Cricket fans are in for a thrilling encounter as the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 action continues in Navi Mumbai. The spotlight is firmly on the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by the charismatic Smriti Mandhana, are set to clash with Meg Lanning's UP Warriorz (UPW) in the tournament's fifth match today, January 12, 2026.
High Stakes for Both Teams in Early Tournament Clash
RCB, the former champions, enter this contest with momentum on their side, having started their campaign with a victory. The team will be eager to build on that success and establish a winning rhythm early in the Navi Mumbai leg of the competition. The mindset in the UP Warriorz camp, however, will be starkly different. Lanning's squad narrowly missed out on opening their account, falling short in a steep chase of 208 runs against the Gujarat Giants in their first match.
Despite the contrasting starts, this particular fixture has historically been a closely fought battle. The two teams have faced each other six times in the WPL's short history, with the head-to-head record perfectly balanced at three wins apiece. This statistic alone promises a contest where neither side can afford to take the other lightly.
Predicted Playing Elevens and Key Players
While the official teams will be announced at the toss, expert predictions suggest strong line-ups from both sides. RCB's predicted XI is expected to be anchored by captain Smriti Mandhana at the top, with power-hitters like Grace Harris and Richa Ghosh in the middle order. The bowling attack could feature the experience of Radha Yadav and the pace of England's Lauren Bell.
For the UP Warriorz, the legendary Meg Lanning will be the cornerstone of the batting, potentially supported by the explosive Deandra Dottin and the consistent Deepti Sharma. Their bowling strength lies in world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone and the crafty Shikha Pandey.
Context from Previous WPL 2026 Match
The match comes on the heels of a spectacular game in the tournament. In a recent high-scoring thriller, the Gujarat Giants, powered by a blistering 95 off 42 balls from Sophie Devine, defended a 200-plus total to clinch a nail-biting 4-run win over the Delhi Capitals. This result underscores the aggressive, high-octane brand of cricket that has become the hallmark of the WPL, setting the tone for what to expect when RCB and UPW take the field.
For UP Warriorz, who themselves chased a big target in their opener, the challenge will be to refine their execution in the death overs. For RCB, the task is to convert their winning start into a sustained streak. With passionate fans backing them and a balanced historical record, Match 5 of WPL 2026 is poised to be a captivating chapter in the league's history.
