Match 9 of WPL 2026 will see the Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W) take on the Gujarat Giants Women (GG W) at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on January 16, 2026 (Evening). Both sides feature powerful batting lineups and varied bowling attacks, making this a fascinating matchup. RCB W, led by Smriti Mandhana, has a blend of experience and power, while GG W, captained by Grace Harris, poses a strong challenge with their explosive batting and all round options.
WPL Match 9 Details:
| Match | Royal Challengers Bangalore Women vs Gujarat Giants Women |
| Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Time | Evening |
| Venue | Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| Live Broadcast & Streaming | Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar (App & Website) |
Pitch Report:
The Navi Mumbai pitch generally offers a batting friendly surface with good carry and pace. Powerplay overs are crucial for setting up a big total, and short boundaries make it ideal for big hitting. Spinners may find purchase in the middle overs, but dew later in the evening is likely, which can assist batting in the second innings. A competitive first innings total is expected to be in the 170 190 bracket.
Team Form:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W):
RCB have a strong batting core, led by Smriti Mandhana and supported by Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, and Richa Ghosh. Their bowling attack combines experience with tactical variations, with Poonam Yadav and others offering key breakthroughs. - Gujarat Giants Women (GG W):
GG W boasts an explosive lineup featuring Grace Harris, Sophia Dunkley, and Deandra Dottin, capable of quick scoring. Their bowling has variety with seam and spin options, and they can trouble any batting lineup with disciplined spells.
WPL Match 9 Toss Prediction:
Given the dew factor expected later in the evening, the team winning the toss might opt to bat first to take advantage of favorable batting conditions early and put up a challenging total on the board.
RCB vs GG Predicted Scores:
- Predicted First Innings Score (170 to 190)
The team batting first will look to set a solid total, with power hitters on both sides capable of stringing together big partnerships. - Predicted Second Innings Score (180 to 200)
With dew likely in play, the chasing team will have an edge. If they bat with intent and build strong partnerships, they could surpass 180 with ease.
Key Player Matchups:
| Key Player | Matchup | Impact |
| Smriti Mandhana (RCB W) | vs Grace Harris (GG W) | A battle between two aggressive openers. Mandhana’s timing vs Harris’s power hitting. |
| Sophie Devine (RCB W) | vs Sophia Dunkley (GG W) | Middle order with big scoring potential crucial for setting or chasing totals. |
| Ellyse Perry (RCB W) | vs Deandra Dottin (GG W) | All round impact. Can change the game with bat and ball. |
Impact Players:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W):
- Smriti Mandhana: Aggressive opener who can dominate early overs.
- Sophie Devine: All round dynamo capable of turning the match.
- Gujarat Giants Women (GG W):
- Grace Harris: Power hitter and potential top scorer.
- Deandra Dottin: Can contribute key overs with the ball and impactful bursts with the bat.
Weather Conditions:
For January 16, 2026, in Navi Mumbai, conditions are expected to be clear with moderate humidity. Dew is likely in the second innings, assisting the batting side in their chase. No major rain interruptions are forecast, so the match should be completed without weather delays.
Historical Data & Key Stats:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women:
RCB have been competitive in the WPL with strong batting depth and match winners across their lineup. - Gujarat Giants Women:
GG W have proven explosiveness at the top order and a mix of bowling options that can restrict runs effectively.
Strategic Insights:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women:
- Batting: Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine must capitalize early and build partnerships to set up a big score.
- Bowling: Spin options like Poonam Yadav should exploit the middle overs and apply pressure.
- Gujarat Giants Women:
- Batting: Grace Harris and Sophia Dunkley need quick starts. Powerplay momentum can define their innings.
- Bowling: Discipline in line and length to restrict RCB’s rhythm, especially in middle overs.
Players’ Stats Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB W)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate (SR) | 6s |
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | 9 | 304 | 152.76 | 16 |
| Sophie Devine | 9 | 289 | 146.80 | 12 |
| Ellyse Perry | 8 | 372 | 148.80 | 11 |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | 8 | 232 | 173.13 | 13 |
| Heather Knight | 9 | 220 | 134.10 | 5 |
| Poonam Yadav | 9 | 75 | 92.10 | 0 |
| Shreyanka Patil | 9 | 123 | 98.00 | 3 |
| Komal Zanzad | 9 | 63 | 103.50 | 2 |
| Tanuja Kanwar | 8 | 50 | 108.10 | 1 |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 9 | 42 | 95.00 | 0 |
| Indrani Roy | 8 | 113 | 121.10 | 4 |
Players’ Stats Gujarat Giants Women (GG W)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate (SR) | 6s |
| Grace Harris | 14 | 470 | 152.30 | 20 |
| Sophia Dunkley | 13 | 330 | 145.60 | 15 |
| Deandra Dottin | 14 | 280 | 138.20 | 12 |
| Kim Garth | 12 | 120 | 125.40 | 5 |
| Sneh Rana | 10 | 122 | 120.10 | 3 |
| Mignon du Preez | 11 | 165 | 129.80 | 4 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | 10 | 340 | 142.00 | 18 |
| Megan Schutt | 13 | 45 | 90.00 | 1 |
| Hannah Darlington | 11 | 65 | 110.00 | 2 |
| Nashra Sundhu | 9 | 34 | 95.50 | 0 |
| (Optional 11th player) |
Disclaimer:
This prediction is based on current form, projected playing XIs, and typical pitch/weather conditions. Cricket is inherently unpredictable. Treat this as one of many insights.