WPL 2026: Match 5, RCB W vs UP W Prediction

RCB Women to Face UP Warriorz in Women’s Premier League Clash

In the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W) are set to take on UP Warriorz (UP W) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Monday, January 12. This match marks the fifth encounter in the tournament, with both teams coming off contrasting results in their previous matches.

RCB Women’s Impressive Start

RCB Women started their campaign on a high note by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians in a thrilling encounter that went down to the last ball. Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB W showcased their strength and determination, securing a crucial win in the tournament opener. Currently placed third on the points table, the 2024 champions will be eager to continue their winning momentum with another victory against UP Warriorz.

UP Warriorz Seeking Redemption

On the other hand, UP Warriorz faced a setback in their opening match against Gujarat Giants Women, losing by a narrow margin of 10 runs. Despite a few positive performances from their batting lineup, the team fell short and will be looking to bounce back with a stronger display in the upcoming match. Led by Meg Lanning, UP Warriorz will aim to secure their first win of the season against RCB Women.

Match Details and Pitch Report

The match will take place at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, where teams batting first have had an advantage in two out of three games played at the venue. The pitch tends to slow down as the game progresses, indicating that setting a target while batting first could be advantageous. The team winning the toss may opt to bat first and put pressure on their opponents.

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 aggressive batting, Smriti Mandhana will be a key player for RCB Women. Her consistent performances across formats make her a threat to the opposition, and a strong showing from her could lead RCB Women to another victory.

Probable Best Bowler: Deepti Sharma
Ranked as the top bowler in T20Is, Deepti Sharma will be aiming to showcase her skills in the match against RCB Women. Despite a tough start to the season, Deepti’s expertise as an off-spinner could prove vital for UP Warriorz in securing their first win.

Prediction: Team Batting First Likely to Win

As the match unfolds between RCB Women and UP Warriorz, all eyes will be on the two teams as they battle it out for supremacy in the Women’s Premier League. With both sides hungry for victory, fans can expect an exciting and competitive match at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.

Team Form and Strategies

RCB Women, coming off a strong start to the tournament, will look to capitalize on their early success and maintain their momentum against UP Warriorz. With a well-balanced squad led by the explosive Smriti Mandhana, RCB Women will aim to dominate with their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. Players like Grace Harris and Radha Yadav will play crucial roles in supporting the team’s efforts to secure another victory.

On the other hand, UP Warriorz will be keen on turning their fortunes around after a disappointing start to the season. With the experienced Meg Lanning at the helm, the team will focus on improving their batting performance and capitalizing on key moments in the match. Players like Deepti Sharma and Shikha Pandey will be instrumental in leading the bowling attack and containing RCB Women’s formidable lineup.

Key Match-ups to Watch

One of the key match-ups to watch in this clash will be between Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma. Mandhana’s aggressive approach against Sharma’s spin bowling prowess will be a thrilling contest to witness. How Mandhana tackles Sharma’s variations and how Sharma plans to outsmart the dangerous opener will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

Another exciting battle will be between the all-rounders on both teams. Players like Grace Harris for RCB Women and Deepti Sharma for UP Warriorz will play pivotal roles with both bat and ball. Their contributions in crucial moments can sway the game in their team’s favor, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.

Home Ground Advantage and Weather Conditions

Playing at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, RCB Women will have the advantage of familiarity with the conditions. The pitch’s tendency to slow down as the game progresses will require both teams to adapt their strategies accordingly. Additionally, the weather in Navi Mumbai could also play a factor, with players needing to adjust to any humidity or dew that might affect the game.

Final Thoughts and Outcome

With RCB Women looking to extend their winning streak and UP Warriorz aiming for redemption, the match promises to be an intense battle between two competitive teams. The clash of strategies, individual performances, and team dynamics will shape the outcome of the match. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as both sides give their all to secure a crucial victory in the Women’s Premier League.

Ultimately, the team that can execute their plans effectively, handle pressure situations, and capitalize on key moments is likely to emerge victorious. As the excitement builds for the upcoming match between RCB Women and UP Warriorz, cricket enthusiasts and fans alike can look forward to a captivating display of talent and determination on the field.