RCB W vs UPW W Match Analysis
The 18th match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 brings Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz Women to the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, for a crucial late-stage league clash under lights. With playoff calculations tightening, both sides view this evening’s contest as momentum-defining rather than routine.
RCB Women enter this match with a W W W L L recent form that reflects promise mixed with late stutters. Their last outing against MI Women saw them chase 200 and fall 15 runs short, despite moments of resistance. That defeat highlighted finishing issues but also reinforced their aggressive batting intent on good surfaces like Vadodara.
UP Warriorz Women arrive with a L L W W L pattern and a heavy 45-run defeat to Gujarat Giants Women fresh in memory. Bowled out for 108 while chasing 154, UPW were exposed against disciplined spin. However, their core remains experienced, and such a loss often sharpens focus rather than erodes confidence.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women Match Details
Match | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women | 18th Match | Women’s Premier League 2026 |
|---|---|
Date | 29/01/2026 (Thursday) |
Time | BDT: 8:00 PM / PKT: 7:00 PM / INR: 7:30 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
Recent performance | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women – W W W L L, UP Warriorz Women – L L W W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the RCB W vs UPW W Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara Pitch Report
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
The Kotambi Stadium pitch has consistently rewarded positive batting, with an average first-innings score around 159 and a venue-high of 202/4. The black-soil surface allows the ball to come nicely onto the bat, encouraging stroke play. While bounce can vary slightly, recent matches suggest chasing sides benefit most, especially under lights with dew easing batting conditions.
Weather Report
Weather conditions in Vadodara are expected to be ideal, with clear skies and no rain interruptions. Temperatures will drop from around 31°C during the day to near 18°C in the evening, creating a heavy dew factor. This moisture significantly impacts bowlers’ grip in the second innings, making toss decisions and bowling discipline critical.
RCB W vs UPW W Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 6 |
|---|---|
RCB W Won | 3 |
UPW W Won | 3 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | March 10, 2023 |
Most-recent Fixture | January 12, 2026 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women Team Preview & Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
Smriti Mandhana’s leadership continues to define RCB Women’s tactical identity. Her calm authority at the top ensures early momentum, even when the middle order wobbles. Mandhana’s presence also stabilizes decision-making under pressure, something RCB relied on heavily during their recent winning streak before the MI loss.
RCB’s batting structure revolves around controlled aggression. Richa Ghosh provides explosive finishing power, while Grace Harris and Georgia Voll add flexibility through the middle overs. The challenge remains converting starts into match-winning totals, as seen against MI Women when momentum dipped late despite a strong platform.
Bowling-wise, RCB lean on Lauren Bell’s control with the new ball and Nadine de Klerk’s dual role. De Klerk’s ability to strike breakthroughs and contribute runs makes her a tactical centerpiece. Support from spinners like Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav adds variety on a surface that rewards smart changes of pace.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
Smriti Mandhana (C), Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh (wk), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Shreyanka Patil, Kumar Prathyoosha, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Linsey Smith, Pooja Vastrakar, Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav.
UP Warriorz Women
Meg Lanning’s captaincy remains UPW’s greatest asset, especially after setbacks. Her experience in recalibrating strategy following heavy defeats is invaluable. Lanning’s approach emphasizes discipline and structure, which UPW will need after their batting collapse against the Gujarat Giants Women.
UPW’s batting relies on balance rather than brute force. Phoebe Litchfield’s composure contrasts with the power of Kiran Navgire and Deandra Dottin. However, inconsistency at the top has left the middle order under pressure, something they must address on a batting-friendly Vadodara pitch.
Sophie Ecclestone anchors the bowling attack with elite control and wicket-taking ability. Chloe Tryon and Deepti Sharma offer all-round stability, while Shikha Pandey adds experience with the ball. UPW’s challenge will be maintaining bowling effectiveness once the dew sets in during the second innings.
UP Warriorz Women Squad
UP Warriorz Women
Meg Lanning (C), Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri, Charli Knott, Phoebe Litchfield, Suman Meena, Kiran Navgire, Shikha Pandey, Pratika Rawal, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Deepti Sharma, Simran Shaikh, Asha Sobhana, Gongadi Trisha, Chloe Tryon.
RCB W vs UPW W Prediction
Event | RCB W | UPW W |
|---|---|---|
Toss Winner | RCB Women | – |
Player of the Match | Nadine de Klerk | – |
Top Run Scorer | Smriti Mandhana | Phoebe Litchfield |
Top Wicket Taker | Nadine de Klerk | Sophie Ecclestone |
Most Sixes | Smriti Mandhana | Phoebe Litchfield |
Predicted Score | 170+ | 160+ |
Win Probability | 55% | 45% |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women Winning Prediction
RCB Women’s narrow defeat to MI exposed finishing gaps but reinforced their ability to compete on high-scoring surfaces, while UP Warriorz Women’s collapse against GG highlighted batting fragility against spin. Expect RCB to press early with intent and UPW to counter through controlled bowling and experienced leadership, making tactical adaptability the defining battleground tonight.
According to the above cricket analytical data, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have a 55% chance of winning.
FAQ: Women’s Premier League 2026 Match18
- Where is the RCB W vs UPW W WPL 2026 match being played?
The match will be played at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.
- Who is the captain of UP Warriorz Women in this match?
Meg Lanning is leading UP Warriorz Women.
- Where can fans watch RCB W vs UPW W live?
The match will be streamed live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Disclaimer: The insights and analysis in this cricket prediction are based on the author’s perspective. Readers are encouraged to consider the points shared and form their own opinions.
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