Did RCB Choose to Bowl First Against MI in WPL 2026?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying start to the 2026 Women’s Premier League, RCB has won the toss and chosen to bowl first against MI. With captain Smriti Mandhana leading a promising squad, and MI missing key players, the stage is set for a thrilling opening match.
Key Takeaways
- RCB opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
- The match is being held at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
- MI's Hayley Matthews is absent due to illness.
- Smriti Mandhana leads a young and dynamic RCB squad.
- Excitement surrounds the opening match of the WPL 2026.
Navi Mumbai, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have successfully won the toss and made the decision to bowl first against the reigning champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), during the inaugural match of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) at the thrilling DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
This marks the first instance of the WPL taking place in the January-February timeframe. After the toss, captain Smriti Mandhana announced that their overseas players for this match are Grace Harris, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, and Nadine de Klerk.
“Dew plays a significant role at this venue, particularly in the latter half, where conditions can shift rapidly. We aim to bowl tight lines from the start to limit the opposition’s scoring. It’s been a fantastic experience,” she elaborated.
“The girls have bonded exceptionally well. This is a youthful squad, and the overseas players have integrated smoothly. It’s been an enjoyable atmosphere, and everyone has put in tremendous effort, so we are thrilled to get underway,” she stated.
The MI squad, who have clinched the title twice, will be without all-rounder Hayley Matthews due to illness, resulting in a fresh opening partnership of Nat Sciver-Brunt and G. Kamalini as they commence their title defense.
“We were also inclined to bowl first, given the dew that typically comes into play later. However, since it’s the season opener, we’ll adapt as needed. We’ve been training hard for the past 10 days, and everyone seems to be in excellent form. Our team is well-balanced, quite similar to what we’ve fielded over the last three seasons, so we are confident going into the match,” commented captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini (wk), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, and Saika Ishaque
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (c), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell
Point of View
It’s essential to recognize the significance of this opening match in the 2026 Women’s Premier League. With RCB's strategic decision to bowl first and MI facing challenges without a key player, this game is poised to set the tone for the tournament. The excitement around women’s cricket continues to grow, and such matches contribute to the evolving narrative of sports in our nation.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the WPL 2026 opener?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss.
What did RCB decide to do after winning the toss?
RCB elected to bowl first against Mumbai Indians.
Why is Hayley Matthews absent from the MI lineup?
Hayley Matthews is unwell and unable to participate.
What is the significance of the DY Patil Stadium?
It is hosting the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Premier League.
Who captains the Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Smriti Mandhana is the captain of RCB.
