All-round Harris takes RCB to final of WPL 2026

Australia’s Grace Harris starred as Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in the Women’s Premier League final with a comfortable eight-wicket win over UP Warriorz.

The all-rounder took 2-22 with the ball as RCB opted to bowl first and restricted Warriorz to 143-8.

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk took 4-22, including the key wickets of Meg Lanning (41), that broke an opening stand of 74 with Deepti Sharma (55), and England wicketkeeper Amy Jones (1) on her WPL debut.

England’s Lauren Bell (1-21) again impressed, bowling 14 dot balls in her four overs.

Harris then led the charge in the chase as she crashed 75 off 37 balls in an opening stand of 108 with Smriti Mandhana.

She was dismissed off the first ball of the 10th over, but RCB returned to winning ways with 41 balls to spare, with Mandhana making an unbeaten 54.

RCB had already secured a play-off place after wins in their opening five games, but will now have a week off before attempting to win their second WPL title in the final at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on February 5.

The defeat leaves Warriorz bottom and they could be eliminated on Friday if Mumbai Indians beat Gujarat Giants.

If Giants win, and seal a play-off place, then Warriorz’s game against Delhi Capitals on Sunday will decide which of the three sides takes the final spot. (BBC)