MI-W vs RCB-W WPL 2026, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicks off with a blockbuster clash as Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) in the opening match on Friday, January 9, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Both teams are among the strongest in the competition, promising an exciting start to the season.

Match Details: MI-W vs RCB-W

Match Preview

Mumbai Indians Women enter the WPL 2026 as the defending champions, having defeated Delhi Capitals Women in the 2025 final. With two WPL titles already in their cabinet, MI-W are looking to make history by clinching a third championship. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the squad boasts all-rounders and power hitters like Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur, and Saika Ishaque, making them a formidable force.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, on the other hand, were crowned champions in 2024 and have remained consistent in their performances over the last few seasons. Under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, RCB-W have key match-winners such as Richa Ghosh, Nadine de Klerk, Shreyanka Patil, and Arundhati Reddy, giving them the firepower to challenge any top side.

This opening encounter promises high-intensity cricket as both teams aim to start their campaigns on a winning note.

Head-to-Head Record: MI-W vs RCB-W

MI-W hold a slight edge in previous encounters, winning four of the seven matches against RCB-W.

Also Read: How to Watch WPL 2026 Live for Free: Date, Time & First Match

Weather & Pitch Report: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy

• Weather Report: The weather in Navi Mumbai is expected to be pleasant with some cloud cover, and the temperature is likely to hover around 28°C with 38% humidity during the match.
• Pitch Report: The pitch at DY Patil is generally batting-friendly. It features a flat surface that offers minimal assistance to bowlers, except for some early swing with the new ball. Chasing teams generally have an advantage here due to dew conditions in the evening, which can make bowling in the second innings challenging. Expect a high-scoring and exciting encounter under the lights.

Probable Playing 11

Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) Playing 11

1. Hayley Matthews, 2. Nat Sciver-Brunt, 3. Harmanpreet Kaur (C), 4. Amanjot Kaur, 5. Amelia Kerr, 6. G Kamalini (WK), 7. Shabnim Ismail, 8. Saika Ishaque, 9. Sajeevan Sajana, 10. Sanskriti Gupta, 11. Poonam Khemnar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) Playing 11

1. Smriti Mandhana (C), 2. Nadine de Klerk, 3. Shreyanka Patil, 4. Pooja Vastrakar, 5. Richa Ghosh (WK), 6. Arundhati Reddy, 7. Radha Yadav, 8. Georgia Voll, 9. Lauren Bell, 10. Gautami Naik, 11. Linsey Smith

Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)

While both teams boast talent and experience, Mumbai Indians Women have a slight edge as the defending champions. Their combination of strong batters and seasoned all-rounders, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, gives them the upper hand, especially under lights with the dew factor playing a role in the second innings.

AI Match Prediction: Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) are favourites to win the opening WPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W).

Also Read: SL vs PAK 2nd T20I, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction