RCB vs MI WPL 2026 started with high expectations. Fans tuned in for a clash between table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and a desperate Mumbai Indians Women side. What unfolded was pure drama. Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name in history with the first-ever century in Women’s Premier League. Mumbai Indians clinched a nail-biting 15-run victory. But Richa Ghosh’s explosive 90 nearly stole the show.
This match, played on January 26, 2026, at BCA Stadium in Vadodara, kept everyone on edge. Mumbai needed the win to stay in playoff contention after three straight losses. RCB, with five initial wins, aimed to seal their top spot. The result? Mumbai jumped to second place, breathing new life into their campaign.
Why was this game special? It broke records. Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 100 ended a 1059-day wait for a WPL ton. Ghosh’s knock set benchmarks for lower-order heroics. Hayley Matthews shone with bat and ball. Let’s break it down.
Match Summary and Final Result
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 Match 16 ended with Mumbai Indians Women winning by 15 runs. Mumbai posted 199/4 in 20 overs, thanks to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 100* and Hayley Matthews’ 56. RCB replied with 184/9, powered by Richa Ghosh’s 90 but undone by an early collapse.
Key Stats at a Glance:
| Phase | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
|---|---|---|
| PowerPlay (Overs 1-6) | 38/1 | 40/5 |
| Middle Overs (7-15) | 121/1 | 83/1 |
| Death Overs (16-20) | 40/2 | 61/3 |
| Boundaries | 28 Fours, 2 Sixes | 23 Fours, 7 Sixes |
| Dot Balls % | 28% | 42% |
| Extras | 11 | 9 |
Player of the Match: Nat Sciver-Brunt for her unbeaten century. Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Date: January 26, 2026. Toss: RCB won and opted to bowl.
This victory moved Mumbai to second on the points table with 6 points from 7 games. RCB stayed at 10 points but faced their second straight loss. The game highlighted Mumbai’s resilience and RCB’s fighting spirit.
Was this the turning point for Mumbai’s season? It felt like it. Sciver-Brunt’s knock wasn’t just runs; it was a statement. Ghosh’s effort showed why she’s a rising star. External sources like ESPNcricinfo noted the 1059-day century drought ending dramatically .
Toss Decision, Playing XIs, and Venue Insights
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women win the toss and elect to bowl first. Captain Smriti Mandhana explained the choice: the Vadodara pitch often assists bowlers early, especially with dew expected later. This strategy had worked in previous low-scoring games at the venue.
Mumbai Indians stuck with their lineup, banking on experience. RCB made no changes, confident in their balanced side.
Playing XIs:
| Mumbai Indians Women (MIW) | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCBW) |
|---|---|
| Hayley Matthews | Grace Harris |
| Sajeevan Sajana | Smriti Mandhana (c) |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | Georgia Voll |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | Gautami Naik |
| Amanjot Kaur | Radha Yadav |
| Amelia Kerr | Richa Ghosh (wk) |
| Rahila Firdous (wk) | Nadine de Klerk |
| Sanskriti Gupta | Arundhati Reddy |
| Vaishnavi Sharma | Sayali Satghare |
| Shabnim Ismail | Shreyanka Patil |
| Poonam Khemnar | Lauren Bell |
No major team news. Rahila Firdous continued as MI’s keeper after strong showings. RCB relied on their international stars like Lauren Bell and Nadine de Klerk.
Why Bowling First Was the Preferred Choice in Vadodara
BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, is known for slow pitches. In WPL 2026’s Vadodara leg, averages hovered around 150. The surface starts tacky, favoring seamers like Bell and Ismail. Short boundaries on one side encourage aggressive play post-PowerPlay.
Historical stats: Highest total before this was under 180. Dew makes chasing easier, but Mumbai’s big score bucked the trend. As per Cricbuzz reports, the pitch eased under lights, aiding Sciver-Brunt’s assault .
Fans wondered: Would dew help RCB’s chase? It did, but not enough against MI’s bowlers.
