RCB Storm Into WPL Final After Crushing UP Warriorz

Royal Challengers Bengaluru snapped their two-match losing streak in emphatic fashion on Thursday, returning to peak form with a dominant eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz at the Kotambi Stadium. Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk were the chief architects of the win as the Smriti Mandhana-led side stormed into the final of the Women’s Premier League.

The result lifted RCB to the top of the league table with 12 points from eight matches, sealing their place in the summit clash of the fourth season on February 5. UP Warriorz, meanwhile, are all but eliminated and will need a mathematical miracle in their final league fixture against Delhi Capitals on Sunday to stay alive.

After de Klerk’s incisive spell restricted Warriorz to a modest 143 for eight, Harris produced a breathtaking assault to make light work of the chase. Her 75 off just 37 deliveries — studded with 13 fours and two sixes — ensured the target was overhauled in just 13.1 overs. Mandhana anchored the innings calmly at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 54.

Harris set the tone early, launching a ruthless PowerPlay onslaught. She singled out young seamer Kranti Gaud, hammering five boundaries in a single over with an infectious grin that summed up RCB’s intent. By the end of six overs, RCB were cruising at 63 without loss, with Harris already contributing 49.

Her half-century arrived in the seventh over, brought up in style as she lofted Asha Sobhana over long-on for a towering six. From there, the outcome was never in doubt.

Earlier, Warriorz had made a steady start after opting to bat first, with Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning adding 74 for the opening wicket. Deepti top-scored with a composed 55 off 43 balls, while Lanning struck 41 from 30 deliveries, but the innings lost momentum once de Klerk broke through.

The South African all-rounder removed Lanning in the ninth over, tempting the Australian into an ambitious inside-out stroke that found Radha Yadav at deep point. Just four balls later, Amy Jones was trapped leg-before, triggering a collapse from which Warriorz never recovered.

De Klerk returned at the death to underline her impact, conceding just six runs while picking up two more wickets in the final over. Her four-wicket haul effectively sealed the contest well before Harris delivered the finishing flourish.

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