Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into the TATA WPL 2026 final with a dominant performance against UP Warriorz in Match 18. Playing at the BCA Stadium, RCB’s potent mix of sharp bowling and aggressive batting allowed them to overhaul a 144-run target with over six overs remaining. This clinical victory cemented RCB’s status as table-toppers and guaranteed their direct path to the final, while simultaneously ending the Warriorz’ playoff hopes and tightening the race for the remaining spots.
De Klerk’s Bowling Masterclass Dismantles UP Warriorz
After being put in to bat, the UP Warriorz initially looked set for a competitive total. Captain Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma provided a steady foundation, navigating the early threats from Lauren Bell, who once again proved difficult to score against during the powerplay. The duo shifted gears in the middle overs, racing to a 74-run opening stand within just eight overs. At that stage, the Warriorz appeared to be in total control, with boundaries flowing freely from both ends.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the ninth over with the introduction of Nadine de Klerk. The South African all-rounder struck twice in her very first over, dismissing both the dangerous Meg Lanning and Amy Jones—who was making her WPL debut as a replacement for the injured Phoebe Litchfield. This double-strike triggered a significant middle-order collapse. While Deepti Sharma fought a lone battle to reach a gritty 55 off 43 balls, the rest of the lineup struggled to find answers. De Klerk ended her spell with remarkable figures of 4 for 22, a performance that also earned her the Purple Cap. Supported by Grace Harris, who contributed with 2 for 22 from her three overs, the RCB bowling unit restricted the Warriorz to a modest 143 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
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Grace Harris Blazes Through the Powerplay
The chase for 144 was defined by the sheer aggression of Grace Harris. Opening the batting alongside captain Smriti Mandhana, Harris took the game away from the Warriorz within the first few overs. Her assault reached its peak in the third over of the innings, where she hammered Kranti Gaud for five boundaries. Her intent was clear: to finish the game as quickly as possible and secure that top-tier final spot.
Harris reached her half-century in just 28 deliveries, ultimately powering her way to 75 runs off a mere 37 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, featuring a blend of brute force and clever placement that left the UPW bowlers with no margin for error. By the time the eighth over concluded, RCB had already reached 93 for 0, making the result a foregone conclusion. The opening partnership eventually ended at 108 runs when Shikha Pandey managed to dismiss Harris, but the damage was well and truly done.
Mandhana’s Leadership Guides RCB Home
While Harris provided the fireworks, Smriti Mandhana played the anchor role to perfection before finding her own rhythm. After the dismissal of Harris, Mandhana took full charge of the chase. She reached her own half-century off 26 balls, showcasing the elegant strokeplay that has become her trademark throughout the tournament.
Mandhana remained unbeaten until the end, striking the winning boundary in the 14th over to seal the win by eight wickets with 41 balls remaining. Georgia Voll joined her at the crease for the final stretch, ensuring there were no further hiccups in what was a flawless pursuit of the target. This emphatic victory means RCB now enjoys a seven-day break to prepare for the grand finale on February 5th, while the UP Warriorz are left to reflect on a campaign that fell short of the knockout stages. The Warriorz will look to conclude their season on a high in their final league game against the Delhi Capitals, while the rest of the league watches to see who will join RCB in the fight for the 2026 title.
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