WPL 2026: Why did Phoebe Litchfield miss RCB vs UPW clash?

RCB vs UPW: Phoebe Litchfield is the leading run-getter for UP Warriorz in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Match 18 pits table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) against the struggling UP Warriorz (UPW) at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 29, 2026.

RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, have secured their playoff spot with an impressive record and sit at the top of the points table with a strong net run rate. A victory here could guarantee them a top-two finish and a direct entry into the final.

However, they’ve hit a minor rough patch, suffering back-to-back losses after a dominant run, including low scores from their top order in recent games against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians.

UP Warriorz meanwhile, led by Meg Lanning, find themselves at the bottom of the standings and in a must-win scenario to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Despite boasting a talented lineup featuring players like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Chloe Tryon, they’ve struggled for consistency.

Why did Phoebe Litchfield miss RCB vs UPW clash?

Phoebe Litchfield’s absence from the RCB vs UPW clash in WPL 2026 stems from a quad injury she sustained during the tournament, forcing her to miss the remainder of the season. The Australian left-hander, who had been a standout performer for UP Warriorz in her debut campaign, was ruled out shortly before the match on January 29 at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium.

“We need to win every game we play, so nothing to lose as far as we’re concerned. It was a nice break, we focused on things that we need to get better a, places where we can improve and we’re happy to come into the XI. Couple of changes – Amy Jones comes in place of Litchfield, Simran is in place of Navgire. A new opening partner for me“, said captain Meg Lanning after the toss.

In place of Litchfield, UP Warriorz swiftly named England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones as her official injury replacement. Jones, who went unsold at the WPL 2026 auction, brings significant international experience with over 125 T20Is and a solid record of aggressive middle-order batting and reliable glove work.

Jones is all set to make her WPL debut and will also take up wicket-keeping duties, addressing UP Warriorz’s concerns behind the stumps to an extent. Her inclusion brings a ray of hope for the side, although she will still have a significant challenge in filling the void left by Litchfield’s absence.

UPW’s playing XI vs RCB

Meg Lanning(c), Simran Shaikh, Amy Jones(w), Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana Joy, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud

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