Vadodara’s BCA Stadium sets the stage for a pivotal WPL 2026 encounter. Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana called correctly at the toss in match 18, opting to bowl against a make-or-break UP Warriors side. RCB, playoff-bound after dominating their first five games, stumbled in the last two, making this a chance to regain momentum.
‘Bowling first on this batting paradise. We nailed the basics early on – time to simplify again. Pooja Vastrakar replaces Gautami Naik,’ Mandhana shared post-toss.
UP Warriors, fifth on the table with four losses in six, are on the brink. Captain Meg Lanning, the most successful women’s captain in history, replacing Deepti Sharma, emphasized urgency. ‘Every match is a must-win. We’ve addressed our flaws during the break.’ Key inclusions: Amy Jones for Lichfield and Simran Sheikh for Navgire.
Recent overhauls include new head coach Abhishek Nair, but wins remain elusive. Points standings show Gujarat Giants second (4/7), Mumbai Indians third (3/7), Delhi Capitals fourth (3/7) – all vying for playoffs.
Warriors XI: Lanning (c), Sheikh, Jones (wk), Deol, Tryon, Sharma, Sehrawat, Ecclestone, Sobhana, Pandey, Gaud.
RCB XI: Harris, Mandhana (c), Voll, Yadav, Ghosh (wk), de Klerk, Vastrakar, Reddy, Satghare, Patil, Bell.
With UP needing a miracle and RCB seeking consistency, expect fireworks. This game could reshape the playoff race.
