WPL 2026 Match 9 Preview: Gujarat Giants Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women

Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Time: 14:00 GMT | 19:30 IST

Match Overview

The Women’s Premier League 2026 sees a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Giants Women and Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women on January 16, 2026, at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. This encounter is the 9th match of the league stage and promises to be a thriller given the contrasting forms of the two teams.

Gujarat Giants, the defending champions, are coming off a rare defeat due to a lack of fielding discipline, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain undefeated with a net run rate of +1.964. The battle between Sophie Devine and Grace Harris is set to be the highlight of the match, with the outcome likely hinging on the performances of key allrounders and the execution of match strategies.

Team Form and Analysis

Gujarat Giants Women

• Form: After a strong start, Gujarat's first loss in their campaign has dented their confidence slightly.
• Batting Strengths: Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Devine have been the main contributors with the bat, with Devine emerging as the top run-scorer and wicket-taker in the league.
• Bowling Lineup: A potent attack led by Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who have been effective in both the powerplay and death overs.
• Key Players: Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women

• Form: Unbeaten in their first two matches, RCB are in a strong position in the points table and are the early favorites to make the final.
• Batting Strengths: A balanced batting lineup with Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris providing the firepower, while Nadine de Klerk offers valuable support as an allrounder.
• Bowling Lineup: A disciplined and varied attack featuring Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, and Shreyanka Patil.
• Key Players: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana, Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk.

Head-to-Head Record

In the last five meetings between these two teams, Royal Challers Bengaluru have had the upper hand with 3 wins, while Gujarat Giants have won 2 matches. This closely contested history suggests that the match could go either way, with the home advantage potentially tipping the scales in Gujarat’s favor.

Venue Insights: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

• Average First Innings Score: 179.14 (2026 season)
• Win Percentage When Chasing: 68%
• Powerplay Wickets: 1.52
• Middle Overs Wickets: 2.31
• Death Overs Wickets: 1.87

The venue has historically favored chasing teams, and the relatively high run totals suggest that a total of 160+ is likely if either team manages to post a competitive score.

Players to Watch

Gujarat Giants

• Sophie Devine: The allrounder is the team’s backbone, having contributed significantly with both bat and ball.
• Ashleigh Gardner: Despite a lack of success with the ball, her aggressive batting adds firepower to the lineup.
• Georgia Wareham: A reliable allrounder who can change the course of the match with a quick burst or a crucial wicket.

Royal Challers Bengaluru

• Grace Harris: The Australian has been in scintillating form, scoring 110 in her last match and is a key asset in the middle order.
• Lauren Bell: A wicket-taking machine with a tight economy rate, she is expected to be crucial in the death overs.
• Smriti Mandhana: The captain has been the cornerstone of RCB’s batting success and is vital for setting a high total.

Match Prediction

• Toss Prediction: Royal Challers Bengaluru are expected to win the toss and elect to bat first given their strong batting lineup and the venue's batting-friendly nature.
• Match Winner: Gujarat Giants are predicted to edge out RCB in a close contest, with Sophie Devine likely to play a pivotal role.
• Top Batters: Sophie Devine (Gujarat) and Smriti Mandhana (RCB)
• Top Bowlers: Sophie Devine (Gujarat) and Lauren Bell (RCB)
• Player of the Match: Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants)
• Expected Scores:
  • Gujarat Giants: 160+
  • Royal Challers Bengaluru: 150+

Strategic Outlook

The match is expected to be a test of both skill and strategy. Gujarat, looking to bounce back from their first loss, will need to tighten up their fielding and capitalize on their allround strengths. RCB, on the other hand, will aim to continue their winning streak by leveraging their disciplined bowling and explosive batting.

With the toss likely to be a key determinant, the team batting first could set a challenging target, while the chasing side will need to stay composed and convert their chances efficiently.

Conclusion

This match between Gujarat Giants Women and Royal Challers Bengaluru Women promises to be a high-stakes encounter in the WPL 2026. With both teams boasting world-class talent and contrasting forms, it will be a battle of experience versus momentum. The outcome will depend on how well the teams handle pressure and execute their plans, making it a must-watch for cricket fans around the world.

Catch the action live at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 14:00 GMT.

© Cricket World 2026
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