The 9th match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 pits table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women against Gujarat Giants Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Friday, January 16, starting at 7:30 PM IST. This clash carries big weight as RCB chase a third straight win to solidify their lead, while Gujarat aim to rebound from a recent loss and climb the points table.
Dr DY Patil Sports Academy pitches have offered balanced contests in WPL, with 16 matches seeing 7 wins batting first and 8 chasing, averaging 169 in the first innings. Expect some wear but dew likely favoring teams bowling first under lights. Weather stays clear with daytime highs around 30°C dropping to 18-24°C at night, minimal rain risk.
RCB sit top with 4 points from two wins, including a dominant 9-wicket thrashing of UP Warriorz, building unstoppable momentum. Gujarat hold third with 4 points from three games—two early wins but a 7-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians exposed bowling frailties. A win here propels RCB clear at the top; for Gujarat, it’s vital to halt slides before playoffs heat up.
Head-to-Head
The sides have split six WPL meetings evenly, 3-3, showcasing tight battles. Last five: GG won 6th Match 2023 (201/7 beat 190/6), RCB 16th 2023 (189/2 beat 188/4), RCB 5th 2024 (110/2 beat 107/7), GG 13th 2024 (199/5 beat 180/8), RCB 1st 2025 (202/4 beat 201/5).
WPL Match Details
- Match: RCBW vs GGW Match
- Teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs Gujarat Giants Women
- Date: 16 Jan 2026
- Time: 07:00 PM / 2:00 PM GMT / 7:30 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
WPL 2026 Live Streaming Info
WPL 2026 runs from January 9 to February 5, 2026. The league stage spans most of that period, with playoffs concluding the tournament. Matches occur across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara venues.
League matches end February 1, followed by the Eliminator on February 3 and the Final on February 5 in Vadodara.
There are several ways to watch WPL 2025 live streaming. Here are some of the options available:
- In India: Star Sports Network will broadcast all matches of the WPL 2026 live on TV. The matches will also be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
- In Pakistan: Ten Sports will broadcast all matches of the WPL 2026 live on TV
- In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket will broadcast and livestream all matches of the WPL 2026 on Sky Go app.
- In Australia: Fox Cricket will broadcast all matches of the WPL 2026 live on TV via Foxtel. The matches will also be live-streamed on the Kayo Sports app.
- In USA/Canada: Willow TV will broadcast all matches of the WPL 2026 live.
- In South Africa, SuperSport will broadcast and livestream all matches of the WPL 2026.
- In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ will broadcast all matches of the WPL 2026 live on TV. The matches will also be live-streamed on the Sky Go app.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
To watch the Women’s Premier League 2025 matches for free, fans in Australia can tune in to Channel 7, which broadcasts every match live and free. Additionally, viewers can stream the games digitally at no cost on 7Plus
Live Streaming Link Info:
Live Score Info:
WPL 2026: Cricket lovers can watch the Live Match Score on ESPN Cricbuzz
Team Analyses
RCB Women
RCB’s batting fires on all cylinders, led by Smriti Mandhana’s steady top-order returns and Richa Ghosh’s finishing power, backed by Nadine de Klerk’s all-round impact. Their bowling, with Shreyanka Patil and Lauren Bell, stifled opponents in recent chases. Weakness lies in spin options if dew hits, but current form—two comprehensive wins—makes them favorites.
Gujarat Giants Women
Gujarat boast firepower in Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, and Ashleigh Gardner, with Bharti Fulmali and Georgia Wareham shining in their 192/5 vs MI. Strengths include explosive starts and middle-order depth, but recent loss highlighted bowling leaks against pressure. Key for captain Gardner to rally the attack early.
Probable XIs
Probable XI: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (capt), D Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Probable XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Ayushi Soni, Ashleigh Gardner (capt), Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh
Prediction
RCB’s red-hot form, balanced squad, and chasing prowess on this dew-prone pitch give them the edge for a narrow 6-wicket win, extending their streak.