WPL 2026 : MI vs RCB Match Prediction ,Preview, Probable XIs & Pitch Report

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

Fixture: Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
Date: January 9, 2026
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Tournament Phase: League stage opener (Jan 9 – Feb 1)
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

Multiple all-rounders who can bat deep and bowl in key phases
Proven match-winners in pressure situations
A balanced attack combining pace and spin

What RCB Will Rely On

Smriti Mandhana’s top-order dominance
Richa Ghosh’s finishing ability
A disciplined bowling unit led by Lauren Bell, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil

Key Players to Watch

Mumbai Indians Women

Harmanpreet Kaur (C): Big-match player with vast leadership experience
Nat Sciver-Brunt: High-impact all-rounder in both powerplay and death overs
Amelia Kerr: Middle-overs control and lower-order runs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women

Smriti Mandhana (C): Aggressive top-order batter capable of dictating the game
Richa Ghosh (WK): Explosive middle-order hitter
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.

Average first-innings scores: 150–180 range
Chasing: Often favourable under lights
Key factor: All-rounders and death-over bowling

Probable Playing XIs

(Final XIs to be confirmed at toss)

Mumbai Indians Women (MI)

Hayley Matthews
G Kamalini (wk)
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
Amelia Kerr
Amanjot Kaur
Sajeevan Sajana
Poonam Khemnar
Sanskriti Gupta / Triveni Vasistha
Shabnim Ismail
Saika Ishaque

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB)

Smriti Mandhana (c)
Georgia Voll
Dayalan Hemalatha
Richa Ghosh (wk)
Grace Harris
Nadine de Klerk
Pooja Vastrakar
Shreyanka Patil
Arundhati Reddy
Radha Yadav
Lauren Bell

Match Prediction: Who Holds the Advantage?

On paper, Mumbai Indians Women hold a slight edge due to:

Greater all-round depth
A more settled core
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

Projected scores: 150–180
Deciding factors: Middle-overs control and all-rounder impact
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.