Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Mumbai Indians (MI)

Source – Sportsmint media
RCB vs MI WPL 2026: The Women’s Premier League 2026begins with a blockbuster as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the season. Fans across India can catch on to the live action at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday, 9 January at 7:30 pm to witness this high-profile clash, which promises excitement, rivalries, and high-stakes cricket.
This opener is more than just a match—it’s a chance for both sides to make a statement and set the tone for the season ahead.
Current Match Highlights
- The WPL 2026 season opener features two of the league’s most competitive teams, both eager to make a statement with a win in the campaign’s opening match.
- Mumbai Indians enjoy a narrow advantage in their previous meetings, but RCB remains a dangerous team on its day.
- Battles to watch include RCB’s top order against MI’s experienced bowlers, and MI’s aggressive batters facing RCB’s flexible bowling lineup.
- Tactical duels will unfold between RCB’s batters and MI’s bowling attack, as well as MI’s power game versus RCB’s bowlers.
- X-factor performances from stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur could decisively shift momentum.
- The toss and evening conditions at DY Patil Stadium may significantly impact tactical decisions.
Mumbai Indians Squad
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C) – Right-Handed Batsman
- Amanjot Kaur – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Fast Bowler
- Amelia Kerr – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg Spin Bowler
- Hayley Matthews – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Nalla Reddy – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Bowler
- Nat Sciver-Brunt – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Bowler
- Nicola Carey – Left-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Bowler
- Poonam Khemnar – Right-Handed Batsman
- Sajeevan Sajana – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Sanskriti Gupta – Left-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Triveni Vasistha – Left-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Gunalan Kamalini (WK) – Left-Handed Batsman
- Rahila Firdous (WK) – Right-Handed Batsman
- Milly Illingworth – Right-Arm Fast Bowler
- Saika Ishaque – Left-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Shabnim Ismail – Right-Arm Fast Medium Bowler
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad
- Smriti Mandhana (C)– Left-Handed Batsman
- Georgia Voll– Right-Handed Batsman
- Arundhati Reddy – Right-Arm Medium Fast Bowler
- Dayalan Hemalatha – Right-Handed Batsman
- Gautami Naik – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Grace Harris – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Nadine de Klerk – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Bowler
- Pooja Vastrakar – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Fast Bowler
- Prema Rawat – Right-Arm Leg Spin Bowler
- Radha Yadav – Left-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Sayali Satghare – Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Fast Medium Bowler
- Kumar Prathyoosha (WK) – Right-Handed Batsman
- Richa Ghosh (WK) – Right-Handed Batsman
- Lauren Bell – Right-Arm Fast Medium Bowler
- Linsey Smith – Left-Arm Off Spin Bowler
- Shreyanka Patil – Right-Arm Off Spin Bowler
RCB vs MI: Head-to-Head in WPL
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians have met seven times in the Women’s Premier League to date. Mumbai Indians lead the head-to-head record with four wins, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have claimed three. The rivalry is known for tight finishes and balanced performances from both sides. Notably, the fixture has never seen a century scored by either team.
Overall Record :
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | No result |
| RCB | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| MI | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
Highest and Lowest Scores:
| Team | Highest Score | Lowest Score | Centuries |
| RCB | 199 | 115 | 0 |
| MI | 188 | 113 | 0 |
Toss and Match Outcomes:
| Team | Won Toss | Batting First | Elected to Bat | Elected to Field | Won Toss & Match |
| RCB | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| MI | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
Season-wise Results:
| Season | Match 1 | Match 2 | Match 3 |
| 2023 | RCB won by 11 runs | MI won by 4 wickets | — |
| 2024 | RCB won by 5 runs | RCB won by 7 wickets | MI won by 7 wickets |
| 2025 | MI won by 4 wickets | MI won by 9 wickets | — |
What to Expect
Fans can look forward to a competitive start to the season, as both teams combine experience with emerging talent. Mumbai Indians’ narrow historical advantage adds extra motivation for RCB to make a strong early statement. Key duels, X-factor performances, and match conditions may ultimately decide the result.
Whether it’s the power hitters of MI or the technically gifted batswomen of RCB, this match promises to kick off WPL 2026 with a thrilling contest for cricket lovers.
