Why is Hayley Matthews Not Playing Today Match in MI vs RCB WPL 2026?

The Women's Premier League (WPL) has kicked off on January 9 and the opening game is between two former champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the D.Y Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

After the stellar opening ceremony, the season is about to start at 7.30 PM IST. The players from both teams are super excited to play the fourth edition of the WPL. However, MI Women have been dealt with a big blow as their all-rounder Hayley Matthews is not playing this match.

Why is Hayley Matthews Not Playing Today in MI vs RCB WPL Match?

In the tournament opener, MI's star opening batter Hayley Matthews is set to miss the game. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur revealed at the toss that Matthews isn't feeling well and hence, missed the game. Matthews is undoubtedly one of the best women cricketers in the world in terms of both batting and bowling.

Moreover, she is also the highest wicket-taker in WPL history. In just 29 games, she has taken 41 wickets, which are incredible numbers. The 27-year-old has also scored 758 runs, including five half-centuries. MI get the much-needed balance thanks to Hayley's all-round skills. Since she is missing the game, her team is likely to miss her services. Nicola Carey is Hayley Matthews replacement in first game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women.

MI are the most successful team in the tournament with two titles under their belt. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has managed the team really well and hence, helped the team win multiple times. They are the defending champions of the tournament and will be looking to win the title once again. Both MI-W and RCB-W have some of the best players in the tournament and will be looking forward to playing some quality cricket in Navi Mumbai, which has one of the best cricket stadiums in the world.

MI Bat First in WPL 2026 Opener

In the MI-W vs RCB-W WPL 2026 match, Smriti Mandhana and Co. have won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Women's Premier League began with a bang with a stunning opening ceremony. The RCB playing XI looks strong with Smriti Mandhana at the top. Meanwhile, MI have a balanced side too with a few new comers making their debut tonight.

Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey is set to make her MI and WPL debut. G Kamalini opened the batting with Amelia Kerr in the absence of Matthews with Nat Sciver-Brunt at No. 3. The fans are likely to see a lot of fireworks in today's MI Women vs RCB women match.

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI)

Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini (wk), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Playing XI)

Smriti Mandhana (c), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell