TATA WPL 2026: RCB Storm into Finals with Dominant 8-Wicket Win

By: WE Staff | Friday, 30 January 2026

• RCB seal WPL 2026 final berth with emphatic eight-wicket win
• Grace Harris’ rapid 75 dismantles UP Warriorz bowling attack
• Nadine de Klerk’s four-wicket spell restricts UPW to 143

Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in the WPL 2026 final with a commanding eight-wicket win over UP Warriorz in Vadodara, powered by a stunning contrast between disciplined bowling and explosive batting. Sent in to bat, UP Warriorz struggled to capitalise on a promising start fully and eventually posted 143 for 8.

The UPW innings revolved around their openers Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma, who stitched together a solid half-century stand and negotiated the powerplay without losing a wicket for the first time this season. After a slow start, both batters lifted the tempo with a flurry of boundaries, briefly pushing the run rate upward. However, the momentum shifted sharply once Nadine de Klerk struck in the ninth over, removing Meg and triggering a middle-order collapse. Nadine’s incisive spell, supported by Grace Harris, choked the scoring through the middle overs, where UPW lost four wickets for minimal returns. Deepti went on to register her fourth WPL fifty, but lacked support as UPW managed only a modest finish. Nadine’s 4 for 22 not only capped a dominant bowling effort but also brought her level with the season’s leading wicket-takers.

During the second innings, RCB made the chase look routine despite early discipline from UPW’s bowlers. Grace Harris turned the game decisively with a blistering 75 off just 37 balls, dismantling UPW’s plans and neutralising any pressure. Smriti Mandhana complemented her perfectly, pacing her unbeaten half-century with authority and clean striking. The pair ensured there were no late nerves as RCB cruised to victory, underlining their dominance in the league stage, where they lost only two matches. The win also earned them a valuable break ahead of the final, reinforcing their status as strong title contenders.