MI Women vs RCB Women Playing 11 WPL 2026 (Match 1)

The first match of one of the best cricket tournament of female cricketers, Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, is set to mark the beginning. This season will be one of the most electrifying seasons as defending champions Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) is set to lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) in Match 1 on Friday, 9 January 2026, at one of the smallest cricket stadium in India, Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.

MI Women vs RCB Women WPL 2026

Mumbai Indians Women will begin their WPL 2026 campaign with all those high expectations after emerging as champions in the 2025 season, where they defeated Delhi Capitals Women in the final. MI-W are the most decorated team in WPL history, having already secured two titles and will be aiming to claim their third trophy. Both teams will try to start their 2026 campaign with a power-packed performance.

MI Women vs RCB Women Playing 11 WPL 2026

MI-W Playing 11 vs RCB-W includes match-winners with Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt at the top. They provide explosive starts while also contributing crucial overs with the ball, making them one of the best all-rounders in WPL. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur controls the middle order with her power-hitting and is supported by the emerging talent of Amanjot Kaur and world-class all-rounder Amelia Kerr.

On the other hand, RCB-W Playing 11 vs MI-W revolves around a strong core. Captain Smriti Mandhana leads the batting unit, while Richa Ghosh, behind the stumps, provides finishing firepower in the lower middle order.

Key Players to Watch For MI Women vs RCB Women WPL 2026

Nat Sciver-Brunt is expected to play the most significant role for MI-W with the bat in this match. She was the Player of the Tournament in WPL 2025, delivering several match-winning performances and scoring runs with consistency. She has already smashed 1,027 runs in 29 WPL matches. Sciver-Brunt stands out as one of the most consistent and dangerous batters in the league. She will be eager to start the 2026 season on a winning note and set the tone for another strong campaign.

Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav from RCB-W could be the standout bowler in this contest. After representing Delhi Capitals Women for the last three seasons, she begins a fresh journey with her new franchise and will be looking to make a strong first impression. Radha has picked up 14 wickets in the WPL while keeping her economy rate under eight. Her middle over spell will be the key for the RCB-W to restrict the strong batting lineup of MI-W.