![MI Vs RCB: match prediction [Source: TV9Marathi]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767869126366_MIVsRCBmatchprediction.jpg?type=hq)
MI Vs RCB: match prediction [Source: TV9Marathi]
The stage is set for the start of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)2026 season as the fourth edition of the marquee tournament kicks off with a riveting battle between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Mumbai Indians. MI is the defending champion, while the Smriti Mandhana-led RCB captured the title in 2024.
The two sides had contrasting results in the 2025 season, with RCB failing to qualify for the playoffs, while MI did the unthinkable and won the Eliminator and the finale to win their second WPL title. With the two champion teams set to lock horns, we take a look at the various parameters to decide the probable winner of the match.
MI Vs RCB current form (last 5 matches)
| Teams | Form |
| RCB | W, L, L, L, L |
| MI | WW, L, WW |
MI Vs RCB: Key player battles
Harmanpreet Kaur vs Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell, the RCB pacer, has the knack of swinging the ball both ways and she can trouble the MI skipper, who has the tendency of getting dismissed lbw. Against Harmanpreet, Bell can be utilised by Mandhana, and she can be the one to exploit the small chinks in Harmanpreet’s armour.
Smriti Mandhana vs Amelia Kerr
Smriti Mandhana, the RCB captain, is an excellent player of pace bowling and has the ability to pierce the gap against them with ease. However, it has been observed that spinners tend to dominate her and her strike rate gets reduced. Mumbai Indians Women have Amelia Kerr in their ranks and Harmanpreet Kaur could use Kerr’s leg-spin ability against Mandhana in the opening fixture.
Nat Sciver vs Radha Yadav
Alongside Harmanpreet, Nat Sciver is MI’s most important wicket, and against her prowess, RCB could use Radha Yadav, the left-arm orthodox spinner. Against a right-handed batter, a left-arm spinner is always a smart move, and she could be the one who takes the ownership of dismissing Sciver in the WPL opener.
MI Vs RCB top performers
Most runs for MI vs RCB
Nat Sciver (229), Hayley Matthews (176)
Most wickets for MI Vs RCB
Nat Sciver (8), Hayley Matthews (8)
Most runs for RCB Vs MI
Ellyse Perry (282) Smriti Mandhana (145)
Most wickets for RCB Vs MI
Georgia Wareham (6), Kim Garth (4)
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MI Vs RCB toss prediction
The match will be played at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, and as history suggests, the wicket there gets better as the game progresses. With the match taking place in January, there is also a chance for dew coming in, and keeping all these factors in mind, the toss winning captain is likely to bowl first.
MI Vs RCB 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay: 50/1
Final score: 147
MI Vs RCB 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay: 55/1
Final score: 148
MI Vs RCB top players prediction
MI's top players prediction
Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver
RCB's top players prediction
Grace Harris, Shreyanka Patil
Who will hit the most sixes in MI Vs RCB WPL match?
Hayley Matthews
Who will hit the most fours in MI Vs RCB WPL match?
Smriti Mandhana
MI Vs RCB winners prediction: Who will win WPL match 1?
MI has a better head-to-head record over RCB (4-3), and they have a more balanced squad for the upcoming game. RCB suffered an early jolt as Ellyse Perry will not take part in the tournament, and the team will find it hard to replace the player who has always delivered against MI. Hence, for the tournament starter, MI should be the favourites over RCB.
