Gujarat Giants Women to Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Exciting WPL 2026 Match
The ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to witness an intense battle as Gujarat Giants Women (GG W) prepare to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB W) in the penultimate evening of the Navi Mumbai leg at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on Friday, January 16.
Gujarat Giants Women’s Form
Gujarat Giants have been showcasing scintillating form in WPL 2026, a stark contrast to their performance in previous seasons. With back-to-back wins to start the tournament, they currently sit at the top of the table with four points. Despite a close loss to Mumbai Indians Women, the Giants are determined to secure another victory in Navi Mumbai.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s Unity
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have displayed exceptional teamwork in their matches so far. Defeating the defending champions in the tournament opener and securing a win against the UP Warriorz, the Smriti Mandhana-led side is aiming for a hat-trick of victories in the upcoming clash.
Match Details and Pitch Report
The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai has seen high-scoring encounters in this WPL season, with batters enjoying the shorter boundaries and fast outfield. Chasing might be favorable due to the dew factor. Expect a batting-friendly contest with batters dominating throughout.
Predicted Playing XIs
Gujarat Giants Women: Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Ayushi Soni, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Grace Harris has been in good form, scoring 85 runs in the previous match. She will be a key player for RCB W.
Probable Best Bowler: Sophie Devine has excelled with the ball, picking up five wickets in the tournament. Her bowling prowess will be crucial for GG W in the upcoming game.
Match Prediction
Considering the conditions and form of both teams, the chasing side is likely to have an advantage in this encounter. Expect an exciting battle between Gujarat Giants Women and Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women as they strive for victory in the WPL 2026.
Key Players to Watch Out For
One player to keep an eye on during this match is Smriti Mandhana, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women. Mandhana’s aggressive batting style and leadership on the field have been instrumental in RCB W’s success so far in the tournament. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes her a significant threat to the Gujarat Giants Women’s bowling attack.
On the other side, Sophie Devine from the Gujarat Giants Women has been a standout performer with both bat and ball. Her all-round abilities have been crucial in turning the tide in favor of her team in critical moments. Devine’s disciplined bowling and aggressive batting make her a key player to watch out for in this high-stakes match.
The Battle of Spinners
One intriguing aspect of this match-up is the battle of spinners between Georgia Wareham of the Gujarat Giants Women and Radha Yadav of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women. Both players have been in fine form with the ball, consistently picking up wickets and putting a stranglehold on the opposition’s scoring rate.
Wareham’s accuracy and ability to vary her pace have troubled batters throughout the tournament, while Yadav’s deceptive flight and turn have left even the best of batsmen struggling to score freely. The clash between these two spinners could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the match.
Impact of Overseas Players
Overseas players have played a significant role in shaping the fortunes of both teams in the WPL 2026. Players like Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner from the Gujarat Giants Women and Grace Harris and Lauren Bell from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have brought a wealth of experience and skill to their respective sides.
Mooney’s ability to anchor the innings and Gardner’s explosive power-hitting provide stability and firepower to the Giants’ batting line-up. On the other hand, Harris’s aggressive stroke play and Bell’s precision with the ball have been crucial in bolstering RCB W’s chances in crucial moments. The impact of these overseas players could prove decisive in the upcoming match.
Final Thoughts
As the Gujarat Giants Women gear up to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, fans can expect a fiercely contested match between two formidable teams. With the top spot in the WPL 2026 standings at stake, both sides will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
From the battle of the key players to the strategic match-ups on the field, this clash is shaping up to be a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts. With the excitement building up and the stakes high, all eyes will be on the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy as these two powerhouse teams lock horns in pursuit of glory.


