RCB vs GG Match Prediction: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 continues to deliver thrilling cricketing action, and fans are eagerly awaiting Match 9, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Gujarat Giants (GG) at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. After a brief four-day break, RCB will be looking to maintain their winning momentum, while the Gujarat Giants aim to bounce back after suffering their first defeat in the tournament. Here’s a detailed preview, team analysis, and RCB vs GG Match Prediction for today’s game.
Match Details: RCB vs GG
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs Gujarat Giants Women |
| Match No | 9 |
| Date | Friday, January 16, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
Recent Form and Team Analysis
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB-W)
RCB have been one of the most consistent and well-organized teams in WPL 2026 so far. Under Smriti Mandhana’s leadership, the team has secured two consecutive wins and is looking to continue this unbeaten run.
- Batting: Mandhana has been leading from the front, showcasing her world-class strokeplay at the top. Richa Ghosh has added crucial late-order firepower, giving RCB an edge in the closing overs. Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk have provided balance, filling the void left by Ellyse Perry’s absence.
- Bowling: Lauren Bell has been pivotal with early breakthroughs in the PowerPlay, while Linsey Smith’s inclusion has strengthened the spin attack. Even though Radha Yadav remained unused in the previous match, her presence adds depth to the bowling lineup.
RCB’s combination of experience, firepower, and balanced bowling makes them a formidable side, and they look well-set to handle Gujarat Giants’ challenge.
Gujarat Giants (GG-W)
Gujarat Giants have had a mixed start to the tournament, earning four points from three games. Their last match saw them taste defeat for the first time, and the team will be eager to respond in today’s contest.
- Batting: The Giants heavily rely on Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine at the top of the order. Ashleigh Gardner, the team’s captain, has been a key contributor with both bat and ball. Bharti Fulmali’s finishing abilities in the final overs have been another positive for the side.
- Bowling: Georgia Wareham and Renuka Thakur provide stability, but the middle overs often require more control. The Giants’ bowling unit will need to step up if they are to contain RCB’s strong batting lineup.
While the Giants have match-winners in Gardner, Mooney, and Devine, their middle-order fragility could be exploited by RCB if they get an early breakthrough.
Head-to-Head Record: RCB vs GG
| Matches Played | RCB Won | Gujarat Giants Won |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 2 |
Historically, RCB have had a slight edge over Gujarat Giants, winning three of the five encounters. However, Gujarat have the capability to turn the game with key performances, making this contest highly competitive.
DY Patil Stadium Pitch Report
The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has produced a balanced track so far. Observations from the initial eight WPL matches indicate:
- Batting: The surface has begun to slow down slightly, making timing crucial for batters. Teams batting first have had mixed results.
- Bowling: Spinners are now coming into play, particularly in the middle overs. Teams that use spin wisely could control the run flow.
- Dew Factor: Evening matches see significant dew, making it easier for chasing teams. Captains winning the toss have generally preferred to bowl first.
Pace vs Spin Statistics at DY Patil Stadium (WPL 2026)
| Type | Matches | Runs | Balls | Wickets | Average | Best Spell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 6 | 1146 | 806 | 44 | 26.04 | 5/33 |
| Spin | 6 | 959 | 577 | 23 | 41.69 | 3/24 |
These numbers suggest that pace bowlers have been more effective overall, but spinners can be game-changers if used strategically in the middle overs.
Key Player Battles
One of the most compelling subplots of this match is the individual clash between Smriti Mandhana and Ashleigh Gardner.
- Gardner vs Mandhana in T20s: Gardner has historically dominated Mandhana, dismissing her nine times in T20s while conceding just 156 runs off 156 balls in 27 innings.
- Mandhana’s Recent ODI Form: However, Mandhana has turned the tables in ODIs, scoring 96 runs off 71 balls without being dismissed by Gardner in 2025.
This duel could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the match, as both players are among their teams’ most influential performers.
Team News and Probable XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB-W)
After two wins, RCB are expected to retain the same squad. Bell and Smith will play key roles during the PowerPlay and middle overs, providing early breakthroughs and control.
Probable XI:
Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (C), Dayalan Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (WK), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Gujarat Giants (GG-W)
Anushka Sharma may return if fit, replacing Ayushi Soni. Gardner might be promoted up the order to counter Mandhana’s dominance.
Probable XI:
Beth Mooney (WK), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma/Ayushi Soni, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Thakur
RCB vs GG Match Prediction
When analyzing both sides, RCB appear to have a slight advantage heading into this clash. Their strengths include:
- Batting Depth: With Mandhana, Harris, and Ghosh in form, RCB can recover from early setbacks or accelerate in the late overs.
- Bowling Variety: Bell’s pace, combined with Linsey Smith’s spin, gives RCB multiple options to break partnerships.
- Momentum: RCB’s recent consecutive wins have built confidence and team cohesion.
Gujarat Giants will rely on Gardner and Mooney to deliver big individual performances, but the pressure of reversing their recent defeat could weigh on the team. Considering the current form and balance, RCB have the upper hand.
Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) are likely to win Match 9 of WPL 2026.
Conclusion
The RCB vs GG Match Prediction points towards a competitive contest at the DY Patil Stadium. While Gujarat Giants possess match-winning players in Gardner, Mooney, and Devine, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s consistent performances, balanced squad, and momentum give them a slight edge.
Fans can expect a match full of exciting moments, from strategic bowling changes to explosive batting displays. As always, the RCB vs GG rivalry promises intensity, skill, and thrilling cricket action. Whether you’re watching for Mandhana’s strokeplay, Gardner’s all-round abilities, or the tactical depth of both teams, this game is set to be a WPL highlight.
Stay tuned for live updates on JioHotstar or the Star Sports Network, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of women’s cricket!
