WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to extend their perfect start with a third straight win when they face Gujarat Giants at DY Patil Stadium on January 16. RCB have won both their opening matches, powered by strong top-order batting from Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris, and finishing prowess from Nadine de Klerk, while new recruit Lauren Bell has impressed with disciplined bowling in the powerplay.
Gujarat Giants, also with two wins from three games, boast experienced batters like Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, and captain Ashleigh Gardner, supported by rising stars Kanika Ahuja and Bharti Fulmali. However, their bowling remains a concern, with Renuka Singh Thakur and Kashvee Gautam needing early breakthroughs to contain RCB’s aggressive top order.
Both teams sit near the top of the table, with an even head-to-head record of three wins each in six encounters. Clear evening skies, mild temperatures around 27°C, and rising dew could influence the toss, favoring the side bowling first. Predicted line-ups feature Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, and Kanika Ahuja for Gujarat, while RCB are expected to field Smriti Mandhana, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, and Lauren Bell.
With match-winners on both sides, the clash promises to be closely contested, but RCB are tipped to edge out Gujarat Giants, driven by their in-form top order and impactful overseas bowlers, completing a strong start to their WPL 2026 campaign.
