In Match 5 of the WPL 2026 season, the UP Warriorz will take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Meg Lanning’s side had taken on the Gujarat Giants in the opening fixture, and they lost by just 10 runs. The Giants had amassed a massive total of 208 on board, thanks to their skipper Ashleigh Gardner, but the Warriorz put up a fight led by Phoebe Litchfield, which took the chase down to the wire. The Warriorz will be put to the test against RCB, as they are coming off a victory against the defending champions. Here are the top 3 players to look out for in the UP Warriorz against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
3. Sophie Ecclestone
Sophie Ecclestone, the English international and arguably one of the best spinners in World cricket, is set to feature against the RCB. In her T20I career, she has picked up 142 wickets from 100 innings at an economy of 5. She has been excellent in the WPL, picking up 38 wickets from 26 innings at an economy rate of just 6. In her most recent performance against the Giants, she picked up 2 wickets from her 4 overs at an economy of 8. Sophie would be a player to watch out for with her ability to trap batters and provide some quick runs towards the end.
2. Asha Sobhana
Asha Sobhana, the Indian leggie, has had some decent success in Indian colours, and she is set to make her impact in the WPL as well. In her T20I career, she has picked up 9 wickets from 6 games at an economy of 6. She has had a decent run in the WPL as well, with 33 runs and 17 wickets from 16 games. She put on a show with the bat against the Giants as she scored 27 off just 10 balls. She will be a good buy for the Warriorz as she can contribute with both bat and ball, and she truly can produce some match-winning performances.
1.Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield, the Australian left-handed batter, has been sensational for the Australian side with her consistent performances. In her T20I career, she has scored 442 runs from 22 innings with a strike rate of 140. She has been consistent in the WPL as well, with 277 runs from 15 innings at a strike rate of 129. In her most recent match against the Giants, she scored 78 runs off 40 balls, which made her side take the chase deep into the innings. The Warriorz will be hoping Litchfield carries her form in the tournament and takes the side to the playoffs.
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