WPL 2026: Match 5, RCB W vs UP W Prediction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W) are set to face off against UP Warriorz (UP W) in Match No. 5 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Monday, January 12. Both teams are coming into this game after a break, ready to showcase their skills and compete for a crucial victory.

### RCB W off to a Strong Start
RCB Women began their WPL campaign on a high note by defeating the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, in a thrilling match that went down to the wire. Led by the talented Smriti Mandhana, RCB W secured a last-ball victory, announcing their title aspirations early on. Currently sitting at the third spot on the points table, the 2024 champions will be aiming to continue their winning momentum and claim another important win.

### UP Warriorz Looking for Redemption
On the flip side, UP Warriorz faced a setback in their opening match against the Gujarat Giants Women, losing by a narrow 10-run margin. Despite a strong batting performance in parts of the game, the Meg Lanning-led side fell short of the target. To bounce back and secure their first win of the season, UP Warriorz will need an improved all-around performance, particularly in their bowling department.

### Match Details and Pitch Report
The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai has seen teams batting first emerge victorious in two out of three games, indicating that the pitch tends to slow down as the match progresses. Winning the toss and opting to bat first to set a competitive total could be a strategic advantage for the team that triumphs in the coin toss.

### Predicted Lineups
#### Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
– Smriti Mandhana (captain)
– Grace Harris
– Dayalan Hemalatha
– Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
– Radha Yadav
– Nadine de Klerk
– Arundhati Reddy
– Shreyanka Patil
– Prema Rawat
– Linsey Smith
– Lauren Bell

#### UP Warriorz
– Meg Lanning (captain)
– Kiran Navgire
– Harleen Deol
– Phoebe Litchfield
– Shweta Sehrawat (wicketkeeper)
– Deandra Dottin
– Deepti Sharma
– Sophie Ecclestone
– Asha Sobhana
– Shikha Pandey
– Kranti Goud

### Key Players to Watch
#### Probable Best Batter: Smriti Mandhana
An intimidating presence at the crease, Smriti Mandhana is a force to be reckoned with, capable of single-handedly steering her team to victory. A standout performer across formats, Mandhana will be eager to continue her stellar form in the WPL and lead RCB W to another triumph.

#### Probable Best Bowler: Deepti Sharma
As the top-ranked bowler in T20Is, Deepti Sharma brings a wealth of experience and skill to the UP Warriorz lineup. Despite a tough outing in the previous match, Sharma’s ability to turn the game with her bowling prowess cannot be underestimated. Expect her to play a crucial role in UP Warriorz’ quest for their first win.

### Match Prediction
Given the pitch conditions and teams’ strengths, the general consensus is that the team batting first is likely to come out on top in this contest. With both RCB W and UP Warriorz hungry for victory, fans can expect a fiercely competitive match at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.

### RCB W’s Strategic Approach:
RCB Women, led by the dynamic Smriti Mandhana, have shown a strong start in the WPL 2026 season. With experienced players like Grace Harris and Radha Yadav in their lineup, they have a well-balanced team capable of dominating both with the bat and ball. Their victory against Mumbai Indians showcased their ability to handle pressure situations, indicating that they are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

### UP Warriorz’ Resilience:
Despite a loss in their opening match, UP Warriorz have the potential to bounce back and make a mark in the competition. Led by the prolific Meg Lanning, who is known for her leadership skills and batting prowess, UP Warriorz have the firepower to turn their fortunes around. Players like Deandra Dottin and Deepti Sharma bring a blend of experience and youth to the team, making them a formidable opponent for any side in the WPL.

### Pitch Analysis and Match Strategy:
The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy pitch in Navi Mumbai is expected to favor the team batting first, as seen in previous matches. The slower nature of the pitch as the game progresses could pose a challenge for the chasing team. Therefore, winning the toss and opting to set a target could be crucial for both RCB W and UP Warriorz in their quest for victory. Teams will need to assess the conditions carefully and adapt their strategies accordingly to make the most of the pitch.

### Impact Players to Watch Out For:
#### Smriti Mandhana’s Dominance:
As a proven match-winner, Smriti Mandhana’s aggressive batting style and ability to anchor the innings make her a key player for RCB W. Her consistency and knack for scoring runs under pressure situations make her a formidable force at the top of the order. Opposing teams will need to devise specific plans to contain her explosive batting and prevent her from taking the game away from them.

#### Deepti Sharma’s Bowling Masterclass:
Deepti Sharma, the linchpin of UP Warriorz’ bowling attack, is known for her accuracy and variations. Her off-spin bowling can trouble even the best of batters, and she has the ability to pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs. Sharma’s role in containing RCB W’s formidable batting lineup will be crucial for UP Warriorz to restrict their opponents to a manageable total.

### Final Thoughts and Match Outcome:
With both teams hungry for a win, the clash between RCB W and UP Warriorz promises to be an exciting contest. While RCB W will look to maintain their winning momentum, UP Warriorz will be eager to turn their fortunes around and register their first victory of the season. Fans can expect a thrilling match filled with intense competition and standout performances from key players on both sides. Ultimately, the team that can adapt to the conditions and execute their game plan effectively is likely to emerge victorious in this crucial encounter at the Women’s Premier League 2026.