🏏WPL 2026: Match 16: RCB W vs MI W at Vadodara on 26/01/26🏏 - Page 4

The streak is over. 16 days, 15 matches and several close shaves is what it took but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bubble has been popped. The good thing from an RCB POV, though, is that they have already qualified. Meaning that the defeat on Saturday was not quite terminal, even if it may have dented their confidence. And having pulled so far clear of the pack for so much of the league phase, the last thing RCB will want is to give up a direct route to the final.

Circumstances are a little different for the defending champions. Before a ball had been bowled, the Mumbai Indians would have harboured aspirations of a spot in the final, at the very least. That objective may not have changed, and all is not lost for them. Not yet anyway. But for a side that has almost always had some elbow room heading into previous playoffs, there is now, with only two group games left, a definitive sense of time and opportunities running out.

Shadow-Shell: "RCB might subconsciously relax now that they have qualified. But this is a dangerous time to give up momentum. You don't wanna be invincible at start and then wither away" -- Well, for what it is worth, no table-topper has ever won the WPL...

So, the big news from the toss is that Kerr is back in the MI side. She replaces Carey, who picked up a niggle while batting against the Delhi Capitals and was able to bowl just a solitary over. It will be interesting to see where Kerr bats, though. She has opened this season but did not enjoy a lot of success, although that could be said about each opening pair MI have tried this campaign.

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Shadow-Shell: "RCB might subconsciously relax now that they have qualified. But this is a dangerous time to give up momentum. You don't wanna be invincible at start and then wither away" -- Well, for what it is worth, no table-topper has ever won the WPL... -- interesting stat but might be a tad little concerning for RCB fans!

Today’s match will be interesting RCB has nothing to lose but will want to bounce back from that slightly demoralizing loss to DC on Saturday, while MI has everything at stake, including a playoff spot. Mumbai has brought Kerr in, hoping she can bolster their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, while RCB is continuing with the same squad. This is going to be a match that will decide the fate of at least one WPL team.

Bell to Sajana, OUT

rapped on the pad, and the finger goes up!

Sajeevan Sajana lbw b Bell 7 (7b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100

Lauren Bell to Sajeevan Sajana, out Lbw!! Bell strikes! Sajeevan Sajana lbw b Lauren Bell 7(7) [4s-1]

Lauren Bell to Sajeevan Sajana, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

MI 16/1

MI Women

(2.2/20 ov) 16/1

RCB Women

RCB Women chose to field.

Stats view

Current RR: 6.85

forecaster

Live Forecast:

MI-W 159

A little momentum lost for MI and a sigh of relief for RCB. Bell gave them an early breakthrough.

Gokul Pradeep V: "MI's opening pair have let them down, consistently!! And MI not learning from their mistakes !!" -- And that has been compounded by the number of pairs they have tried.

Nat Sciver-Brunt backed to cross 40: Since 2025, Nat Sciver-Brunt has piled up 1448 T20 runs at an average of more than 40. With a few crucial knocks already this season, her form suggests another 40+ score in this big game.