In a crucial clash of the Women’s Premier League 2026, UP Warriors have set Royal Challengers Bengaluru a challenging target of 144 runs. Batting first after losing the toss, the Warriors posted 143 for 8 in their 20 overs at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. With four losses in six games, this victory is vital for the Warriors’ playoff hopes.
Captain Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma provided a blazing start with a 74-run opening partnership in just 8.1 overs. Lanning smashed 41 off 30 balls, featuring six fours and a six, before falling to the RCB bowlers. Deepti then anchored the innings superbly, remaining unbeaten on 55 from 43 deliveries, including six boundaries and a maximum.
Deepti stitched vital partnerships, with Harleen Deol contributing 14 and Simran Sheikh adding 10. The lower order faltered, losing three quick wickets in the final over, but Deepti’s knock ensured a defendable total. RCB’s Nadine de Klerk starred with 4 for 22, while Grace Harris claimed two scalps. Lauren Bell and Shreyanka Patil picked up one each.
UP Warriors, led by Lanning, fielded a strong lineup including wicketkeeper Amy Jones, Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana Joy, Shikha Pandey, and Kranti Gaud. RCB, captained by Smriti Mandhana, opted for Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, and Lauren Bell.
As RCB chase 144, the pressure is on Mandhana’s side to capitalize on their bowling effort. Deepti Sharma’s half-century could prove decisive in this must-win encounter for the struggling Warriors.