UPW vs RCB Match 18 Results

6:44 PM IST The 'dot ball' queen has a word - Lauren Bell says that they started the tournament really strongly and she is delighted to qualify for the final. She adds that it is nice to get a bit of downtime before the final. Shares that the ball is coming out of her hand nicely. She mentions that she is clear about her role and what Smriti Mandhana wants from her, and is happy to contribute in whatever way the team needs. When asked about their thoughts when they saw Deepti Sharma coming out to open with Meg Lanning, Bell replies that they had prepared for a few different options. She explains that the options for her against a left-hander are to target the pads and angle the ball across her. She feels there was a bit more bounce on offer for her tonight. Bell also believes they could have posted a strong total had they batted first.

6:41 PM IST What's next? One finalist has been confirmed, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru now able to put their feet up and watch how the rest of the league stage unfolds. Despite this defeat, UP Warriorz are mathematically alive, but it will take some drastic results for them to progress. With two games left in the league stage, two spots remain up for grabs, and four teams are still in contention. Up next, the Gujarat Giants face the Mumbai Indians on Friday, 30th January. Plenty is at stake. A win for Gujarat sends them through to the Eliminator, and the same reward awaits Mumbai if they come out on top. Defeat, however, brings nervous calculations. Gujarat, with an inferior net run rate, would be left watching the clash between UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals with bated breath. A loss for Mumbai would put them in the same boat, although with a slightly better NRR. The first ball of Match 19 will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as always, you can join us early for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

6:01 PM IST Grace Harris is the Player of the Match - It was an all-round show from the Aussie, 2/22 with the ball and a 37-ball 75 with the bat. She giggles and says that she is glad to be classified as an all-rounder for the game, and adds that she was happy when Smriti Mandhana gave her the ball. Mentions that she has been working on a few things with the bat, has kind of reverted to older patterns, and that it seems to be working as she feels more free and happy. Shares that she has worked on her head position and made some technical tweaks, which have allowed her access to more parts of the ground. She explains that they go through tactical discussions on how to approach a spinner, whether to play from the crease or step out, and that she is trying not to overthink. States that she is fairly powerful and often in an advantageous position compared to others, so she tries to cash in when she can and free herself up. On her partnership with Mandhana, Harris smiles and replies that when they glove-tap, she is the one using all the oxygen, while Smriti remains composed and knows her game. Further adds that Smriti allows her to talk freely and helps her refocus. Grace also shares that Mandhana gives her a bit of a heads-up on what ball is coming.

5:26 PM IST The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Smriti Mandhana says that UP Warriorz started really well with the bat, and she is pleased with the way her bowlers fought back from there. She gives special praise to Grace Harris for coming in to bowl for the first time in the tournament and picking up two crucial wickets, while also crediting Nadine De Klerk and the rest of the attack for chipping in and executing their plans well. Mandhana adds that over the last couple of games, the focus has been on staying practical and not getting carried away emotionally. She feels the team has played good cricket throughout the tournament and believes consistency in messaging from the support staff, whether in wins or losses, has helped keep the group grounded. Looking ahead, Mandhana says the players will enjoy a short break to switch off before coming back together to prepare for the final.

5:24 PM IST Time for the presentation ceremony...