The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicks off with a high voltage clash as two-time and defending champions Mumbai Indians take on one-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 1st match on January 9 at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. This iconic venue, where India lifted the ODI World Cup 2025, sets the stage for a blockbuster opener between the only two sides that have tasted WPL glory.
Mumbai, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, boast a star-studded lineup with firepower across departments. They’ll aim to defend their crown. Meanwhile, RCB, under Smriti Mandhana, enter with renewed hunger. Their balanced squad, blending pace, spin, and explosive batting, could finally break through if they ignite early.
Head-to-Head:
- Total Matches – 7
- Mumbai Indians Wins – 4
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Wins – 3
- No Result – 0
Squads:
Mumbai Indians’ Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Nicola Carey, Sanskriti Gupta, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail, Gunalan Kamalini, Amojot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Poonam Khemnar, Kranthi Reddy, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver Brunt, Rahila Firdous, Sajeevan Sajana, Triveni Vasistha
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s Cricket Team
Smriti Mandhana (C), Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh, Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Shreyanka Patil, Kumari Prathyusha, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Linsey Smith, Pooja Vastrakar, Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav
Where to Watch: MI v RCB WPL Match 1
Date – January 9, 2026
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Broadcast:
India – Live telecast on Star Sports Network | Live streaming on JioHotstar (app and website on mobile, smart TV, and tablet).
UK – The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.
South Africa – Viewers can watch the action on SuperSport.
New Zealand – Live coverage will be available on Sky Sport.
Australia – The match will be televised on FOX Cricket.
USA & Canada – Fans can stream the match on Willow TV.
MENA – Coverage will be available on Cricbuzz.
Schedule:
Mumbai Indians Full Schedule
- Jan 9 (Fri): vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 10 (Sat): vs Delhi Capitals – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 13 (Tue): vs Gujarat Giants – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 15 (Thu): vs UP Warriorz -Navi Mumbai
- Jan 17 (Sat): vs UP Warriorz -Navi Mumbai
- Jan 20 (Tue): vs Delhi Capitals – Vadodara
- Jan 26 (Mon): vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Vadodara
- Jan 30 (Fri): vs Gujarat Giants – Vadodara
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Schedule
- Jan 9 (Fri): vs Mumbai Indians – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 12 (Mon): vs UP Warriorz – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 16 (Fri): vs Gujarat Giants – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 17 (Sat): vs Delhi Capitals – Navi Mumbai
- Jan 19 (Mon): vs Gujarat Giants – Vadodara
- Jan 24 (Sat): vs Delhi Capitals – Vadodara
- Jan 26 (Mon): vs Mumbai Indians – Vadodara
- Jan 29 (Thu): vs UP Warrioz – Vadodara
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