The WPL 2025 has arrived in Bengaluru, treating fans to two thrilling matches so far. The third clash is set for Monday, February 24, featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (BLR-W) taking on UP Warriorz (UP-W).
This will mark the first meeting between the two sides in this edition, with the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium serving as the battleground.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women: Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have plenty of positives to take from their campaign so far and will aim to bounce back from their defeat to Mumbai Indians without dwelling on it. Playing their second home fixture of the season, they are keen to return to winning ways. The key concern from the loss was the middle-order collapse around Ellyse Perry. Despite setting a modest target of 167, RCB’s bowlers—Kim Garth, Georgia Wareham, and Ekta Bisht—stretched the defence into the final over, indicating no cause for alarm just yet. With two wins from three matches, RCB currently sit atop the points table.
In contrast, UP Warriorz secured their first points of the season with a commanding victory over Delhi Capitals after two initial losses. They will look for stronger starts from their openers and hope that Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris can find their rhythm as the tournament enters a crucial phase. The middle overs remain a concern for UPW, with frequent slowdowns or clusters of wickets. However, Chinelle Henry’s late-order fireworks in the previous game, followed by a disciplined bowling display, ensured a comfortable defence. Building on that momentum will be key as they seek to climb the standings in this fast-paced tournament.
RCB and UP Warriorz have had contrasting starts. While the defending champions began with back-to-back wins, UPW struggled early on before finally turning things around. RCB seemed poised for a third consecutive win midway through Mumbai Indians’ innings, only for the inaugural champions to snatch victory. Meanwhile, UPW broke the early-season trend of successful chases; the first seven matches saw teams batting second prevail until UPW defended their total convincingly against Delhi Capitals. Yet, with fixtures coming thick and fast, there’s little time for complacency.
UPW’s batting remains under scrutiny, especially with inconsistent performances from the top four. Tahlia McGrath, still searching for form, will be eager to contribute, while Chinelle Henry, impressive in her two appearances, could see a batting promotion but will need support at the other end.
For RCB, the loss to Mumbai Indians is seen as a minor setback. After narrowly avoiding defeat in their opener and convincingly beating Delhi Capitals, they remain confident. Notably, RCB enjoy the advantage of four home games this season. Having already dropped the first of those, they will be determined to make the most of their remaining fixtures at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to strengthen their title defence.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 04
- Won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: 03
- Won by UP Warriorz Women: 01
- Tied: 00
- No Result: 00
- First-ever Fixture: 10 March 2023
- Most-recent Fixture: 4 March 2024
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women: Pitch Report
The weather forecast predicts clear skies for the match. In three of the four games played so far, teams have posted totals around the 170-mark, with spinners playing a key role in picking up wickets. The Chinnaswamy Stadium has witnessed high-scoring encounters in the previous two fixtures. Although the defending side emerged victorious in the last game, the pitch continued to favor batters. Overall, conditions are expected to provide an edge to the team bowling first.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women: Team News and Predicted XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women – Team News
RCB are expected to retain their lineup. Despite the defeat to MI, they will likely back the combination that secured victories in their opening two matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women – Predicted XI
- Smriti Mandhana (capt)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Ellyse Perry,
- Raghvi Bist
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Kanika Ahuja
- Georgia Wareham
- Ekta Bisht
- Kim Garth
- VJ Joshitha
- Renuka Singh
UP Warriorz – Team News
In Warriorz’s opening game in Bengaluru, left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad made way for pacer Saima Thakor. With the conditions favoring seamers, Thakor is likely to retain her spot.
The team would prefer to maintain the winning combination that earned them their first points. However, given Chinelle Henry’s impressive strike rate—clearing the ropes 11 times in just 38 deliveries—a batting promotion for her could be considered.
UP Warriorz – Predicted XI
- Kiran Navgire
- Vrinda Dinesh
- Deepti Sharma
- Tahlia McGrath
- Shweta Sehrawat
- Grace Harris
- Uma Chetry (wk)
- Chinelle Henry
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Saima Thakor
- Kranti Goud
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women: Players To Watch Out For
Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women)
Smriti Mandhana has a strong affinity for the Chinnaswamy Stadium. During India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa in Bengaluru, she registered two centuries and a 90.
Representing RCB at this venue last season, she amassed 219 runs across five games with an impressive strike rate of 154.22, including her highest score of 80—also against the Warriorz. In her last two outings, she scored 26 off 13 and 81 off 47. Expect more fireworks from her bat.
Kranti Goud (UP Warriorz Women)
Kranti Goud delivered a sensational spell against the Capitals on Saturday, picking up four wickets. She capitalized on the pitch movement to dismantle the Capitals’ top order, including the dismissal of Jess Jonassen.
After going wicketless in her first two matches, this standout performance will surely boost the youngster’s confidence in her maiden WPL season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 35-45
- UP Warriorz Women Total: 150-170
- Match Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: UP Warriorz Women win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 55-60
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Total: 180-195
- Match Result: UP Warriorz Women win the match
When and Where To Watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Women’s Premier League 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz Women is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Monday, February 24, at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: WPL 2025: Henry’s Blitz, Harris and Goud’s Stellar Spells Propel Warriorz to First Win
FAQs
When is the RCB Women vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 match scheduled?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) will face UP Warriorz (UP-W) on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Who holds the edge in the head-to-head between RCB-W and UP-W in the WPL?
RCB Women lead the head-to-head with three wins out of four matches against UP Warriorz.
What is the weather and pitch forecast for the RCB-W vs UP-W clash?
Clear skies are expected. The Chinnaswamy pitch has been high-scoring with totals around 170, favoring teams bowling first, while spinners and pacers have both found success.
Who are the key players to watch in the RCB-W vs UP-W match?
Smriti Mandhana, with a stellar record at Chinnaswamy, and Kranti Goud, fresh off a four-wicket haul, will be crucial for RCB. Chinelle Henry’s explosive batting will be vital for UP Warriorz.
Will RCB-W or UP-W make changes to their playing XI for this game?
RCB are expected to stick with their winning combination despite the loss to MI, while UP Warriorz may retain Saima Thakor for her seam bowling but could promote Chinelle Henry up the batting order.
