WPL 2026 – Predicting the top 3 player battles for match 18

Royal Challengers Bengaluru cross swords with UP Warriorz in match No. 18 of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday, January 29.

Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers had a dream start to the campaign as they won five matches in a row to secure a playoffs berth. However, they lost back-to-back matches against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians.

Meanwhile, UP Warriorz have no choice but to win their last two matches. They have only registered two wins in six matches and are languishing at the foot of the table. Meg Lanning and Co. suffered a 45-run loss in their most recent encounter, which was against the Gujarat Giants.

Let’s take a look at three player battles to look forward to from the upcoming encounter:

Smriti Mandhana vs Kranti Gaud

Smriti Mandhana has not been as consistent as she would have liked. However, she has managed to aggregate 236 runs in seven innings at an average of 39.33 and a strike rate of 132.59. The RCB skipper will look to get her team off to a quick start inside the powerplay and set the platform for the likes of Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk down the order.

Meanwhile, young Kranti Gaud will be high on confidence after registering excellent figures of 2/18 in four overs in UP Warriorz’ last game against Gujarat. The 22-year-old seamer will be eyeing the big wicket of Mandhana, who can be hard to dislodge once she gets herself set at the crease.

Meg Lanning vs Lauren Bell

Meg Lanning will hold the key for UP Warriorz at the top of the order. The Warriorz’ captain has scored 207 runs in six innings at an average of 34.50 and a strike rate of 123.96. She will look to play the anchor’s role, allowing the hard hitters to go after the bowling from the other end.

Lauren Bell has been in magnificent form for RCB this season. The England speedster has taken 11 scalps in seven matches at an average of 14.45. Her economy rate is a mind-boggling 5.68. Bell will look to pick up early wickets with the new ball and Lanning could be her top target.

Richa Ghosh vs Sophie Ecclestone

Richa Ghosh slammed a valiant 90 off 50 balls in the last game but couldn’t take her team over the line. The wicketkeeper-batter will want to play another such innings but this time take her team to victory. She has scored 183 runs in seven innings at an average of 36.60 and a strike rate of 153.79.

Meanwhile, Sophie Ecclestone will look to get the better of Richa before she goes on her rampage. The latter can sometimes take a bit of time to get her eye in. Ecclestone will want to send her packing during this period. The England spinner has so far taken six wickets in as many games at 29.50.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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