WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aims for Top Spot as UP Warriorz Hunts for First Win | Match 5 Preview

The excitement of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 continues to build, and tonight's match promises to be a thrilling encounter! The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB) are all set to clash with the UP Warriorz Women (UPW) in the 5th match of the season at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. 

For RCB, a victory would solidify their position at the top of the points table after a magnificent start. Meanwhile, for the Warriorz, this is a crucial opportunity to secure their maiden victory of the season and get their campaign back on track after an opening loss to the Gujarat Giants. 

Momentum vs. Motivation

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters this game with high confidence following a nail-biting, last-ball victory over the defending champions, Mumbai Indians. South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk was the hero of that match, delivering an all-round masterclass with both the ball (4/26) and the bat (an unbeaten 63 runs). RCB will be hoping she can replicate that performance. 

On the other side, UP Warriorz, led by Australian legend Meg Lanning, put up a spirited fight in their last game, chasing a massive target of 208 but falling just 10 runs short. [Phoebe Litchfield** was the standout batter with an explosive 78 runs, and the team will need her to continue her form. 

Head-to-Head: A Perfect Stalemate

Historically, this rivalry has been incredibly tight. The two teams have faced each other six times in the WPL, with both sides securing three wins each. This perfectly balanced record adds an extra layer of intrigue to tonight's clash. 

Key Players to Watch

• RCB: The focus will be on Captain Smriti Mandhana to provide a solid start, and the all-round capabilities of Nadine de Klerk.
• UPW: Aussie batter Phoebe Litchfield and the world No. 1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone will be crucial for the Warriorz's success. 
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Match Details

• Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM IST)
• Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
• Live Streaming: You can watch the match live across India on the Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioCinema app. 
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Get ready for an exciting battle as these two evenly matched teams fight for dominance in the WPL 2026!