Mumbai Indians Innings: Sciver-Brunt’s Historic Century Powers 199/4
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 featured Mumbai’s batting masterclass. They posted 199/4, the highest at Vadodara this season. Nat Sciver-Brunt led with 100* off 57 balls. Hayley Matthews added 56 off 39.
The innings built steadily. Early caution gave way to dominance.
Cautious PowerPlay (38/1)
MI struggled initially. Lauren Bell struck early, lbw-ing Sajeevan Sajana for 7. Only four boundaries came. Scoring rate: 6.33. Bell’s swing troubled openers. As News18 highlighted, MI’s PowerPlay woes continued .
Sciver-Brunt and Matthews rotated strike. No risks. Dot balls piled up.
Matthews-Sciver-Brunt Partnership Explosion (131 runs)
Post-PowerPlay, fireworks. The duo added 131 in 73 balls. Sciver-Brunt’s 32-ball fifty included three fours off Radha Yadav. She targeted Shreyanka Patil for a hat-trick of boundaries.
Matthews reached 35-ball fifty. They raced from 50 to 100 in 21 balls. Shorter boundary exploited. Sciver-Brunt smacked de Klerk for six. Partnership run-rate: over 10.
Bell broke it, bowling Matthews. But damage done. As per ESPN, this stand lifted MI .
Death Overs and Final Flourish
Harmanpreet Kaur added 20 off 12. Sciver-Brunt carved to 99, then boundary for 100*. Amanjot Kaur fell for 4. Shreyanka’s tidy last over kept MI under 200.
Sciver-Brunt’s shots: back-foot punches, sweeps. She manipulated fields brilliantly.
Bowling Analysis – How RCB’s Attack Fared
Lauren Bell shone: 2/21 in 4 overs. Economical early. Nadine de Klerk: 1/40. Sayali Satghare leaked 42. Radha Yadav: 0/24.
RCB couldn’t contain middle overs. Loose lines punished.
MI Batting Scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayley Matthews | 56 | 39 | 9 | 0 | 143.59 |
| Sajeevan Sajana | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt * | 100 | 57 | 16 | 1 | 175.44 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | 20 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 166.67 |
| Amanjot Kaur | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Amelia Kerr * | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 11 (lb 2, w 9) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 199/4 (20 overs) | – | – | – | 9.95 RPO |
Fall of Wickets: 16/1 (2.2), 147/2 (14.3), 189/3 (18.4), 198/4 (19.5)
RCB Bowling Figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Bell | 4 | 0 | 21 | 2 | 5.20 |
| Sayali Satghare | 4 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 10.50 |
| Arundhati Reddy | 3 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 12.00 |
| Nadine de Klerk | 4 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 10.00 |
| Shreyanka Patil | 3 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 11.30 |
| Radha Yadav | 2 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 12.00 |
How do you stop a batter like Sciver-Brunt? RCB tried variations but failed. Her consistency: 300+ runs in three WPL seasons .
RCB Chase: Early Collapse and Richa Ghosh’s Lone Heroics
Chasing 200 in RCB vs MI WPL 2026 seemed tough. RCB crumbled to 35/5 early. Richa Ghosh’s 90 off 50 sparked hope. But they fell short at 184/9.
MI bowlers dominated. Ghosh’s assault made it close.
Disastrous PowerPlay (40/5 in 6 overs)
Grace Harris started with three boundaries. But Shabnim Ismail dismissed her for 15. Hayley Matthews struck twice: Smriti Mandhana (6) caught, Georgia Voll (9) edged.
Ismail bowled Gautami Naik (1). Matthews got Radha Yadav (0). RCB: 35/5. Worst PowerPlay ever. As Times Now reported, collapse was quick .
Top order exposed. Mandhana’s form dip hurt.
Recovery Attempts and Middle-Overs Fight
Nadine de Klerk (28 off 20) and Ghosh added 42. Kerr broke it, catching de Klerk. Arundhati Reddy (14 off 18) helped add 52 with Ghosh.
Ghosh survived drops. She curbed instincts early, then accelerated. Needed 120 off 48 at one point.
Ghosh’s Late Assault – 27-Run 19th Over and Final Over Drama
71 off 18 needed. Ghosh hammered three sixes off Amanjot Kaur. Shreyanka added two fours: 27-run over.
