Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Nine-wicket win over UP Warriorz, Grace Harris’ explosive knock and disciplined bowling put RCB on top
In a Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 match at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over UP Warriorz with 47 balls to spare. The contest showcased a complete team performance from RCB, with both bowlers and batters delivering impactful displays. After the match, skipper Smriti Mandhana praised the collective effort and described the experience as having “the best seat in the house.”
Mandhana said watching her team execute plans so effectively from the field was extremely satisfying. She highlighted that the discipline and clarity shown by the bowlers made the night special. New-ball bowler Lauren Bell received special praise for her control in the Power-play. Bell bowled 15 dot balls and finished with figures of 1 for 16, setting the tone early and preventing the UP Warriorz batters from settling in.
The RCB captain also acknowledged visible improvements from the team’s previous outing, particularly in field placements and tactical execution. She noted that despite the opposition’s left-right batting combinations, RCB stuck to its plans consistently throughout the 20 overs. The bowlers maintained pressure and ensured that UP Warriorz were restricted to a manageable total.
During the chase, Mandhana was happy to play a supporting role as Grace Harris stole the spotlight with a blistering innings. Mandhana said that some players only need the strike to change the course of a match, and Harris did exactly that. The Australian all-rounder smashed 85 runs off just 40 balls as part of a record 137-run opening partnership, making the chase a one-sided affair.
RCB’s decision to promote Harris to open the batting proved highly successful. Mandhana explained that the team had discussed the batting order in advance and decided to back Harris in the Power-play, considering her experience as an opener in other leagues. The move paid off handsomely as Harris dominated the opposition from the outset.
With two wins from two matches, RCB sit comfortably at the top of the points table. However, Mandhana struck a cautious note about the journey ahead. She emphasized the importance of staying grounded, focusing on hard work, and continuing as a united group. According to the captain, this is one of the most hardworking squads RCB have had in the past few years, and the team is determined to take the tournament one match at a time.