris reached her half-century in just 22 balls, registering the fastest fifty of the WPL 2026 season so far. Her innings was marked by confident stroke play and excellent timing rather than reckless hitting.

She consistently found gaps and cleared the ropes with ease, forcing the UP Warriors bowlers to alter their lengths without success.

By the time Harris was dismissed in the 12th over, RCB had already reached 137 runs and were on the verge of victory.

Harris Falls, But Result Never in Doubt

Harris was eventually dismissed by Shikha Pandey while attempting another attacking stroke. She scored a commanding 85 runs off just 40 balls, including five sixes and ten boundaries.

Her dismissal did little to change the course of the match. RCB needed only a few runs to complete the chase, and the required rate was well under control.

Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47, guiding the team home calmly and ensuring there were no further setbacks.

RCB completed the chase in just 12.1 overs, winning the match with nine wickets in hand and recording one of the most one-sided victories of the season.

RCB Strengthen Position at Top of Table

With this win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reinforced their position at the top of the WPL 2026 points table. Two wins from two matches have given them early momentum in the tournament.

The team has shown balance across departments, with bowlers delivering early breakthroughs and batters capitalising on favourable situations.

The performances of Harris and Mandhana at the top of the order have been particularly encouraging, providing RCB with fast starts that put opposition teams under immediate pressure.

UP Warriors Face Early Concerns

For UP Warriors, the loss highlighted concerns in their top order. The early collapse once again exposed their vulnerability against disciplined bowling attacks.

While the partnership between Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin offered some positives, the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup remains an issue.

UP Warriors will need to address their middle-order stability and powerplay approach as the tournament progresses.

Match Summary

• Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
• UP Warriors: 144/— (Deepti Sharma 45*, Deandra Dottin 40*)
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 145/1 in 12.1 overs
• Top Scorer: Harris (85 off 40 balls)
• Result: RCB won by 9 wickets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dominant display against UP Warriors confirmed their status as early title contenders in WPL 2026. With confidence high and key players in form, RCB will look to maintain their winning momentum in the matches ahead.