In the WPL 2026 match against UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Kotambi.
After winning the toss, RCB skipper Mandhana said that the pitch seems to be suited for batting, considering their previous match against the Mumbai Indians. She also added that the players need to approach the game practically rather than emotionally.
The skipper also said that a few defeats in such tournaments should not lead to overthinking and feels that her players should focus on rectifying the mistakes and avoiding unnecessary pressure.
RCB has entered the clash with one change, where Pooja Vastrakar will come in place of Gautami Naik.
Speaking about Vastrakar, Mandhana said that the 26-year-old cricketer is looking to make a comeback and is ready to bat.
On the other hand, UPW captain Meg Lanning said that for her team, the ongoing clash will be treated as a final. She also added that the side needs to win every single match from here on to stay alive in the competition.
The captain then said that they utilised the break, focusing on things they want to do better and getting time to practice. She is also hopeful that her team brings out its best form tonight.
The Warriorz have entered the clash with two major changes. Phoebe Litchfield will miss out on the clash, and Amy Jones will come in her place, whereas Simran Shaikh will replace Kiran Navgire in the playing XI against RCB.
Currently, the Bengaluru-based franchise is enjoying the top spot on the points table with 10 points and a net run rate (NRR) of +.947. RCB has played seven matches and has registered five wins and two losses.
UP Warriorz have four points in six games. The side has suffered four losses and has emerged victorious on two occasions. The Lanning-led side has a net run rate (NRR) of -0.769.
WPL 2026, RCB vs UPW: Confirmed Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (C), Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh (WK), Pooja Vastrakar, Nadine De Klerk, Arundhati Redy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell.
UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning (C), Amy Jones, Simran Shaikh, Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat (WK), Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud, Asha Sobhana.