Final over: 32 needed. Ghosh boundary, then six. But dots and miscue ended it. Dismissed last ball.
Ghosh: 10 fours, 6 sixes. Partnership with Shreyanka (55 off 18): highest run-rate in WPL .
MI Bowling Masterclass
Hayley Matthews: 3/10 in 2 overs. Shabnim Ismail: 2/25. Amelia Kerr: 2/37.
Tight lines. Varied pace. Death bowling sealed it despite Ghosh.
RCB Batting Scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Harris | 15 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 166.67 |
| Smriti Mandhana (c) | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Georgia Voll | 9 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Gautami Naik | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Radha Yadav | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | 90 | 50 | 10 | 6 | 180.00 |
| Nadine de Klerk | 28 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 140.00 |
| Arundhati Reddy | 14 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 77.78 |
| Sayali Satghare | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shreyanka Patil * | 12 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 240.00 |
| Extras | 9 (lb 3, w 6) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 184/9 (20 overs) | – | – | – | 9.20 RPO |
Fall of Wickets: 20/1 (2.1), 26/2 (3.1), 31/3 (3.5), 31/4 (4.1), 35/5 (5.1), 77/6 (11.1), 129/7 (16.5), 129/8 (17), 184/9 (19.6)
MI Bowling Figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shabnim Ismail | 4 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 6.20 |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | 4 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 10.80 |
| Hayley Matthews | 2 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 5.00 |
| Amanjot Kaur | 4 | 0 | 51 | 1 | 12.80 |
| Vaishnavi Sharma | 2 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 7.50 |
| Amelia Kerr | 4 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 9.20 |
Ghosh’s knock: highest from No.6+ in WPL . Could she have won it? Close, but MI’s composure won.
Match Highlights and Pivotal Moments
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 was packed with thrills. Here’s a timeline of key moments:
- Over 2.2: Bell traps Sajana lbw. MI 16/1.
- Over 8: Sciver-Brunt launches de Klerk for six.
- Over 11: Sciver-Brunt fifty off 32 balls.
- Over 12: Sciver-Brunt three fours off Yadav.
- Over 14.3: Bell bowls Matthews. End of 131-run stand.
- Over 19.6: Sciver-Brunt century with boundary.
- Over 2.1: Ismail dismisses Harris. RCB 20/1.
- Over 3.1: Matthews gets Mandhana.
- Over 3.5: Voll edges Matthews.
- Over 4.1: Ismail bowls Naik. 31/4.
- Over 5.1: Yadav out to Matthews. 35/5.
- Over 11.1: Kerr removes de Klerk.
- Over 16.5: Reddy out. 129/7.
- Over 19: Ghosh three sixes off Kaur. 27 runs.
- Over 20: Ghosh two sixes, but caught last ball.
Video highlights available on YouTube channels like official WPL .
Top 5 Turning Points of the Match
- Sciver-Brunt-Matthews Partnership: 131 runs turned 38/1 into dominance.
- RCB PowerPlay Collapse: 40/5 sealed fate early.
- Ghosh’s Dropped Chances: Two lives allowed her to explode.
- 19th Over Assault: 27 runs brought equation to 32 off 6.
- Final Over Dot Ball: Kerr’s dot to Ghosh ended hopes.
Which moment changed the game for you? Share below!
Standout Player Performances and Statistical Breakdown
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 showcased stars. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, and Richa Ghosh led.
Nat Sciver-Brunt – Player of the Match
100* off 57. 16 fours, 1 six. SR 175.44. First WPL century. Third 300+ run season. As per TOI, history made .
Quote: “It’s special, but team runs matter.” Consistency key.
Hayley Matthews – All-Round Impact
56 off 39 (9 fours). 3/10 in 2 overs. Third 50+ and 3+ wickets in WPL. Dismantled RCB top order.
Richa Ghosh – Nearly the Greatest Chase
90 off 50. 10 fours, 6 sixes. SR 180. Highest No.6+ score in WPL. Second-highest for keeper .
