The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is heating up to an all-time high, and the upcoming match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W) and UP Warriorz (UP W) is packed with high stakes. As we approach Match 18, RCB W, under the energetic leadership of Smriti Mandhana, will look to end a two-game losing streak and establish momentum to reach the playoffs. In contrast, Meg Lanning’s UP Warriorz are fighting for their tournament lives and need an upset to keep their playoff hopes alive. This game promises to be a thrilling battle between two teams with distinct fortunes.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about your RCB W vs the UP W Dream11 prediction. We’ll provide the full match preview, examine the playing conditions at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, and share the latest news from teams and head-to-head records. We’ll also break down the most important battles of players and provide expertly curated fantasy picks to help you create an effective Dream11 squad for the crucial WPL 2026 game. The action begins on the 29th of January 2026 at 7:30 pm IST and will air on the JioStar Network.

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction: Match Preview

The match 18 of WPL 2026 will be a pivotal occasion for both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz. RCBW after a blistering start with five consecutive wins which secured their playoff spot but have hit a block. They’ve suffered two consecutive defeats to formidable foes, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. For a team that is desperate to end their title drought, returning to their winning ways is crucial. A win over UP Warriorz would not only increase their morale, but also ensure their place in the top tier of the points table as they move into the knockout stage. Smriti Mandhana’s leadership as well as her team’s batsmen will be scrutinized in their quest to come back.

Match	Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz, Match 18
Tournament	Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026
Date	Thursday, 29 January 2026
Time	7:30 PM IST
Venue	BCA Stadium, Vadodara
Format	Women’s T20
Teams	RCB Women 🔴 vs UP Warriorz 🟡
Live Streaming	JioHotstar (App & Website)
Pitch Report	Balanced pitch offering value for shots with some help for spinners
Weather	Clear evening conditions expected
Toss Prediction	RCB Women likely to win the toss
Match Preview	A crucial WPL clash with playoff implications as both teams look for vital points

On the other hand of the battle there are the UP Warriorz, whose campaign has been one of inconsistency. With just two wins in six games they’re in a tense mid-table position. The pressure is huge as they will must win their remaining two matches to have a chance of progressing. Meg Lanning, a titan of the women’s sport, is charged with invigorating her team to play their best cricket when it is most important. Their recent loss of 45 runs against the Gujarat Giants was a significant loss, and they have to come back quickly. The game at Vadodara is an essential game for the Warriorz and they will require their top players to perform against the top RCBW team. The match, which will be live on JioStar and JioHotstar is expected to be a classic battle between teams seeking to make amends against the team that is struggling to survive.

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction: Venue Analysis

The BCA Stadium in Vadodara has proved to be an intriguing location in the WPL 2026 season. It has hosted five matches to date, the venue has provided a fairly even match between ball and bat, although it is typically favored by batters. The pitch is famous for its real bounce and its quick outfield, which makes for exciting stroke play as well as high-scoring games.

The statistics of this season show an impressive picture. The average score of the first innings is a spirited 155, which suggests that teams who bat first have posted difficult totals. In reality the team that has been batting first has won three of the five matches played. The highest score recorded at the venue WPL 2026 was a colossal 200/4 by the Mumbai Indians against this very RCBW team, showing the possibilities for run-fests if the batting lineup is on.

However recent trends suggest an inclination. Although the ground has traditionally been a good spot to establish a target but the chasing option has become a more feasible option in the course of the tournament as it progressed as some sources point out the trend of teams chasing winning six of the seven T20s that were played here in various competitions. The evening games introduce the dew factor to the game, which makes spinners struggle to grasp the ball in the second innings. This can result in the ball sliding onto the bat, which aids the side that is chasing. Captains who win the toss may be enticed to bowl the first to benefit from the lighting conditions.

BCA Stadium WPL 2026 Stats	Details
Matches Played	5
Wins Batting First	3
Average 1st Innings Score	159
Highest Total	199/4 (MI vs RCBW)
Recent Chasing Wins (T20s)	6 of 7

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction: Team News

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Predicted XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters this match with a calm and powerful team, aiming to make use of their strengths in order to return to their winning ways. Their batsmen are led by captain Smriti Mandhana who is in great form, scoring over 300 runs in the current season. She will play with the powerful Grace Harris, forming one of the most dangerous opening teams on the field. The middle order is dominated by the reliable Georgia Voll and the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who gives energy in the dying overs.

The all-round team adds significant depth to the team. Nadine de Klerk is an outstanding performer both with ball and bat and Radha Yadav has a great handle and wicket-taking skills. Spin duties are masterfully performed by the team of Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav who have been instrumental in choking opposition during middle overs. The pace attack is helmed by English import Lauren Bell, whose early breakthroughs have set the tone for RCBW. Arundhati Reddy and Sayali Satghare round out a balanced and powerful playing XI.

Predicted XI: Smriti Mandhana (c), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (WK), Gautami Naik, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.

UP Warriorz Predicted XI

UP Warriorz face a must-win situation, and they’ll depend on their core group of players who have experience to perform under pressure. Captain Meg Lanning, one of the most renowned cricketers around the globe, will lead the batting line-up. The captain will be joined by the ferocious Kiran Navgire on the top. The middle order has the talents of Harleen Deol as well as the enthralling Phoebe Litchfield, who has been a standout this season, scoring 243 runs and two half-centuries.

The strength of the Warriorz is in their all-rounders. Deepti Sharma is the mainstay of the team putting in a significant amount using both bat and ball. Her ability to manage the middle overs of the game and also score runs is indispensable. Chloe Tryon adds power-hitting prowess to the lower mid-middle order. The bowling team is led by the world’s top spinner Sophie Ecclestone. Her fight against the RCBW top order will be a crucial contest. She will be assisted by the veteran Indian pacer Shikha Pandey, as well as the exciting spinner Asha Sobhana along with Kranti Goud completing the XI.

Predicted XI: Meg Lanning (c), Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Shweta Sehrawat (WK), Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Goud.

Team	Key Strengths
RCB W	Top-of-the-line power (Mandhana, Harris); A well-balanced and efficient spin attack.
UP W	Amazing all-round depth (Deepti, Tryon); World-class spin in Sophie Ecclestone.

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction: Head-to-Head

The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and UP Warriorz has produced some exciting cricket over the last WPL seasons. In the seven T20 matches they’ve played against each one another, RCBW holds a slight advantage. They’ve won four matches while UP Warriorz have secured two wins, with one ended in an unresult.

The story of their battles began in the month of March 2023, when UPW winning the first match between the two teams. The reality is that RCBW has enjoyed the most successful recent encounters winning the battle in the past couple of seasons. They’ve won three times in the last five games against the Warriorz. Their most recent match, on the 12th January 2026 saw RCBW breeze to a comfortable victory, an outcome that will certainly be in the minds of both teams going into the game. The match saw RCBW achieve a hefty total of 182/7 before their bowlers limited UPW to secure a crucial victory. This advantage in mental strength could be a factor in the future as RCBW hopes to complete a season-long double over their rivals.

H2H T20s	RCB W Wins	UP W Wins	No Result
Overall (7)	4	2	1
Most Recent 5	3	2	0

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction: Key Player Battles

This high stakes match will be characterized by a number of important individual battles in the field. These battles between players could likely determine the pace and, ultimately, the result of the match. Fantasy players should be watching these matchups carefully as they are vital to scoring points.

Smriti Mandhana vs. Sophie Ecclestone:

It’s a classic match between an elite left-handed opener, and the world’s top ranking T20I spinner. Mandhana’s stylish and ferocious style will be tested against Ecclestone’s ferocious precision and subtle variations. Mandhana has been in excellent form however, Ecclestone is able to hold down and knock out the most powerful batters. How Mandhana handles the middle overs and powerplay against Ecclestone will be a key aspect in the RCBW’s innings.

Meg Lanning vs. Lauren Bell:

Experiential exuberance meets youthful enthusiasm in this game. Meg Lanning is a master of constructing an innings, well-known for her poise and ability to identify gaps. She will have to face the task of Lauren Bell, a pacer who has performed admirably with the new ball that is being used by RCBW. Bell is adept at getting early wickets as well as her skill to hit the ball could be a problem for the veteran Australian captain. If Bell is able to dismiss Lanning in the first instance, it could create a huge stress on the UPW middle order.

Deepti Sharma vs. Richa Ghosh:

A thrilling duel is in store for the middle and in the death overs. Deepti Sharma With her shrewd off-spin, is skilled in reducing the pace of play and grabbing crucial wickets. She will be facing Richa Ghosh, who is one of the top finishers. Ghosh’s power hitting and ability to get past the boundary will make her an unstoppable threat. Deepti’s challenge is to beat Ghosh and stop her from unleashing a raging attack at the end of the RCBW innings. The battle between spin and power could change the game.

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction

Making the ideal Dream11 team takes a mix of well-rounded players, intelligent captaincy selections and a clear knowledge of the conditions for the game. With the favourable nature of the BCA Stadium investing in top-quality batters is a smart choice. However the fact that both sides have world-class bowlers of the field means they can’t be overlooked.

Top Batsmen Picks

The pitch that is flat in Vadodara is believed to be a paradise for batters, particularly those who are part of the top of the order. They have the best chance to make the most of the powerplay and create a substantial score.

• Smriti Mandhana (9 Cr) A: The RCBW captain is a must for any fantasy league. She’s been in great performance this year, scoring more than 300 runs. Her aggressive approach on top of the order as well as her ability to put in long stretches makes her an ideal option for captaincy. She is able to be a formidable opponent to the opposition in the initial six overs.
• Grace Harris (8.5 Cr) The teammate of Mandhana is the fast Australian all-rounder Grace Harris. She has a stunning start and is able to score at a high rate of strike. Her capability to score on the ball increases her fantasy value, which makes her an ideal option for the vice-captaincy position.
• Meg Lanning (9 Cr) Meg Lanning (9 Cr) UPW captain is the embodiment of reliability. Lanning is a pro in anchoring an innings. She can be trusted to hit runs when the team is under stress. If you have a good batting track she’s likely to rack up a huge score. Her knowledge and experience make her a secure and reliable pick.
• Phoebe Litchfield: The young Australian has been a top performance in UP Warriorz, accumulating 243 runs at a staggering average. She has the skill and the grit to succeed and her recent performance makes her a leading candidate in your dream XI.

Top Bowlers Picks

Although the surface favors batters skilled bowlers who are able to execute their skills under pressure will be present. Finding bowlers who can take wickets in middle overs or even at the end is crucial.

• Sophie Ecclestone (9 Cr) Sophie Ecclestone (9 Cr) English left-arm spinner a world-class player. No matter what the conditions Ecclestone’s precision and ability to extract turns makes her an unstoppable threat. She is a true wicket-taker, and is also economical, giving important fantasy points.
• Shreyanka Patil (8 Cr): The young RCBW spinner has been a standout during the WPL. She isn’t shy about throwing the ball around and is adept at breaking up partnerships. Her aggressive approach often results in wickets in middle overs which makes her a fascinating possibility for fantasy.
• Deepti Sharma (8.5 Cr) Although she is classified as an all-rounder Deepti’s most significant contribution to fantasy teams is often her bowling. She’s skilled experienced and skilled, and she can bowl vital overs to her team. She is able to make a difference with the bat further down the order is a benefit.

All-Rounders & Wicketkeeper

All-rounders are a must when it comes to T20 fantasy cricket tips. This match showcases some of the best players in the industry. A good wicketkeeper with a top-order bat is vital.

• Radha Yadav (8.5 Cr) The RCBW all-rounder has been consistent in her performance. She is a good control player through her left-arm spin, and can be a useful batter, particularly in lower order. Her fielding skills are an added advantage that often creates opportunities from nowhere.
• Chloe Tryon (8 Cr) Chloe Tryon (8 Cr) South African all-rounder is known for her explosive hitting as well as medium-paced bowling. For UPW she takes on the role of a finishing player and can alter the pace of a game by making a quick appearance.
• Richa Ghosh (8.5 Cr) as the wicketkeeper of RCBW, Ghosh is guaranteed points from stumpings and catches. In addition she is a powerful middle-order batter with a very high strike rate. She can score fast runs in the final seconds which can translate into important fantasy points.

Grand League and Small League Teams

When it comes to Grand League contests, taking cautious risks with the outcome of a pick can bring significant rewards. When it comes to Small League or Head-to-Head contests it is recommended to take an approach that is more balanced and focuses on reliable, in-form players is recommended.

• Grand League Team Suggestion:
  • Captain: Smriti Mandhana
  • Vice-Captain: Grace Harris
  • Batters: Meg Lanning, Kiran Navgire
  • All-Rounders: Deepti Sharma, Nadine de Klerk
  • Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Shikha Pandey
  • Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh
• Small League Team Suggestion:
  • Captain: Deepti Sharma
  • Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana
  • Batters: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Grace Harris
  • All-Rounders: Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon
  • Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Shreyanka Patil
  • Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh

Category	Top Fantasy Picks	Credit Value
Batsmen	Smriti Mandhana, Grace Harris, Meg Lanning	9, 8.5, 9
Bowlers	Sophie Ecclestone, Shreyanka Patil, Deepti Sharma	9, 8, 8.5
AR/WK	Radha Yadav, Chloe Tryon, Richa Ghosh	8.5, 8, 8.5

RCB W vs UP W Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Tips

To get an edge in your fantasy competitions be sure to consider these strategies that are based on the dynamics of the match and the venue.

• Toss Impact The toss is crucial. Due to the dew factor during the evening game at Vadodara the team that bowls first will be ahead. It is important to select players from the team that is chasing, because the ball will roll to the bat with ease under the lights.
• Captaincy Pick If RCBW bats first, Smriti Mandhana is an excellent captaincy candidate due to her ability to score a huge score. If UPW chases, think about Meg Lanning or Phoebe Litchfield to fill the captain’s position as they’ll play a key role in their team’s success. If you want to pick a more secure option in smaller leagues, an all-rounder such as Deepti Sharma, who plays to both innings, is a good option.
• Differential Picks to make a mark at the top of the Grand Leagues, consider players who are likely to be not considered. Harleen Deol of UPW has shown glimpses of her potential and could prove to be a useful advantage if she can make a difference. Similar to RCBW’s pacer Arundhati Reddy could be a surprise package due to the ability she has to pick off wickets even at the end of the line.
• Venue Nuances: Spinners may have some control in the initial innings before the dew begins to set in. So, selecting a good spinner from the bowling team first such as Shreyanka Patil or Asha Sobhana, might be an excellent choice. In the second inning, concentrate on batters and pacers who can make the most of the slippery conditions.
• The must-picks: Certain players are considered vital due to their physical appearance and their roles. Smriti Mandhana Deepti Sharma Sophie Ecclestone and Meg Lanning form a core group that should be part of the majority of your teams. A team built around these top stars is a solid basis for success.

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