WPL 2026: RCB Skipper Smriti Mandhana Chooses to Bowl First Against MI

Match Overview

In the inaugural match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 held in Navi Mumbai, Smriti Mandhana, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), won the toss and decided to field first against the reigning champions, Mumbai Indians (MI).

With two championships already secured, MI Women are eager to kick off their title defense successfully. The match will highlight the talents of Harmanpreet Kaur and Mandhana, both prominent figures in Indian women's cricket, as they lead their respective teams into this new season.

Captains' Insights

During the toss, MI's captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed, "We were also inclined to bowl first due to the dew expected later. However, since it's the season opener, we will adapt as the game progresses. Our preparations over the last ten days have been fruitful, and the team is in good form. We have a balanced squad, similar to our lineup from the past three seasons, which boosts our confidence for this match."

Smriti Mandhana commented, "We chose to bowl first as dew significantly impacts play here, particularly in the latter half. The conditions can shift rapidly, so we aim to maintain tight bowling early on to limit the opposition's scoring. The team has bonded well; it's a youthful squad, and our overseas players have integrated seamlessly. Everyone has put in tremendous effort, and we are thrilled to begin. Our lineup includes six Indian players and four overseas players: Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Welch, and Lauren Smith."

Team Lineups

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.

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.