Match 18 of WPL 2026 features UP Warriorz Women (UP W) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W) on January 29, 2026 (Evening) at Vadodara. Both sides possess explosive batting lineups and reliable bowling units, making this an intriguing contest. UP W, led by Alyssa Healy, has a strong top order and versatile all round options, while RCB W, captained by Smriti Mandhana, brings experience and depth across all departments. This match could be crucial for both teams’ momentum late in the league phase.
WPL Match 18 Details:
| Match | UP Warriorz Women vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Women |
| Date | January 29, 2026 |
| Time | Evening |
| Venue | Vadodara |
| Live Broadcast & Streaming | Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar |
Pitch Report:
The Vadodara track typically offers a balanced surface that favors batters early on while assisting spinners as the innings progress. The ball tends to come onto the bat nicely in the power play, enabling stroke play. However, effective spin bowling in the middle overs can control scoring. Dew later in the evening is expected, which may benefit the team batting second. Competitive first innings totals are expected in the 170 to 190 range.
Team Form:
- UP Warriorz Women (UP W):
UP W have shown aggressive intent with their top order, anchored by Alyssa Healy and Grace Harris. Their batting depth and all round options provide flexibility and attacking potential. Their bowling spearhead, including Shabnim Ismail and swing options, has provided breakthroughs at key stages. - Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W):
RCB W have a powerful batting lineup with Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, and Richa Ghosh capable of shifting momentum quickly. Their bowling unit, with a mix of spin and pace, has been effective in middle overs and at the death.
WPL Match 18 Toss Prediction:
With dew expected in the late evening, the team winning the toss may choose to bat first and put up a strong target. A competitive total in the 175 to 190 range should pressure the chasing team.
UP vs RCB Predicted Scores:
- Predicted First Innings Score (170 to 190)
The batting team will aim to post a solid total. With explosive hitters, taking advantage in the middle and death overs could push the score toward the upper end of this range. - Predicted Second Innings Score (180 to 200)
In dew assisted conditions, chasing becomes slightly easier as the ball comes onto the bat quicker. A strong chase could see the second innings score approach 200.
Key Player Matchups:
| Key Player | Matchup | Impact |
| Alyssa Healy (UP W) | vs Smriti Mandhana (RCB W) | Two power hitters who dominate early? |
| Grace Harris (UP W) | vs Sophie Devine (RCB W) | All rounders with big scoring capability. |
| Tahlia McGrath (UP W) | vs Ellyse Perry (RCB W) | Key all round clash; the game can turn with either. |
Impact Players:
- UP Warriorz Women (UP W):
- Alyssa Healy: Explosive batting to set early momentum.
- Grace Harris: Middle order batter capable of accelerating scoring.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W):
- Smriti Mandhana: Aggressive opener setting foundation.
- Sophie Devine: All round match changer with bat and ball.
Weather Conditions:
For January 29, 2026, in Vadodara, the weather forecast indicates clear skies with moderate humidity. Dew later in the evening is expected and could favor the team batting second by making stroke play easier, especially in the death overs. No rain interruptions are forecast.
Historical Context & Key Stats:
- UP Warriorz Women:
UP W brings aggressive batting at the top and strategic bowling changes to control momentum across phases. - Royal Challengers Bangalore Women:
RCB W possesses a deep batting lineup and an experienced bowling attack capable of exploiting conditions in both powerplay and middle overs.
Strategic Insights:
- UP Warriorz Women:
- Batting: Strong partnerships between Healy and Harris can lay the foundation, followed by acceleration from the middle order.
- Bowling: Smart use of swing and variations to restrict RCB’s over powering batting unit.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women:
- Batting: Mandhana and Devine should look to dominate the powerplay and build momentum.
- Bowling: Mix spin and pace to curb momentum and induce pressure through middle overs.
Players Stats UP Warriorz Women (UP W):
| Player | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate (SR) | 6s |
| Alyssa Healy (c) | 14 | 432 | 145.30 | 15 |
| Grace Harris | 10 | 370 | 150.20 | 18 |
| Tahlia McGrath | 13 | 312 | 138.90 | 10 |
| Shabnim Ismail | 13 | 62 | 89.00 | 1 |
| Sophie Ecclestone | 14 | 210 | 134.00 | 8 |
| Katherine Brunt | 13 | 150 | 124.10 | 6 |
| Kiran Navgire | 12 | 98 | 122.40 | 3 |
| Devika Vaidya | 11 | 160 | 130.50 | 4 |
| Poonam Yadav | 10 | 45 | 100.00 | 0 |
| Mansi Joshi | 12 | 35 | 105.10 | 1 |
| Veda Krishnamurthy | 9 | 145 | 132.20 | 6 |
Players’ Stats Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W):
| Player | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate (SR) | 6s |
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | 9 | 304 | 152.76 | 16 |
| Sophie Devine | 9 | 289 | 146.80 | 12 |
| Ellyse Perry | 8 | 372 | 148.80 | 11 |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | 8 | 232 | 173.13 | 13 |
| Heather Knight | 9 | 220 | 134.10 | 5 |
| Poonam Yadav | 9 | 75 | 92.10 | 0 |
| Shreyanka Patil | 9 | 123 | 98.00 | 3 |
| Komal Zanzad | 9 | 63 | 103.50 | 2 |
| Tanuja Kanwar | 8 | 50 | 108.10 | 1 |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 9 | 42 | 95.00 | 0 |
| Indrani Roy | 8 | 113 | 121.10 | 4 |
Disclaimer:
This prediction is based on current form, probable player statistics, and expected pitch/weather conditions. Cricket is unpredictable, and match outcomes can vary. Use this as a forecast guide along with your analysis.