WPL 2026 Match 5: The stage is set for another high-octane clash in the TATA Women’s Premier League 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on UP Warriorz (UPW) in Match 5 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Monday, January 12, with the action starting at 7:30 PM IST.
Both teams arrive at this contest with contrasting results but equally high confidence, making this encounter one of the most intriguing early-season battles of WPL 2026.
Match Details: RCB vs UPW, WPL 2026
- Match: Match 5
- Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Date & Time: Monday, January 12 | 7:30 PM IST
- Series: Women’s Premier League 2026
Recent Form: Different Results, Same Confidence
RCB come into this match after pulling off a thrilling chase of 155, getting over the line by the narrowest of margins.
On the other hand, UP Warriorz may have ended on the losing side, but their spirited chase of 208 showcased their batting depth and fighting spirit.
With RCB enjoying a two-day break and the Warriorz having one day off, fatigue is unlikely to play a major role, especially with no travel involved. While the extra rest day may not be decisive, it certainly helps in preparation and recovery.
Momentum, therefore, is evenly balanced — both teams will feel they have enough positives to build on.
Is Phoebe Litchfield’s Switch Finally Working?
One of the biggest talking points heading into this game is Phoebe Litchfield’s stunning debut for UP Warriorz. The Australian southpaw smashed a sensational 78 off just 40 balls, striking at an explosive 195.
Interestingly, Litchfield’s previous stint in the WPL with Gujarat Giants was underwhelming:
- 199 runs in 14 innings
- Average: 15.3
- Strike Rate: 114
- Highest Score: 35
Her best returns in both the WPL and WT20Is have consistently come while batting down the order, particularly at No.5 and No.6. The Warriorz appear to have unlocked her ideal role, and RCB’s bowlers will be wary of another explosive knock.
English Teammates, Fierce Rivals: Bell vs Ecclestone
This match also features a fascinating battle between England teammates:
- Lauren Bell (RCB)
- Sophie Ecclestone (UPW)
In Women’s T20 Internationals, Ecclestone’s vast experience gives her an edge:
- Economy: 5.9 (Ecclestone) vs 7.1 (Bell)
- Bowling Average: Almost identical (15.8 vs 15.4)
However, Bell has been outstanding since 2025, emerging as the leading wicket-taker among full-member nations, with 15 wickets at a respectable economy of 7.6.
This duel could play a crucial role, especially in the middle overs.
Harris Opens a New Chapter—Against Her Old Team
RCB fans are still buzzing after Nadine De Klerk’s heroics, but another quiet positive was the surprise opening partnership of Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana.
The duo raced to 40 runs in just 3.5 overs, with Harris smashing 25 off 12 balls at a staggering strike rate of 208.3. Interestingly, Harris herself admitted she expected to play the finisher’s role, not open.
Now comes the twist — Harris faces her former franchise, UP Warriorz, against whom she has:
- 581 runs
- Strike Rate: 140.33
- 13 wickets
At the DY Patil Stadium, Harris has scored 183 runs in 5 innings at an average of 45.8 and a strike rate of 166.4. All eyes will be on how UP Warriorz plan for their former match-winner.
Nadine De Klerk: The Complete Package
The opening match of WPL 2026 belonged to Nadine De Klerk. She produced a rare all-round masterclass:
- 4 wickets
- 63 off 44 balls*
She became only the second player in WPL history to score a half-century and take a four-wicket haul in the same match—after Deepti Sharma (2024).
Her scalps included heavyweights like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Mumbai’s top scorers Sajana and Nicola Carey.
De Klerk’s recent numbers underline her rise:
- WBBL strike rate: 147.7
- Women’s ODI World Cup strike rate: 131.6
- Wickets: 9 at an economy of just 5.3
She is clearly coming of age as a genuine match-winner.
Head-to-Head: Dead Even, Rivalry Heating Up
RCB and UP Warriorz are locked at 3-3 in head-to-head encounters. After losing three consecutive games between 2023 and 2024, UPW have fought back strongly.
- February 2025: Took RCB to a Super Over in Bengaluru
- March 2025: Knocked RCB out of playoff contention in Lucknow
- 2025 Season: Only team to beat Bengaluru twice
That Lucknow clash was a run-fest, highlighted by Georgia Voll’s unbeaten 99.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB-W) – Probable Playing XI
- Smriti Mandhana (captain) – Left-arm opener-batsman
- Georgia Woll – top-order batsman
- Grace Harris – Aggressive all-rounder
- Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper) – Finisher batsman
- Dayanal Hemalatha – Middle-order batsman
- Pooja Vastrakar – Fast bowler all-rounder
- Nadine de Klerk – seam all-rounder
- Shreyanka Patil – Off-spin all-rounder
- Radha Yadav – Left-arm spinner
- Lauren Bell – fast bowler
- Lynsey Smith – spin bowler
Impact Options: Arundhati Reddy Prema Rawat
UP Warriors Women (UPW) – Probable Playing XI
- Meg Lanning (captain) – Experienced opener
- Kiran Navgire – Aggressive batsman
- Phoebe Litchfield – top-order batsman
- Harleen Deol – All-rounder
- Deepti Sharma – Leading all-rounder
- Deandra Dottin – power-hitter all-rounder
- Shweta Sehrawat (wicketkeeper) – Middle order
- Sophie Ecclestone – world-class spinner
- Shikha Pandey – Seam All-rounder
- Asha Shobhana – leg-spinner
- Kranti Gaur – Fast bowler
Impact Substitute: Chloe Tryon / Charlie Knott
Final Word
A thrilling win for RCB. A heartbreaking loss for UP Warriorz. Two evenly matched teams. Match-winners on both sides. Past rivalry adding spice.
Everything points towards another WPL classic under the lights in Navi Mumbai. If confidence, form and history are any indication, fans are in for a cracker.
Also Read: WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Hold Nerve to Beat Delhi Capitals by 4 Runs in a High-Scoring Thriller