Two contrasting fortunes collide as Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces UP Warriorz in Match 5 of WPL 2026 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Monday evening. While Smriti Mandhana’s RCB are riding high after a thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians, Meg Lanning’s Warriorz are desperate to bounce back from their heartbreaking 10-run loss to Gujarat Giants.

WPL Match Details & Head-to-Head

Match Info	Details
Match	RCB vs UPW, Match 5
Date & Time	January 12, 7:30 PM IST
Venue	Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Head-to-Head	3-3 (Level in 6 meetings)
Last Meeting	UPW won by 12 runs (March 2025)

Team Form & Key Players

RCB’s Momentum Builder: Nadine de Klerk stole the show in RCB’s opener with a stunning all-round performance—63 not out off 44 balls and 4 wickets for 26 runs. This makes her just the second player in WPL history to score 50+ runs and take four wickets in a single match. Lauren Bell’s economical spell (4-0-14-1) provided the perfect bowling foundation.

UPW’s Fighting Spirit: Despite the loss, Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive 78 off 40 balls was the fifth-highest individual score for UP Warriorz in WPL. Captain Meg Lanning needs just 18 runs to become only the second player to reach 1,000 WPL runs. However, Deepti Sharma’s struggles continue—the ₹3.2 crore acquisition failed to deliver in the opener.

Probable Playing XIs

RCB Probable XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), D Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

UPW Probable XI: Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud

Pitch Report & Conditions

According to ESPNcricinfo’s match analysis, the DY Patil Stadium offers a batting paradise with short boundaries and a lightning-fast outfield. Teams batting first have successfully defended totals in recent matches, with seamers finding assistance early on. Dew hasn’t been a significant factor so far in this tournament.

Key Battles to Watch

Lauren Bell vs Meg Lanning: Bell has dismissed Lanning once in 23 balls for just 12 runs—this early powerplay battle could set the tone.

Sophie Ecclestone vs Smriti Mandhana: The world’s top-ranked bowler against India’s star opener—a classic matchup.

Match Prediction

While RCB boasts momentum and balance, UP Warriorz have superior depth and experience under Meg Lanning’s leadership. With Sophie Ecclestone (third-highest wicket-taker in WPL) and a powerful batting lineup, UPW holds a slight edge. The key will be whether Deepti Sharma and Shikha Pandey can step up their game.

Prediction: UP Warriorz to edge past RCB in a close encounter.