WPL 2026 Opening Match 1: MI vs RCB — Head-to-Head Records, Key Stats & Match Preview
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicks off with a blockbuster clash as Mumbai Indians (MI) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 1 of the tournament. Just like the IPL on the men’s side, MI vs RCB has become one of the most anticipated rivalries in the WPL as well — packed with star players, contrasting team philosophies, and massive fan following.
Here’s a complete, in-depth preview of the WPL 2026 opening match, including head-to-head records, key stats, past results, and what to expect.
WPL 2026 Match 1: MI vs RCB — Match Details
- Match: Match 1, WPL 2026
- Fixture: Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
- Occasion: Opening Match of WPL 2026
- Format: T20
- Venue: As per WPL 2026 opening match schedule
- Time: Evening start (IST)
The opening match traditionally follows the WPL Opening Ceremony, making it one of the most-watched games of the season.
MI vs RCB: A High-Profile WPL Rivalry
MI and RCB represent two powerhouse franchises with:
- Strong international cores
- Iconic Indian players
- Aggressive brand identities
While RCB boast flair and crowd support, MI have historically dominated this matchup in the WPL.
MI vs RCB Head-to-Head Record (WPL)
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 6 |
| Mumbai Indians Wins | 5 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Wins | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
👉 Mumbai Indians have won the majority of encounters, establishing clear early dominance in this rivalry.
Last 5 Encounters
-
2025: RCB won by 11 runs (High-scoring thriller)
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2025: MI won by 4 wickets
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2024 (Eliminator): RCB won by 5 runs (Defended 135)
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2024: RCB won by 7 wickets
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2024: MI won by 7 wickets
MI vs RCB Match-by-Match Results (WPL History)
- MI have consistently outperformed RCB in:
- Powerplay efficiency
- Bowling at the death
- Fielding standards
- RCB’s lone victory came through:
- Strong top-order batting
- A standout all-round performance
Overall, MI’s balanced squad has given them the edge across seasons.
Key Player Battles
-
Hayley Matthews vs. Smriti Mandhana: Matthews has the most wickets in WPL history (41), many of them coming in the powerplay. Mandhana’s ability to survive the opening burst will be critical for RCB.
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Nat Sciver-Brunt vs. Shreyanka Patil: Sciver-Brunt is the only player to cross 1,000 WPL runs. Patil, the 2024 Purple Cap winner, will be tasked with stopping her in the middle overs.
The “Perry” Factor
The biggest news heading into the match is the absence of Ellyse Perry for RCB. Perry has historically been Mumbai’s nemesis, holding the best bowling figures in WPL history (6/15) against them. Without her, RCB’s middle order and bowling depth will be severely tested
Key Player Stats — MI vs RCB (WPL)
Top Batters in MI vs RCB Matches
- Harmanpreet Kaur (MI): Consistent run-scorer, strong against spin
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (MI): High strike rate, match-winner
- Smriti Mandhana (RCB): RCB’s leading run contributor in this rivalry
Top Bowlers in MI vs RCB Matches
- Saika Ishaque (MI): Economical spell specialist
- Hayley Matthews (MI): Powerplay wicket-taker
- Renuka Singh (RCB): New-ball threat against MI batters
Team Comparison — MI vs RCB
Mumbai Indians Strengths
- Strong all-rounders
- Depth in batting till No. 8
- Multiple bowling options in powerplay and death
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Strengths
- Explosive top order
- World-class Indian batters
- Improved bowling unit in recent seasons
Tactical Battle to Watch
- MI bowlers vs RCB top order in the powerplay
- RCB pacers vs MI all-rounders in middle overs
- Spin matchups could be decisive, especially on Indian pitches
Top Stats: All-Time WPL Leaders
| Record Category | Player | Team | Stat |
| Most Runs | Nat Sciver-Brunt | MI | 1,027 |
| Most Wickets | Hayley Matthews | MI | 41 |
| Highest Individual Score | Sophie Devine | RCB | 99 |
| Best Bowling Figures | Ellyse Perry | RCB | 6/15 |
| Most Sixes | Shafali Verma | DC | 49 |
What’s at Stake in the Opening Match?
- Early momentum in the WPL 2026 points table
- Psychological edge for the rest of the season
- Statement win in front of a global audience
Opening matches often shape the narrative of the tournament.
Top Stats: All-Time WPL Leaders
| Record Category | Player | Team | Stat |
| Most Runs | Nat Sciver-Brunt | MI | 1,027 |
| Most Wickets | Hayley Matthews | MI | 41 |
| Highest Individual Score | Sophie Devine | RCB | 99 |
| Best Bowling Figures | Ellyse Perry | RCB | 6/15 |
| Most Sixes | Shafali Verma | DC | 49 |
Predicted Playing XIs for Match 1
Mumbai Indians (MI):
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail, Poonam Khemnar, S. Gupta, R. Firdous.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Dayalan Hemalatha, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Pooja Vastrakar, Lauren Bell, Arundhati Reddy.
Match Outlook
- MI enter as favourites based on head-to-head dominance
- RCB will look to break the pattern and start WPL 2026 on a high
- Expect a high-scoring contest with star players under the spotlight
Match Prediction: Mumbai Indians start as favorites (58% win probability) due to their superior all-round depth and the absence of Ellyse Perry in the RCB camp. However, RCB’s aggressive top order could pull off an upset if they post 170+.