Dropped twice. Assault in death: 35 off last 12 balls.
Supporting Cast
Shabnim Ismail: 2/25, early breakthroughs. Lauren Bell: 2/21, contained PowerPlay. Nadine de Klerk: 28 & 1/40.
Top Scorers WPL 2026 (Updated):
| Player | Team | Runs | Innings | Average | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | MI | 319 | 6 | 79.75 | 154+ |
| Richa Ghosh | RCB | 250+ | 7 | 50 | 160 |
| Smriti Mandhana | RCB | 220 | 7 | 31.4 | 140 |
Top Wicket-Takers:
| Player | Team | Wickets | Matches | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayley Matthews | MI | 10 | 7 | 6.5 |
| Lauren Bell | RCB | 12 | 7 | 5.8 |
| Shabnim Ismail | MI | 9 | 7 | 6.2 |
Matthews joins elite: 50+ & 3 wickets thrice .
Records Broken and Historic Milestones
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 shattered marks:
- First WPL century: Sciver-Brunt’s 100* after 82 matches, 1059 days .
- Highest No.6+ score: Ghosh’s 90 .
- Highest run-rate 50+ stand: Ghosh-Patil 55 at 18.33 .
- Sciver-Brunt: 300+ runs in three seasons (2023, 2025, 2026) .
- Most 50+ scores without century pre-this: Sciver-Brunt’s 57 .
- RCB: First team to 150+ after 5 wickets under 50 .
- Highest Vadodara total: MI’s 199.
- Ghosh: Second-highest keeper score, behind Healy/Mooney’s 96* .
- Matthews: Joins Deepti, Sciver-Brunt, de Klerk with 50+ & 3 wickets .
- First IPL/WPL centuries vs RCB: McCullum (IPL), Sciver-Brunt (WPL) .
- Sciver-Brunt: Most WPL runs overall (1,346) .
These milestones elevate WPL’s legacy. Ghosh’s knock inspires young keepers.
Post-Match Reactions and Key Quotes
Reactions poured in after RCB vs MI WPL 2026.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (Player of the Match)
“Yeah, it’s obviously a special moment… but more importantly, it was about getting runs for the team.” She stressed presence: “Staying present… focusing on the one you’re about to face.” On planning: “Assessing where you can score.”
Reveals maturity. No replication of 90s dismissals.
Harmanpreet Kaur
“Everyone contributed. Nat was outstanding… This is our fourth year, we know each other well.” Praised break: “Fresh mindset.” On Sciver-Brunt: “Always there… love watching her.” [Provided data]
Shows team bond.
Hayley Matthews
“Kudos to Nat… We executed perfectly.” On batting: “Push hard in second ten.” Praised Firdous: “Real leader.” [Provided data]
Highlights strategy.
Smriti Mandhana
“Absolutely brilliant from Richa… one of the best I’ve seen.” On Sciver-Brunt: “World-class… no answers.” Bowling: “One of those days.” [Provided data]
Acknowledges stars, vows improvement.
X reactions: Fans called Ghosh “insane” [post:36]. “More fun than century” [post:39]. Sciver-Brunt “unstoppable” [post:40].
Analyst view: Win boosts MI morale. RCB needs top-order fix.
Tactical Breakdown and What We Learned
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 taught lessons.
Batting Strategies – PowerPlay Restraint vs Acceleration
MI preserved wickets early, exploded middle. Targeted short side. RCB aggressive but collapsed. Ghosh showed counter-attack value.
Bowling Plans – New Ball Swing, Death Bowling, Shorter Boundary Exploitation
Bell/Ismail swung new ball. Matthews offspin vs lefties worked. Death: MI varied pace. RCB leaked in middle.
Fielding and Captaincy Decisions
MI sharp: Firdous catches. Harmanpreet rotated bowlers well. Mandhana reactive, field changes late.
What if RCB held wickets? Chase possible. MI learned pressure handling. As Indian Express noted, Sciver-Brunt’s gear shift key .
