WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their sensational start to the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 with a commanding victory over UP Warriorz, securing a comprehensive 9-wicket win in Match 5 of the tournament.
The high-voltage clash was played at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Monday, January 12, 2026, and it firmly established RCB as one of the strongest contenders this season.
RCB not only chased down the target with ease but also showcased a complete team performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the league.
Match Details: RCB vs UP Warriorz
- Match: Match 5, WPL 2026
- Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
- Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 9 wickets
- Player of the Match: Grace Harris
UP Warriorz’s Gritty but Underwhelming Innings
Batting first, UP Warriorz managed to post 143/5 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive on paper but fell short on a batting-friendly surface.
- Score: 143/5
- Run Rate: 7.15
The Warriorz got off to a cautious start and tried to build their innings steadily. However, the middle overs proved to be a major concern, as the scoring rate dipped significantly. Despite a few attempts to accelerate in the death overs, RCB’s disciplined bowling attack kept things under control and prevented UP Warriorz from reaching a more challenging total.
RCB bowlers maintained tight lines, mixed their pace intelligently, and never allowed the batting side to gain real momentum.
RCB’s Explosive and Effortless Run Chase
Chasing a modest target of 144 runs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were ruthless from the very first over. The openers set the tone early, dismantling the UP Warriorz bowling attack with fearless stroke play.
RCB reached the target in just 12.1 overs, losing only one wicket along the way.
- Score: 145/1
- Run Rate: 11.92
The chase was fast, fluent, and completely one-sided. The UP Warriorz bowlers struggled to find answers as RCB’s batters dominated both pace and spin, ensuring there was never any real pressure during the pursuit.
Turning Point of the Match
Several factors contributed to RCB’s emphatic win:
- Aggressive scoring in the powerplay
- A strong and confident opening partnership
- Calm approach while chasing the target
- Clinical bowling effort in the first innings
While UP Warriorz failed to defend a total around the 140-mark, RCB made the chase look like a routine exercise, underlining the difference in intent and execution between the two sides.
TATA WPL 2026 Points Table (After Match 5)
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | NRR | Recent Form | Points |
| 1️⃣ | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2 | 2 | 0 | +1.964 | W, W | 4 |
| 2️⃣ | Gujarat Giants | 2 | 2 | 0 | +0.350 | W, W | 4 |
| 3️⃣ | Mumbai Indians | 2 | 1 | 1 | +1.175 | W, L | 2 |
| 4️⃣ | Delhi Capitals | 2 | 0 | 2 | -1.350 | L, L | 0 |
| 5️⃣ | UP Warriorz | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2.443 | L, L | 0 |
After this defeat, UP Warriorz find themselves at the bottom of the table and will need to reassess both their batting intent and bowling combinations going forward.
Conclusion
This match belonged entirely to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With disciplined bowling and a blistering batting display, RCB proved why they are being considered serious title contenders in WPL 2026.
For UP Warriorz, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Improvements in strike rotation, death-overs batting, and bowling execution will be crucial if they are to bounce back in the tournament.
As the league progresses, RCB’s confidence continues to soar, while UP Warriorz will be eager to regroup and return stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
Also Read: WPL 2026 Match 5: RCBW vs UPW Predicted XI—Big Changes for Warriorz at DY Patil?