RCB vs Mumbai Indians Match 16 Prediction: Who Will Win Today? WPL 2026

RCB vs MI prediction [Source: @RCBTweets/x.com]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCBW) will go head-to-head against Mumbai Indians Women (MIW) in Match 16 of the WPL 2026 on Monday, January 26 at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. The RCBW vs MIW match will start at 7:30 PM IST.

RCBW have been the most consistent team this season and have already sealed their playoff spot after winning five matches. However, they suffered their first defeat in the previous game against Delhi Capitals Women and Smriti Mandhana’s side will now be eager to bounce back immediately and push for a top-of-the-table finish.

On the other hand, MIW find themselves in trouble. After winning two of their first three matches, Mumbai have now slipped badly, coming into this encounter after a hat-trick of losses. This match is almost a must-win for them if they want to revive their campaign and stay alive in the playoff race.

RCB vs Mumbai Indians current form (last 5 matches)

RCB vs Mumbai Indians: Key player battles

Smriti Mandhana vs Shabnim Ismail

This battle at the very top could set the tone for the match. In T20s, Mandhana has faced 64 balls from Shabnim Ismail and scored 91 runs at a strike rate of 142.2, smashing 18 fours and 1 six. 

However, Ismail has also dismissed her three times, proving she can strike back with the new ball. If Mandhana survives early, RCBW could dominate the powerplay. If Ismail strikes first, MIW gain instant momentum.

Hayley Matthews vs Lauren Bell

This matchup strongly favours the RCBW pacer. In T20s, Hayley Matthews has managed only 16 runs off 21 balls against Lauren Bell at a strike rate of 76.2, hitting just 2 fours while getting dismissed twice. 

Bell’s disciplined line and length has kept Matthews under pressure and with Matthews still searching for peak form this season, this duel could once again tilt in RCBW’s favour.

Nadine de Klerk vs Nat Sciver-Brunt

This one has spice written all over it. The last time these two sides met, RCB pulled off a dramatic win with Nadine de Klerk smashing Nat Sciver-Brunt for 20 runs in the final over. 

In T20s, Nadine has taken on Sciver-Brunt brilliantly: 29 runs off 11 balls at an insane strike rate of 263.6, including 3 fours and 2 sixes and she has never been dismissed in this matchup. If this contest reaches the death overs, this battle could once again decide the match.

RCB vs Mumbai Indians top performers

Most runs for RCBW vs MIW

Richa Ghosh (184 runs), Smriti Mandhana (174 runs)

Most wickets for RCBW vs MIW

Shreyanka Patil (6 wickets), Nadine de Klerk (4 wickets)

Most runs for MIW vs RCBW

Nat Sciver-Brunt (243 runs), Hayley Matthews (202 runs)

Most wickets for MIW vs RCBW

Nat Sciver-Brunt (10 wickets), Hayley Matthews (9 wickets)

RCB vs Mumbai Indians toss prediction

The toss could play a big role at Vadodara. The pitch at the BCA Stadium has been a good batting surface with even bounce and once batters settle, run-scoring becomes easier. 

Interestingly, in the four matches played here so far, every team winning the toss has opted to bowl first. So, the captain winning the toss is expected to choose to field first again.

RCB vs Mumbai Indians 1st inning score prediction

Powerplay: 39/1

Final score:154

RCB vs Mumbai Indians 2nd inning score prediction

Powerplay: 38/2

Final score: 155

RCBW vs MIW top players prediction

RCBW’s top players

Probable best batters

Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana

Probable best bowlers

Lauren Bell, Shreyanka Patil

MIW’s top players

Probable best batters

Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt

Probable best bowlers

Shabnim Ismail, Vaishnavi Sharma

Who will hit the most sixes in the RCBW vs MIW match?

Nadine de Klerk

Who will hit the most fours in the RCBW vs MIW match?

Smriti Mandhana

RCB vs Mumbai Indians Match winner prediction: Who will win WPL 2026 match 16?

All things considered, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women start as slight favourites. They have been the more balanced and consistent side this season with match-winners spread across departments.

With Smriti Mandhana, Grace Harris, Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk giving them explosive batting depth, RCBW have the firepower to post a strong total or chase under pressure.

Their bowling attack, led by Lauren Bell, has also shown better control in key moments, something MIW have struggled with in their losing streak.

MIW still have game-changers like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur, who can flip any match in a matter of overs but based on current form and recent head-to-head momentum, RCBW hold a narrow edge.