MI vs RCB WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Face Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Stadium

MI vs RCB: The fourth season of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2026) is set to begin with a thrilling contest. On January 9th, two cricket giants will face off at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. A high-voltage match is expected between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

MI vs RCB Mumbai Indians Look Even Stronger

On paper, the Mumbai Indians team looks even more dangerous this time around. The team has bolstered its bowling attack by bringing back South African fast bowling legend Shabnim Ismail. The aggressiveness of Hayley Matthews at the top of the order and the experience of captain Harmanpreet Kaur in the middle order make Mumbai a strong team.

MI vs RCB: Who has the upper hand?

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Smriti Mandhana, will look to put behind the bitter memories of last season and start afresh. RCB has a good mix of young and experienced players who can turn the match around in any situation. The competition between these two teams has always been a close one in the history of the WPL. So far, the two teams have faced each other seven times, with Mumbai Indians winning four times and Bangalore winning three times.

Who will benefit from the pitch?

In the 2025 season, both teams won one match each, resulting in a tie. Therefore, this season's opening match will not only break this tie but also set the tone for the tournament. The DY Patil Stadium pitch is traditionally considered a "batsman's paradise." The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and with short boundaries, fans can expect a barrage of fours and sixes. The dew factor will also play a significant role in the evening, which could lead to the team winning the toss deciding to bowl first.

MI vs RCB: How to Watch Live

The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Mobile and laptop users can watch the match live on the JioHotstar app and website. Match updates can also be easily obtained from the Twitter handles of both teams.

MI vs RCB: Probable Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Georgia Wareham, Gautami Naik, Grace Harris, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell.

Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vashisht, Kranti Goud, Millie Illingworth, Saiqa Ishak.

MI vs RCB Champions So Far

The WPL has had three seasons so far. The Mumbai Indians have won the title twice, while the Royal Challengers Bangalore have won it once. The Delhi Capitals reached the final in all three seasons but finished runner-up each time.

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