🏏WPL 2026: Match 1: MIW vs RCBW at Navi Mumbai on 09/01/26🏏 - Page 2

Originally posted by: Savera84

🏏WPL 2026: Match 1: MIW vs RCBW at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai on 09/01/26 @7:30PM IST🏏

Harmanpreet, Mandhana return to DY Patil, on opposite sides this time

MI take on RCB, with the match-up having all the ingredients needed for a great WPL rivalry

In its fourth season, the WPL now feels part of the system, shaping careers and standards in increasingly visible ways. Most notably, it played a part in India winning their first ODI World Cup last year. How 'bout that. Almost silly that there was a time when this idea struggled to get off the ground.

There is an extra layer of significance this time. Harmanpreet and Mandhana return to the venue where the defining night of their international careers played out two months ago. The DY Patil Stadium will stir fond memories not just for the two captains but also for the India players on both sides, even if the sea of MI blue in the stands is expected to outweigh RCB's red, black and gold. It was here that the duo shared an emotional hug after India clinched the World Cup, before circling the ground together, singing and dancing long into the night. On the eve of the WPL opener, both admitted those memories came flooding back as they walked into the stadium.

Thanks for the tag, Savera ji!

Looking forward to this contest of the bests

Thanks for the tag. Supporting rcb W for Smriti Mandhana

Thank you Raji for the thread and for tagging me❤️

You Guys watch womens cricket? I never ever watch Live women's cricket in my Life.

Thnxs for so much info

The defending champions of WPL - MI Women, kick off their WPL 2026 campaign tonight against former champions - RCB Women; in the tournament opener at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. With two titles already to their name, MI Women will be keen to begin their title defence on a positive note. The spotlight will firmly be on the marquee clash between Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana - two stalwarts of Indian women’s cricket leading their teams into a fresh season. With both sides boasting huge fan support across the country, the tournament opener is set to carry plenty of buzz and energy. With proven T20 match-winners stacked on both sides, this promises to be a high-quality contest, right from ball one - an ideal way for WPL 2026 to spring into action.

Originally posted by: Spiritual_Rain

You Guys watch womens cricket? I never ever watch Live women's cricket in my Life.

Thnxs for so much info

Cheers..

Thanks for the tag Savera💙.

Happy to Smriti on the field..

This weather is so good to play wpl.

By the time the men play, it's so hot and humid.

RCB won the toss

It is time for the toss. 15 minutes earlier than usual. Harmanpreet and Mandhana are out in the middle. Harmanpreet has the coin. She gives it a spin. Mandhana calls correctly, and RCB will bowl first. Dew plays a factor here and this is a chasing ground, Mandhana says. The girls have gelled nicely, she adds, and it feels like a fun group, and they cannot wait to start. Six debutants, she mentions. Harris, Bell, Smith and de Klerk are the four overseas players. RCB debuts for each of those players.

Smriti Mandhana: We’re going to bowl first. Dew plays a huge role at this venue, especially in the second half, and it’s a ground where conditions can change quickly. We want to bowl tight lines early and restrict the opposition. It’s been amazing. The girls have gelled really well. It’s a young group, the overseas players have settled in nicely, and it’s been a fun environment. Everyone’s worked extremely hard, and we’re really excited to get started. We’re going in with six Indian players. Our four overseas players are Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Welch, and Lauren Smith.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana(c), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh(w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell