The Women’s Premier League is back, and it doesn’t get bigger than this. Defending champions Mumbai Indians Women kick off their WPL 2026 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in the season opener at Navi Mumbai. With big names, fresh combinations and fantasy points on the line, Match 1 promises a high-octane start to the tournament.
The clash will be played at the familiar Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, a venue known for runs, dew and close chases.
MI-W vs RCB-W Match Details
- Match: MI-W vs RCB-W, Match 1, WPL 2026
- Date: January 9, 2026 (Friday)
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Read More :- WPL 2026 Live Streaming & TV Telecast: When, Where and How to Watch Women’s Premier League Matches in India
Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have met seven times across the first three WPL seasons. Mumbai Indians Women hold a narrow edge with four wins, while RCB Women have won three.
Weather Update
Conditions in Navi Mumbai look ideal for cricket. Expect partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 28°C and moderate humidity. Dew is likely to play a role later in the evening, making chasing slightly easier.
Pitch Report
DY Patil Stadium usually offers a flat batting track with good bounce. Fast bowlers may get some early movement, but once the ball gets older, it’s all about timing and power-hitting. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first due to dew.
Probable Playing XIs
MI-W:
Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Poonam Khemmar, Amanjot Kaur, S Sajana, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, Sanskrit Gupta
RCB-W:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, D Hemalatha, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Linsey Smith, Arundhati Reddy
RCB-W will miss Ellyse Perry this season, a big gap in both batting and bowling. MI-W, meanwhile, look settled with their core intact.
Dream11 Fantasy Team – Option 1
Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh
Batters: Smriti Mandhana, Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Harmanpreet Kaur
All-rounders: Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nadine de Klerk
Bowlers: Lauren Bell, Shabnim Ismail
Captain: Smriti Mandhana / Georgia Voll
Vice-Captain: Amelia Kerr / Harmanpreet Kaur
Dream11 Fantasy Team – Option 2
Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh
Batters: Smriti Mandhana, Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Harmanpreet Kaur
All-rounders: Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nadine de Klerk, Amanjot Kaur
Bowler: Shabnim Ismail
Captain: Hayley Matthews / Nadine de Klerk
Vice-Captain: Nat Sciver-Brunt / Amelia Kerr
Read More :- MI vs RCB W Live Streaming: WPL 2026 Begins Today — When, Where and How to Watch the Opening Match LIVE for Free
MI-W vs RCB-W Match Prediction
On paper, Mumbai Indians Women look more balanced, especially with their strong all-round lineup and proven match-winners. RCB-W have firepower at the top, but Perry’s absence could hurt in crunch moments. If MI-W handle Mandhana early, they should have the upper hand.
Prediction: Mumbai Indians Women to win Match 1.
