RCB Dominates UP Warriorz with Grace Harris’ Blazing Knock
In an exhilarating match on January 12, 2026, Grace Harris showcased her batting prowess, scoring an impressive 85 runs off just 40 balls. This stellar performance led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a commanding 9-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League. With 47 balls to spare, RCB achieved their largest win margin in the tournament, leaving UP Warriorz struggling both with the bat and ball.
RCB had kicked off their season with a thrilling match against Mumbai Indians, but this time, Harris made sure there were no last-minute surprises. Alongside her, skipper Smriti Mandhana contributed with an unbeaten 47, helping maintain the team’s momentum as they move forward in the league.
The chase for the target of 144 began on a strong note, with Harris and Mandhana quickly finding their rhythm against the opposing bowlers. Harris, determined to make a strong statement, immediately took charge of the game. After a somewhat shaky performance in their first match, RCB’s batting lineup was under scrutiny, as it included several all-rounders rather than a solid group of specialist batters.
Harris had an impressive start against MI in RCB’s opening match, but fell short. This time around, she was focused and ready to leave her mark. Although she briefly slowed down while Mandhana played some beautiful shots, Harris soon took over the spotlight.
The turning point came during the final over of the powerplay, where Harris unleashed her full potential against Deandre Dottin. With a mix of boundaries and sixes, Harris brought up her fifty in just 22 balls, effectively shifting the momentum in RCB’s favor.
Despite Sophie Ecclestone being introduced to bowl, it was too late—the damage had been done. By the eighth over, RCB had already piled on 104 runs, with Harris continuing her assault and aiming for her century. However, Mandhana also joined in, ensuring the team stayed on course.
Ultimately, Harris was dismissed for 85 runs, but by then, RCB needed only a few runs to clinch the victory.
Earlier in the day, UP Warriorz struggled after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Their innings faltered from the start as RCB’s bowlers put up a solid defense. Lauren Bell was particularly impressive, claiming the wicket of Harleen Deol with the score at a mere 21.
Phoebe Litchfield, who had previously shown great form, attempted to fight back but couldn’t save her team from collapsing. In an unfortunate series of events, UP Warriorz lost three key batters—Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, and Shweta Sehrawat—in the span of just three balls, leaving them in a dire position at 50 for five.
Deepti Sharma, a standout player from India’s Women’s World Cup triumph, tried her best to rescue her team by forming a partnership with Deandre Dottin. They managed to push the score to a respectable 143, thanks to Deepti’s 45 and Dottin’s 40. However, it was not enough to overcome Harris and RCB’s powerful innings, leaving UP Warriorz at the bottom of the points table with two losses.
This match marks a highlight in the Women’s Premier League, showcasing RCB’s potential and Harris’ remarkable talent.
— Ends —
