The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 serves up a thrilling encounter tonight as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCBW) lock horns with the UP Warriorz (UPW). This is the fifth match of the tournament and promises to be a spectacle of power-hitting and tactical bowling. The action unfolds at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, with the first ball scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Battle for Early Tournament Momentum
Both teams enter this contest with contrasting fortunes from their opening games. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by the charismatic Smriti Mandhana, started their campaign with an impressive victory. They will be keen to build on that success and solidify their position at the top of the table. Maintaining winning momentum early in a compact league like the WPL is crucial for playoff aspirations.
On the other hand, the UP Warriorz, captained by the legendary Meg Lanning, suffered a narrow defeat in their first outing. They will be desperate to open their account and get points on the board. This adds an extra layer of intensity to the clash, as neither side can afford to slip up. The Warriorz possess a balanced squad and will look to their international stars to deliver a match-winning performance.
Star-Studded Squads Ready for Fireworks
The match features a glittering array of talent from across the globe. RCBW's batting boasts the likes of Smriti Mandhana, the explosive Grace Harris, and the hard-hitting Richa Ghosh. Their bowling attack is fortified by international quality in Nadine de Klerk, Lauren Bell, and the spin of Shreyanka Patil.
The UP Warriorz counter with their own arsenal of match-winners. Besides the experienced Meg Lanning, they have the dynamic Phoebe Litchfield, the powerful Deandra Dottin, and the all-round prowess of Deepti Sharma. Their bowling is spearheaded by world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone and the crafty Shikha Pandey.
Full Squads for the Match:
UP Warriorz: Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat (w), Deandra Dottin, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud, Chloe Tryon, Charli Knott, Gongadi Trisha, Shipra Giri, Suman Meena, Simran Shaikh, Pratika Rawal.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell, Pooja Vastrakar, Georgia Voll, Kumar Prathyoosha, Sayali Satghare, Gautami Naik.
What to Expect from the Crucial Encounter
Fans can expect a high-octane T20 contest under the lights in Navi Mumbai. The pitch at the DY Patil Academy often offers good bounce and carry, which should please both batters and fast bowlers. The key battle will likely be between RCB's top order and UPW's spin trio of Ecclestone, Sharma, and Sobhana. Conversely, how the Warriorz tackle RCB's pace attack led by Bell and de Klerk could decide the match's fate.
This fixture is more than just two points; it's about setting a statement. A win for RCBW would establish them as early front-runners, while a victory for UPW would completely reset the dynamics of the points table. With so much firepower on both sides, tonight's clash is a must-watch for every cricket fan in India and beyond.
