WPL 2026 | Match 3: MI vs DC | Preview and Predictions

Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back against Delhi Capitals who’ll be playing their first game in Match 3 of the 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on 10th January 2026. 

Here is our Preview and Prediction for the game. 

Women’s Premier League 2026 | Match 3: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | 19:30 IST, 10 January 2026

It was a Nadine de Klerk masterclass that stole the spotlight in Match 1 of the 2026 Women’s Premier League. Mumbai Indians did almost everything right until the last two overs, before it all fell apart for the defending champions against Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

With Amelia Kerr and Nat Sciver-Brunt failing to get going, Gunalan Kamalini (32 off 28) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 17) steadied the ship halfway through the innings, before both were dismissed in quick succession with the innings stuttering at 67 for 4 after 11 overs. However, some quality batting from Nicola Carey (40 off 29) and Sajeevan Sajana (45 off 25) took them to a respectable total of 154 for 6 at the end of their 20 overs. 

The bowling didn’t get off to the best of starts, however, the wicket of RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana in the fourth over opened the floodgates for the MI bowling unit, with RCB reeling at 65 for 5 after 7.4 overs at one point. Entering the penultimate overs, RCB needed 29 runs from 12 deliveries while MI needed just three wickets. In a game that ebbed and flowed throughout, MI dropped two catches off de Klerk’s bat, and to make matters worse, she knocked off 18 runs in the last over.  

Their opponents in the next fixture, Delhi Capitals have been the most consistent side in the tournament, qualifying directly for the final on each occasion. However, the crowning jewel – the WPL trophy – has continued to elude them. With Jemimah Rodrigues taking over the reins, DC will once again aim for a maiden WPL trophy, though, her leadership and decision-making in crunch moments will likely define DC’s campaign. 

Looking at their squad, in terms of clear strengths, DC boasts one of the strongest batting line-ups in the competition. The duo of Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt at the top of the order, followed by captain Jemimah at No. 3 and Marizanne Kapp at 4. Moreover, their quality assortment of all-rounders and spin options will go a long way in driving this team to yet another playoff berth. 

That said, with such an array of talent, finding the right balance will be key for DC, and how quickly they do it will be another factor. Besides, the lack of clarity on the wicket-keeping position is another concern given Taniyaa Bhatia’s recent struggles, while both Lizelle Lee and Mamatha Madiwala lack experience at the top level and thus become a risk in such a high-profile tournament. Additionally, the lack of depth in the pace bowling department is another concern after Annabel Sutherland pulled out of the tournament citing personal reasons. Leaving the bulk of the workload on Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry. 

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, conditions are expected to be warm and clear, ensuring an uninterrupted evening of cricket. The surface at the DY Patil is known for its true bounce and value for shots, particularly during day games. Batters who get set can score freely, seamers may find some early movement before conditions settle while spinners should get some purchase through the middle overs. 

Looking ahead to this contest, both Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are considered to be two of the strongest teams in the tournament, making this fixture important both in terms of points and getting a psychological edge early into the tournament. Based on past records and current squad makeup, we expect this to be a tight contest, however, we’re siding with Mumbai Indians simply based on the fact that they’ve already played a game in the same venue and thus hold a better understanding of the conditions which could prove crucial in a tight fixture like this. 

Fantasy XI: Amelia Kerr, Laura Wolvaardt, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Marizanne Kapp (vc), Harmanpreet Kaur, Chinelle Henry, Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Sheh Rana, Shabnim Ismail, Alana King

Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai

Winners Prediction: Mumbai Indians