RCB's Dominant Victory: Smriti Mandhana Praises Grace Harris and Lauren Bell
In a stunning display of skill, RCB secured a nine-wicket victory against UP Warriors, with captain Smriti Mandhana praising the remarkable performances of Grace Harris and Lauren Bell. Harris's explosive 85 runs off 40 balls and Bell's economical bowling were pivotal in the match. Mandhana highlighted the team's strategic discussions regarding batting order and expressed her excitement about Harris's potential. The captain's insights into the match dynamics and the players' contributions provide a fascinating glimpse into RCB's successful outing. Read on to discover more about this thrilling encounter.
| Jan 13, 2026, 13:04 IST
RCB's Impressive Win Over UP Warriors
Following a commanding nine-wicket victory against the UP Warriors, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her admiration for the outstanding performances of Grace Harris and Lauren Bell. She noted that the team only needed to score a single run while enjoying Harris's explosive batting display. Grace Harris delivered an impressive innings, scoring 85 runs off just 40 balls, while Nadine de Klerk (2/28) and Lauren Bell (1/16) played crucial roles in restricting UP Warriors to 143/5, allowing RCB to chase down the target in just 12.1 overs.
During the post-match presentation, Smriti remarked that witnessing Grace hit the ball was an exhilarating experience. She mentioned that the team management had discussed the batting order, considering Grace's ability to play in the middle order, as she does for the Australian team. However, in the Big Bash, she opens for Brisbane Heat. Smriti emphasized that everyone was aware of how dangerous Grace could be at the start, and if she finds her rhythm, it feels like the match has been snatched from the opposition. Therefore, they decided to support her during the powerplay. Grace had also batted exceptionally well in the first innings, striking the ball confidently.
She further added that it was remarkable to see how everyone just needed to take a single run while Grace kept playing. Smriti refrained from giving ratings but acknowledged that batting alongside players like Shefali Verma and Grace made T20 cricket much easier. Regarding Lauren's economical bowling, Smriti noted that in the first three overs, "she isn't allowing anyone to touch the ball, and I believe she will continue to do so and provide us with a solid start."
She continued by stating that conceding only 30 runs in six overs is how one would ideally start bowling after winning the toss. She expressed satisfaction with the team's bowling performance and the wickets taken. Grace, who was awarded 'Player of the Match,' expressed her joy that her hard work with the bat was paying off and mentioned that she was enjoying her time with RCB.