In a display of pure batting dominance, Grace Harris delivered a match-winning performance that will be remembered in Women's Premier League history. On Thursday night at Vadodara's BCA Stadium, the Australian all-rounder unleashed an innings of sheer carnage against the UP Warriorz, propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a comprehensive victory and into the tournament final.
Harris' Explosive Batting Masterclass
Grace Harris was in absolutely devastating form, compiling a breathtaking 75 runs from just 37 deliveries. Her innings was punctuated by 13 powerful boundaries and two massive sixes, as she systematically dismantled the UP Warriorz bowling attack. Chasing a target of 144, Harris' explosive knock singlehandedly tore through the opposition's plans, ensuring RCB reached their goal with remarkable ease.
Perfect Partnership with Captain Mandhana
While Harris was the undisputed star of the show, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 54 from just 27 balls. Mandhana anchored the chase with characteristic composure, allowing Harris complete freedom to express herself with audacious strokeplay. The duo put together a match-winning partnership of 108 runs from just 55 deliveries, showcasing exceptional chemistry and timing.
RCB's All-Round Dominance
Harris' contribution wasn't limited to her batting heroics. Earlier in the match, she had made a significant impact with the ball as well, claiming impressive figures of 2-22. This all-round performance highlighted her value as one of the tournament's most complete players.
RCB's bowling attack once again demonstrated impressive depth and versatility. Medium pacer Nadine de Klerk rose to the occasion with a crucial four-wicket haul that derailed UP Warriorz' quest for a substantial total. Her figures of 4-22 played a pivotal role in restricting the opposition to 143/8.
UP Warriorz' Strategic Gamble Falls Short
In a surprising strategic move, UP Warriorz opted to open their batting with Deepti Sharma alongside captain Meg Lanning. This marked the first time Sharma had taken the opening position in her career. Initially cautious, the Indian all-rounder took a couple of overs to settle before finding her rhythm.
The Lanning-Deepti partnership of 74 runs from 49 balls was smartly managed and quickly became UP Warriorz' best opening stand of the season. They provided a solid foundation, reaching 50 without loss during the Powerplay overs. Deepti Sharma top-scored with 55 from 43 deliveries, while Lanning contributed a brisk 41 from 30 balls.
Tournament Implications
This victory carried significant consequences for both teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only secured their place in the final of the fourth edition of the Women's Premier League but also simultaneously eliminated UP Warriorz from the tournament. The comprehensive eight-wicket win with 41 balls remaining demonstrated RCB's superiority on the night.
The final scorecard reflected RCB's dominance: Royal Challengers Bengaluru 147/2 in 13.1 overs (Grace Harris 75, Smriti Mandhana 54*) defeated UP Warriorz 143/8 (Deepti Sharma 55, Meg Lanning 41; Nadine de Klerk 4/22, Grace Harris 2/22) by eight wickets.
This performance establishes RCB as serious contenders for the WPL title while marking the end of UP Warriorz' campaign in the tournament. Harris' explosive innings will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout individual performances of WPL 2026.
