WPL 2026 MI vs RCB Match Prediction ,Preview, Probable XIs & Tips
Defending champions Mumbai Indians Women (MI) begin their WPL 2026 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB) in the season opener on January 9 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. With two of the league’s most followed teams facing off on opening night, the contest sets the tone for the new season.
While MI enter the match with a settled core and strong recent form, RCB will be eager to make a statement despite the high-profile absence of Ellyse Perry.
Match Details
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Fixture: Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
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Date: January 9, 2026
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Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
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Tournament Phase: League stage opener (Jan 9 – Feb 1)
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Last Season: MI champions (2025), RCB struggled after winning the 2024 title
Team Form & Context
Mumbai Indians Women (MI)
MI come into the season as defending champions, led by Harmanpreet Kaur. Their squad depth, particularly in the all-rounder department, gives them flexibility across conditions. The presence of Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, and Saika Ishaque makes MI one of the most balanced sides in the league.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB)
RCB, champions in 2024, are looking to bounce back after a difficult 2025 campaign. The withdrawal of Ellyse Perry removes a crucial batting and bowling option, placing greater responsibility on Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and the new-look middle order. Sayali Satghare has been named as Perry’s replacement.
Team Strengths
Why MI Have the Edge
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Multiple all-rounders who can bat deep and bowl in key phases
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Proven match-winners in pressure situations
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A balanced attack combining pace and spin
What RCB Will Rely On
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Smriti Mandhana’s top-order dominance
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Richa Ghosh’s finishing ability
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A disciplined bowling unit led by Lauren Bell, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil
Key Players to Watch
Mumbai Indians Women
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Harmanpreet Kaur (C): Big-match player with vast leadership experience
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Nat Sciver-Brunt: High-impact all-rounder in both powerplay and death overs
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Amelia Kerr: Middle-overs control and lower-order runs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
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Smriti Mandhana (C): Aggressive top-order batter capable of dictating the game
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Richa Ghosh (WK): Explosive middle-order hitter
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Lauren Bell: New-ball threat with pace and bounce
Pitch & Conditions: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
DY Patil is traditionally a batting-friendly venue, though early movement with the new ball is common.
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Average first-innings scores: 150–180 range
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Chasing: Often favourable under lights
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Key factor: All-rounders and death-over bowling
Probable Playing XIs
(Final XIs to be confirmed at toss)
Mumbai Indians Women (MI)
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Hayley Matthews
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G Kamalini (wk)
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Nat Sciver-Brunt
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Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
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Amelia Kerr
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Amanjot Kaur
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Sajeevan Sajana
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Poonam Khemnar
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Sanskriti Gupta / Triveni Vasistha
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Shabnim Ismail
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Saika Ishaque
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB)
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Smriti Mandhana (c)
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Georgia Voll
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Dayalan Hemalatha
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Richa Ghosh (wk)
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Grace Harris
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Nadine de Klerk
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Pooja Vastrakar
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Shreyanka Patil
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Arundhati Reddy
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Radha Yadav
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Lauren Bell
Match Prediction: Who Holds the Advantage?
On paper, Mumbai Indians Women hold a slight edge due to:
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Greater all-round depth
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A more settled core
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Recent championship momentum
RCB’s challenge will be to compensate for Perry’s absence by maximising their top-order output and striking early with the ball.
Expected Scenario
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Projected scores: 150–180
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Deciding factors: Middle-overs control and all-rounder impact
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Lean: MI by a narrow margin in a closely contested opener
Final Word
The WPL 2026 opener promises a high-quality contest between two heavyweight franchises. MI begin as marginal favourites, but RCB’s star power at the top ensures this will be anything but one-sided. With a full house expected at DY Patil, the season is set to begin in spectacular fashion.