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Grace Harris Storms Vadodara as RCB Women Dominate UP Warriorz, Enter WPL 2026 Playoffs
Summary: Grace Harris unleashed one of the most explosive knocks of WPL 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women crushed UP Warriorz by 8 wickets in Vadodara, sealing playoff qualification with a massive net run-rate boost.
Vadodara, January 29, 2026|Women’s Premier League 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women sent a loud warning to their rivals by producing a ruthless performance against UP Warriorz, registering a thumping 8-wicket victory in the 18th match of WPL 2026 at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi.
The win not only confirmed RCB Women’s qualification for the playoffs but also strengthened their position at the top of the points table, underlining their status as genuine title contenders.
At the heart of the victory was Grace Harris, whose breathtaking innings turned the contest into a one-sided affair and left fans on their feet.
UP Warriorz: Promising Start, Poor Finish
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, UP Warriorz showed early promise but failed to capitalise on their starts, finishing with 143 for 8 in 20 overs.
- Deepti Sharma stood tall with a responsible 55 off 43 balls, anchoring the innings under pressure.
- Skipper Meg Lanning looked fluent during her 41 off 30 balls, striking six boundaries.
However, the lack of partnerships in the middle overs proved costly as UPW lost momentum when acceleration was needed the most.
Nadine de Klerk’s Spell Turns the Match
RCBW’s bowling unit delivered with discipline and clarity of roles. The standout was Nadine de Klerk, who produced a match-defining spell:
- 4 overs | 22 runs | 4 wickets
Her ability to strike at crucial moments dismantled UPW’s middle and lower order. Support came from Grace Harris (2 wickets) and Shreyanka Patil, ensuring UP Warriorz never crossed the 150-run mark.
Grace Harris: A Masterclass in Power Hitting
If UPW had any hopes, they were shattered within minutes of the chase beginning.
Grace Harris played one of the most destructive innings of WPL 2026:
- 75 runs off 37 balls
- 13 fours, 2 sixes
Strike rate: 202.70
From elegant drives to brutal pulls, Harris dominated every bowler she faced, turning the chase into a highlight reel.
Mandhana Leads with Calm Authority
At the other end, captain Smriti Mandhana was ice-cool and clinical:
- 54 off 27 balls*
- Strike rate of 200
Mandhana ensured there were no hiccups, rotating strike smartly before unleashing her trademark cover drives. Together, Harris and Mandhana stitched a devastating partnership that broke UPW’s resistance.
RCBW reached 147 for 2 in just 13.1 overs, winning with 41 balls remaining.
Player of the Match
- Grace Harris – For her explosive match-winning knock and impactful bowling contribution.
WPL 2026 Points Table (After Match 18)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | RCB Women (Q) | 8 | 6 | 12 | +1.247 |
| 2️⃣ | Gujarat Giants Women | 7 | 4 | 8 | -0.271 |
| 3️⃣ | Mumbai Indians Women | 7 | 3 | 6 | +0.146 |
| 4️⃣ | Delhi Capitals Women | 7 | 3 | 6 | -0.164 |
| 5️⃣ | UP Warriorz | 7 | 2 | 4 | -1.146 |
What This Result Means for WPL 2026
- RCB Women officially qualify for playoffs
- Huge improvement in Net Run Rate
- Grace Harris peaking at the perfect time
- Leadership stability under Smriti Mandhana
- Pressure mounts on MIW, GGTW, and DCW
RCBW now look like the most balanced side of the tournament, with form, confidence, and momentum firmly on their side.
Today’s Match Preview
Mumbai Indians Women vs Gujarat Giants Women
- 19th Match – WPL 2026
- BCA Stadium, Vadodara
- Friday, January 30
- 7:30 PM IST
A virtual knockout as playoff hopes hang in the balance.
Grace Harris WPL 2026,RCB Women Playoff Qualification,RCBW vs UPW Match Result
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