Updated WPL 2026 Points Table and Playoff Implications
Post RCB vs MI WPL 2026:
WPL 2026 Points Table:
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB Women | 7 | 5 | 2 | 10 | +0.947 |
| 2 | MI Women | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | +0.146 |
| 3 | DC Women | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.169 |
| 4 | GG Women | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.341 |
| 5 | UPW Women | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -0.769 |
MI climbed second. Better NRR than DC/GG. RCB top but vulnerable.
Playoffs: Top team to final. 2-3 eliminator. RCB win vs UPW seals direct final. Loss and DC/GG at 10 points? NRR decides.
Remaining: DC vs GG, MI vs GG, RCB vs UPW, DC vs UPW.
MI controls fate. RCB must regroup .
RCB Women vs MI Women Head-to-Head in WPL
RCB vs MI WPL rivalry intense. Across seasons: MI lead 6-3 in 9 meetings.
2023: MI won both league, final.
2024: RCB won league, MI playoff.
2025: Split 1-1.
2026: MI win this.
Highest scores: Sciver-Brunt 100* this game. Best bowling: Matthews 3/10.
Context: MI defending champs. RCB 2024 winners. This win evens 2026 ledger.
As Outlook noted, MI alive .
Conclusion – A Historic Night in Vadodara
RCB vs MI WPL 2026 was unforgettable. Sciver-Brunt’s century boosted women’s cricket. Ghosh’s fight showed depth. Mumbai’s win keeps tournament open.
Legacy: More aggressive batting. Inspires fans. Ahead: Tight playoffs.
Which performance impressed you? Nat’s ton or Richa’s blast? Comment below! Follow IPL Star for more WPL updates. ESPNcricinfo Stats.
WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: 5 Explosive Qualification Paths That Will Thrill Cricket Fans!
FAQs for RCB Women vs MI Women WPL 2026 Match 16 Recap
1. Who won the RCB Women vs MI Women WPL 2026 Match 16? Mumbai Indians Women defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women by 15 runs in a thrilling WPL 2026 Match 16 contest played on January 26, 2026, at BCA Stadium, Vadodara.
2. What was the final score in Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women WPL 2026 Match 16? Mumbai Indians Women posted 199/4, powered by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten century. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women were restricted to 184/9 despite Richa Ghosh’s explosive 90.
3. Who scored the first century in WPL history? Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the historic first century in Women’s Premier League history – an unbeaten 100 off 57 balls – ending a 1059-day drought in WPL 2026 Match 16 against RCB Women.
4. What was Richa Ghosh’s score in RCB vs MI WPL 2026? Richa Ghosh smashed 90 off 50 balls (10 fours, 6 sixes) batting at No.6, recording the highest score from No.6 or lower in WPL history and nearly pulling off an improbable chase for RCB Women.
5. Who was Player of the Match in WPL 2026 Match 16 between RCB and MI? Nat Sciver-Brunt was named Player of the Match for her match-winning unbeaten 100, which included 16 fours and 1 six, powering Mumbai Indians to victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
6. Where and when was RCB Women vs MI Women WPL 2026 16th Match played? The match took place on January 26, 2026, at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, where RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first.
7. What records did Nat Sciver-Brunt break in WPL 2026 against RCB? Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the first-ever WPL century, achieved 300+ runs in three consecutive WPL seasons, and overtook the all-time WPL run-scoring record with 1,346 runs.
8. How did Hayley Matthews perform in MI Women vs RCB Women WPL 2026? Hayley Matthews delivered an all-round masterclass with 56 off 39 balls and figures of 3/10 in 2 overs, dismantling RCB’s top order in the crucial WPL 2026 Match 16.
9. What impact did the MI win have on the WPL 2026 points table? Mumbai Indians jumped to second place with 6 points and a +0.146 NRR, keeping playoff hopes alive. RCB Women remained top with 10 points but suffered their second consecutive loss.
10. What were the key turning points in RCB vs MI WPL 2026 Match 16? The 131-run Matthews-Sciver-Brunt partnership, RCB’s PowerPlay collapse to 40/5, Richa Ghosh’s 27-run 19th over, and Hayley Matthews’ double-wicket over were the decisive moments in this historic Nat Sciver-Brunt century match.
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