The first Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 has finally seen the debut win of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The team led by Smriti Manadhana won their first match of the season on March 15, defeating UP Warriorz by five wickets at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Mandhana called UP Warriorz to bat first after winning the toss. UP Warriorz were dismissed for 135 in 19.3 overs thanks to a precise bowling performance from RCB's opening bowler, Sophie Devine. She removed both UP Warriorz openers Devika Vaidya and Alyssa Healy. Ellyse Perry, an all-rounder for RCB, claimed a three-for after dismissing Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma, and Shweta Sehrawat, while Shobhana Asha took two wickets. Harris (46 off 32) who returned to the squad after one game, was the top-scorer for the Alyssa Healy-led side.

RCB struggled to a decent start in the chase as opener Mandhana was out for a duck and Devine departed after getting 14 runs off just six. After losing four wickets in the first 10 overs, RCB was in serious difficulty. Nevertheless, Richa Ghosh contributed with an undefeated 31 off 32 balls and Kanika Ahuja added a critical 46 runs off 30 balls to help RCB earn their first victory.

Brief Scores: UPW 135 in 19.3 overs (Harris 46; Perry 3-16, Devine 2-23) lost to RCB 136/5 in 18 overs (Ahuja 46; Deepti 2-26) by 5 wickets