AI generated graphic showing WPL 2026 opening match result where Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women defeated Mumbai Indians Women by three wickets, with updated points table and players from both teams.

WPL 2026 Daily Round-Up – January 9, 2026: Full Match Results, Key Performers & Updated Points Table

January 10, 2026

WPL 2026 opened with a tight finish in Navi Mumbai as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women chased down Mumbai Indians Women’s target in the final over to begin their campaign with a hard-fought three-wicket win. The defending champions were left to reflect on missed opportunities with both bat and ball, while RCBW made a confident early statement.

Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women – Match 1, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Toss and Team Strategies

Smriti Mandhana won the toss for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and chose to field first, backing her bowlers to use the new ball effectively under lights before conditions eased for the chase. Mumbai Indians, without Hayley Matthews, promoted Amelia Kerr to open alongside G Kamalini, aiming to capitalise on Kerr’s all-round strokeplay at the top while keeping Harmanpreet Kaur for a late surge.

Powerplay Overview

Mumbai reached 34 for 1 in the first six overs, losing Kerr early but stabilising through Kamalini as Lauren Bell maintained disciplined pressure. Although the innings never fully took off in the Powerplay, MI were positioned at 50 for 2 after 8.4 overs.

In reply, RCBW burst out of the blocks as Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana added quick runs, racing to 57 for 2 by the end of the Powerplay and keeping the asking rate firmly under control.

Key Turning Points

Lauren Bell’s incisive new-ball spell that removed Amelia Kerr and restricted scoring in the opening phase.
The middle-overs partnership between S Sajana and Nicola Carey, lifting MI to a competitive total.
Nadine de Klerk’s four-wicket haul that broke momentum and denied Mumbai a late flourish.
De Klerk’s composed half-century anchoring the chase after regular wickets.

Top Batting Performances

S Sajana (MI) – Important middle-order innings that pushed MI beyond 150.
Nicola Carey (MI) – Calm rebuilding effort through the middle overs.
Grace Harris (RCBW) – 25 (12), explosive start in the Powerplay.
Smriti Mandhana (RCBW) – 18 (13), maintained early tempo.
Nadine de Klerk (RCBW) – 63 (44), anchored the successful chase.

Best Bowling Figures

Nadine de Klerk (RCBW) – 4/26 in 4 overs, decisive spell in the middle and death overs.
Lauren Bell (RCBW) – Key Powerplay breakthroughs with disciplined lines.

Final Result and Margin

Mumbai Indians Women posted 154 for 6 in 20 overs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women replied with 157 for 7, winning by three wickets in the final over.

Key Performers of the Day

Player	Team	Performance Summary
Nadine de Klerk	RCBW	63 off 44 balls and 4/26 – match-winning all-round performance
Grace Harris	RCBW	25 off 12 balls – Powerplay acceleration
Smriti Mandhana	RCBW	18 off 13 balls and smart captaincy
S Sajana	MI	Crucial middle-order contribution
Nicola Carey	MI	Stabilising innings in the middle overs

Points Table Impact

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women open their WPL 2026 account with two points and move to the top of the table after the first match. Mumbai Indians start their title defence with a narrow loss and an early negative Net Run Rate.

With the league only just underway, margins are fine, but RCBW’s composed chase gives them a small early advantage. Mumbai will be eager to respond quickly and avoid falling behind in a short league phase.

What to Watch Next

The tournament continues with the first double-header on January 10. UP Warriorz take on Gujarat Giants in the afternoon, followed by Mumbai Indians facing Delhi Capitals in the evening, as teams look to establish early momentum in WPL 2026.