🏏WPL 2026: Match 5: UPW vs RCBW at Navi Mumbai on 12/01/26🏏 - Page 3

Linsey Smith to Deepti Sharma, FOUR, shot! That's better from Deepti. She shimmies down the wicket, gives herself room and lofts it straight down the ground, one bounce and over the ropes.

UPW 117/5

2 overs left.

RCBW gonna win this 93 runs and no wicket till now

Harris out 💔

RCB 137/1

Congrats RCBW

RCB Women won by 9 wickets (with 47 balls remaining)

WHAT A BIG WIN

Well, that was rather quick, wasn't it? Harris, against her former WPL team, brought out all her greatest hits. Her ball-striking was clean, her intent was top-notch and she was, bluntly put, batting on a different level (and perhaps on a different pitch too). Mandhana did her bit at the other end too, indulging in some of her usually silky stroke-play and both of them, in tandem, blasted the Warriorz out of the water.

Speaking of the Warriorz, they will want to put this behind them as quickly as possible. Although that will not be easy. Their batting failed, and their bowling could not cope. Their catching was not great either. The only positive then perhaps is that moving forward, things maybe cannot get any worse.

Lauren Bell: It has been good. Feel in good rhythm and it is coming out nicely. (On if the weather is helping) Sure. It is a lot warmer here than back home (smiles). I want to start the game and set the tone. Not something I have quite nailed for England. Something I have practiced back home (the out-swinger). (On Anya Shrubsole's impact as bowling coach) Have worked with her for a few years now. She is super calm and brings clarity. Cricket is one of those games you cannot predict. If it is swinging, I can have an impact in the powerplay.

Meg Lanning, UP Warriorz captain: (On if this is the start she had in mind) Of course not. Would have loved to start with a win or two. Outplayed by RCB tonight. Plenty to work on for us but the good thing is the games come thick and fast, so we will move on quick. It can be a good thing in a lot of ways. Some things we need to tidy up. Never got going. Too many dot balls, myself included. Need to get better there. When they (RCB) got in front of the game, they put it away. (Pandey bowling cross seam) Guess (she was) trying to get something out of the wicket. One of the best bowlers in this competition and she does mix it up. Did not come off tonight but we will pick ourselves and go again. (On Harris) It is pretty difficult when she gets going. She has brute force but she played some good cricket shots. She got going and we could not stop her.

Smriti Mandhana, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain: It was the best seat in the house to watch Grace. The way everyone bowled and executed their plans, it was special to watch. (On Bell) I was just joking how she will get plants back home (with the dot balls she is bowling). First few overs, she is not allowing anyone to touch the ball. We discussed we were not on point in the first match in terms of field sets and happy everyone was in the right position today. It is something the whole team can be proud of and it is just the start. (On where Harris ranks among her opening partners) All I need to do is take a single. Amazing to watch. Would not want to rate because it is a wrong thing. Shafali, Grace, you just have to take a single. If I was leading the other team, it would have been really difficult. She can do middle order (job) as well. We all were very clear of how dangerous she can be at the top, and how she can take the game away from the opposition. With RCB, one thing I have learnt is to not speak too far ahead. This is the most hardworking group we have got in the last 3-4 years. Let's see how we go.

Grace Harris, Player of the Match: It feels pretty good. Really happy some of the work I am doing with my batting is paying off. Loving my time with RCB. Always loved the WPL. Just loving life at the moment. (On opening) Did think I'd be facing some of the older ball. But Malo bhai (Malolan Rangarajan), he has been fantastic and came over in a training session and said I have to face the new ball. She (Mandhana) is so calm. It is a reminder that you don't have to overhit. She makes batting look so easy and smooth. (On what name she has given this bat) I have not named it yet. But it could be an Indian burger I name it after. It has a good middle. So far, so good. You definitely have to take advantage of the very good conditions in the second innings. It is a little bit of an advantage (batting second). Full credit to our bowlers for keeping them to 144. It makes the chase a little bit easier. Got to take full advantage when the conditions suit. Will put my hand up for everything. As long as I am in the eleven and playing cricket.

Congratulations to RCB Women for winning the match.

Congratulations to Grace Harris for winning the Player of the match award.

It looks like UP and DC have less chances to reach the knock outs.

Cheers..