MI-W Playing XI vs RCB-W, Match 1 - WPL 2026

Debashis Sarangi

MI-W will face RCB-W in WPL 2026 match 1 [Source: @ESPNcricinfo/X]MI-W will face RCB-W in WPL 2026 match 1 [Source: @ESPNcricinfo/X]

On Friday, Mumbai Indians will kick off their Women's Premier League campaign with a blockbuster tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The much-awaited encounter will be played at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. 

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai Indians focused on getting their core players back in the WPL 2026 mega auction. As a result, they were able to assemble a formidable set of first-choice players besides signing domestic talents like Kranthi Reddy and Triveni Vasistha. 

As Mumbai Indians Women gear up for their first WPL 2026 clash, here we analyse and predict their playing XI against RCB Women. 

MI-W likely playing XI vs RCB-W in WPL 2026 match 1

Openers and Top Order - G. Kamalini, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt

MI Women had Yastika Bhatia as their opener alongside Hayley Matthews in the previous WPL season. Considering they have replaced Yastika with G. Kamalini, the talented 17-year-old is expected to open the batting with the experienced Matthews. 

Hayley Matthews has been one of the most prolific WPL players, amassing 758 runs at an average of 27.07 and a strike rate of 121.4. Apart from providing MI Women with a flamboyant start, Matthews can also be handy with the ball. 

England's Nat Sciver-Brunt is the frontrunner to bat at number three for Mumbai Indians. She is the most successful batter in the WPL history with 1027 runs under her belt. Besides being the backbone of MI's batting unit, Sciver-Brunt will also lead their bowling attack in the WPL. 

Middle Order and All-Rounders - Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajeevan Sajana

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who has 851 WPL runs, will spearhead Mumbai Indians' middle-order with the all-round duo of Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur. Kerr has 437 runs and 40 wickets in the WPL and is expected to play a significant role for Mumbai Indians in the tournament. 

Amanjot is an explosive finisher and can play shots all around the park. Her versatility as a batter and ability to chip in with the ball make her a valuable asset for the MI women. 

Meanwhile, Sajeevan Sajana will likely be MI's number seven batter, courtesy of her power-hitting credentials in the slog overs. The right-handed batter has 138 WPL runs at a blistering strike rate of 145.26. 

Bowlers - Sanskriti Gupta, Saika Ishaq, Shabnim Ismail

Shabnim Ismail, whom MI bought back at a price of INR 60 lakhs, will likely lead Mumbai Indians' pace bowling attack with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot Kaur. The veteran South African pacer has bagged 20 wickets at a magnificent economy of 6.82 in the WPL. Known for her ability to bowl at a searing pace, Ismail will be a genuine threat to the opposition, especially with the new ball. 

Meanwhile, considering MI have Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot to lead the pace bowling with Shabnim Ismail, they will likely bring in the wily spin duo of Sanskriti Gupta and Saika Ishaque to fill the remaining two slots. 

Ishaque has been a proven performer for MI, scalping 25 wickets in 22 matches, while Sanskriti can bamboozle the batters with her handy off-spin bowling. 

MI-W likely playing XI vs RCB-W in WPL 2026 match 1

G. Kamalini, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajeevan Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail