🏏WPL 2026: Match 1: MIW vs RCBW at Navi Mumbai on 09/01/26🏏 - Page 3

Jacqueline Fernandez performing in the opening ceremony

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI): Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini(w), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque

Harmanpreet Kaur: We were also looking to bowl first, considering the dew later on. But it’s the first game of the season, so we’ll see how things go. It’s been really good. We’ve been practicing for the last 10 days, and everyone looks in good touch. We’ve got a well-balanced side, pretty similar to what we’ve had over the last three seasons, so we’re confident heading into the game.

Pitch and dimensions: It is beautiful. It is nice and calm. In terms of the weather, not too hot either, which is good for us Kiwis coming over here. In terms of the dimensions, it’s actually quite a decent hit down the ground - 66 metres. Really, really short behind me. But in terms of square of the wicket, there’s definitely one side hitting into the leg side, which is only 53 metres, which most batters will love. 61 to the offside. So maybe some things to think about for captains in terms of their selections and where they want to bowl. If you look at the wicket, this is made of red soil and it is rolled really well. It is pretty hard, but there is a decent amount of grass covering, and that is to bind the wicket together. It will help the seamers initially with the new ball. There will be some movement off the wicket, but otherwise it’s an out-and-out. You can expect a high-scoring game and it can also be chased down. In the World Cup also we’ve seen the dew here, and there will be dew because this is early in the year, in January. There will be a good amount of dew, and that is why I think it will influence the decision at the toss. The wicket is so good for the batters. Every shot is worth the money, as long as they’re playing through the line. A total of 200 is up there.

Why mumbai team have over-seas player? Sorry, i do not know anything in this womens cricket league ever

Originally posted by: Spiritual_Rain

Why mumbai team have over-seas player? Sorry, i do not know anything in this womens cricket league ever

Lauren Bell: It’s definitely been different. Different franchise and obviously RCB are pretty massive. It’s been a crazy few days since I landed, but yeah, I’m excited. It’s been pretty non-stop. Obviously they’re a pretty big franchise, so there’s been lots going on. And then obviously trying to meet everyone and learn names and learn everything. It’s been really fun and I’m just excited for the first game tonight. Surprise for me. I didn’t know what to expect. I think you don’t want to go into an auction with any expectations. I was obviously buzzing. It’s an amazing franchise that want me. We went to the cafe today and Georgia backed herself as a barista, so they very kindly let us use the machine and make our own coffees. We’ve got a pretty good setup.

The first ball will be bowled at 19:40 local time today. For the remaining games, the start time will be 19:30 local time..

STAT: 11 games played at this venue in WPL 2023; eight of those won by the chasing side with the highest target chased down being 170 & three games batting first were all scores in excess of 180.

Today the match starts at 7:40 PM IST. From tomorrow it will be back to 7:30.

Cheers..

Nat Sciver-Brunt: (Reasons for MI Women's success last season) I guess it comes down to the team. It might sound obvious, but different people stood up at different times. The environment we’ve created over the last three years has been really special. Everyone backs each other, and in those key moments, someone always finds a way to step up. I think so. Not knowing too much on the sidelines, especially during the auction, that was probably the plan. Why change something that’s worked so well for us in this competition? We’ve also made some really good additions, so we’re excited to get the season started tonight. Looking forward to it. I’d love to replicate that kind of season, but when I’m at my best, I’m just taking each ball as it comes and staying in the moment. I won’t think too much about last year too much, just try to stay in my zone and perform the same way. I’d be lying if I said that was me, unfortunately! I did get a fright, my brother even asked if it was AI, which I don’t think it was. I’m pretty sure it was a body double. It would’ve been great fun to ride around Mumbai on a motorbike, but I’m not sure team management would’ve been too happy about that.

STAT: 11 games played at this venue in WPL 2023; eight of those won by the chasing side with the highest target chased down being 170 & three games batting first were all scores in excess of 180.