Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head into Match 5 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on Monday, still facing questions despite their narrow win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the previous game. Their victory was largely thanks to Nadine de Klerk’s brilliance, highlighting concerns over the team’s thin batting depth with only six specialist batters. Any early collapses could place undue pressure on the bowlers, though options like Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, and Shreyanka Patil offer some lower-order support. Tactical changes, such as dropping Linsey Smith and promoting Grace Harris in the batting order, could provide additional firepower.
UP Warriorz, meanwhile, aim to bounce back after a 10-run loss to Gujarat Giants. Their batting order may need restructuring, with Deandra Dottin promoted higher and Gongadi Trisha possibly replacing Harleen Deol to strengthen the lineup. Despite off days for Kiran Navgire and Deepti Sharma, their inclusion remains crucial given their match-winning potential.
Historically, RCB and UP Warriorz have shared six encounters evenly, with each team winning three matches. The last Navi Mumbai clash saw RCB claim a five-wicket victory. The pitch is expected to favor batters while also offering assistance to pacers and spinners, with clear skies and temperatures around 28°C promising ideal playing conditions.
Predicted Playing XIs:RCB:Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Grace Harris, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Lauren BellUP Warriorz:Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Kranti Gaud
With strong bowling attacks on both sides, early breakthroughs could define the contest, though the Warriorz appear slightly favored given their balanced line-up and depth in attack.
