The opening clash Women’s Premier League 2026 defending champions Mumbai Indian Women against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Both teams enter with strong squads bolstered by international stars, setting the stage for a high-profile opener on January 9. Mumbai Indians led by captain Harmanpreet Kaurboasts a balanced lineup Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr for explosive batting and versatile all-round contributions
Harmanpreet’s Mumbai Indians have won 4 of their previous 6 matches against RCB Women, including a thrilling chase of 167 in their last encounter, with a historic advantage in head-to-head encounters. The reigning champions are confident Shabnim Ismailtempo and Saika Isaac‘s spin while exploiting early conditions Amanjot Kaur and Nicola Carey add moderate muscle. RCB, the captain Smriti Mandhanacontrast with Richa Ghoshfinishing power, Shreyanka Patil‘s off-spin and new recruitment Grace Harris for an aggressive strike, aiming to reverse past fortunes
MI-W vs RCB-W, WPL 2026: Match details
- Date and Time: January 09; 19:30 IST/ 14:00 GMT
- Location: DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
MI-W vs RCB-W head to head record in WPL
Matches played: 7 | Mumbai Indians won: 4 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru won: 3 | No result: 0
Field Report of DY Patil Sports Academy
The Dr DY Patil Sports Academy pitch has historically favored batting in the WPL, offering genuine bounce and short boundaries (about 65m straight). Here at WPL 2025, teams sending 160+ successfully defended twice, but dew chases were successful 70% of the time. Captains who win the toss may prefer to chase after winning the toss, depending on the conditions.
Also READ: Not just RCB! Richa Ghosh picks another franchise that can win WPL 2026
Groups
Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, G. Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajana Sajeevan, Rahila Firdous, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasishta, Nalla Reddy, Millyworth, Saika Ishaworth
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (c), Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar, Sayali S. Hemaatg.
MI-W vs RCB-W, WPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Mumbai Indians The women win the toss first
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s power play score: 40-50
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s Total Score: 140-150
Case 2:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women win the toss first
- Mumbai Indians Women power play score: 50-60
- Mumbai Indians Women Total Score: 150-160
Match result: The first bowling team to win the match.
Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
