The Women’s Premier League returns with a marquee opening fixture as Mumbai Indians Women take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. With two of the most accomplished sides in the tournament facing off on the opening night, the contest promises intensity, quality, and early momentum in the race for supremacy.
Mumbai Indians Women step into the new season carrying the confidence of defending champions. Their journey over recent editions has established them as one of the strongest units in the league, built around depth, adaptability, and leadership that thrives under pressure.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women arrive with a point to prove of their own. Having tasted championship success recently, they begin this campaign aiming to reassert their dominance and make a strong statement straight away against familiar opposition.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women |
| Competition | Women’s Premier League 2026 |
| Match Number | Opening Match 1 |
| Date | Friday January 9th |
| Time | 7:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Dr DY Patil Sports Academy Navi Mumbai |
| Live Coverage | Star Sports Network and JioHotstar |
Pitch Report
The surface at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy is known for encouraging stroke play, particularly once batters settle in. The ball tends to come on nicely under lights, allowing timing rather than brute force to dictate scoring. Bowlers who rely on variation rather than pace have enjoyed more success here.
A first innings score beyond one hundred sixty two is expected to place pressure on the chasing side. The powerplay phase could deliver close to forty eight runs if batters make full use of the fielding restrictions.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Warm evening around twenty six degrees |
| Rain Chance | Very low likelihood of interruption |
| Humidity | Moderate levels later in the match |
| Dew Impact | Likely to assist batting in the second innings |
Toss Impact
Captains winning the toss are expected to opt for bowling first. Dew later in the evening often reduces grip for bowlers, making run control more difficult. Chasing sides generally benefit from knowing the target and conditions at this venue.
Head to Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | Seven |
| Wins by Mumbai | Four |
| Wins by Bengaluru | Three |
| No Result Matches | Zero |
Probable Playing Elevens
Mumbai Indians Women: Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, G Kamalini (WK), Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, Sajeevan Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam KhemnarRoyal Challengers Bengaluru Women:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Smriti Mandhana (C), Nadine de Klerk, Shreyanka Patil, Pooja Vastrakar, Richa Ghosh (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Georgia Voll, Lauren Bell, Gautami Naik, Linsey Smith
Dream Eleven Fantasy Tips
| Role | Suggested Picks |
|---|---|
| Batters | Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh |
| All Rounders | Nat Sciver Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr |
| Bowlers | Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, Lauren Bell |
| Wicketkeeper | Richa Ghosh |
Match Prediction
Both sides possess match winners across departments, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women appear slightly better positioned to adapt quickly to the conditions and execute under pressure. Their balance between aggression and control could prove decisive in the opening encounter.
Predicted Winner Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
