WPL 2023: MI-W vs RCB-W 4th Match - Predicted Royal Challengers Bangalore Women Playing XI vs Mumbai Indians Women

A bruised Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Mumbai Indians in the fourth match of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL). As the matches come thick and fast, players from both sides will need to be on their toes and perform at their best levels to obtain results. 

RCB endured a massive defeat as they lost by 60 runs to Delhi Capitals in their campaign opener. While Mumbai are riding high on the back of the massive win, they will aim to maintain the momentum and put up another great show for the fans. 

While there is still lot for RCB to look forward to, obtaining results in their favour will be key. The Smriti Mandhana-led Bangalore lock horns with Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, March 6.

Here’s Royal Challengers Bangalore's predicted XI for the match against Mumbai Indians:

Openers: Smriti Mandhana (c), Sophie Devine

The skipper of the side got off on the right foot in the massive run chase against Delhi in their first match. She was threatening to take the game away from Capitals. However, she failed to convert it into a big score and was sent packing for 35 off 23 balls. Mandhana has the potential to lead from the front and carve out knocks which can tilt the game in her team’s favour.

The veteran Sophie Devine too failed to score big when the side required a massive score from her. However, she will look to stitch vital partnerships with Mandhana going forward and help her side get ahead. 

Middle order: Disha Kasat, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh (wk)

In 2021, Disha Kasat was in terrific form when she took the Women's Senior One Day Trophy by storm. Back-to-back impressive performances made her a reliable candidate for the middle order. However, in recent times she has failed to maintain consistency.

This was clearly reflected in the match against Delhi when she only got nine runs off 11 balls. In any case, she will need to quickly bounce back and return to top form if she wants to keep her place in the XI.

Arguably one of the most important players in the side is Ellyse Perry. She has been a top player for the sides she has represented. Even in the last outing, Perry got a quick 19-ball 31 with the help of five boundaries. While she can be lethal with the bat, and ball and display her acrobatics in the field, her heroics are yet to be seen in the WPL.

Richa Ghosh was pretty sharp as a keeper behind the stumps, however, her batting seemed to be quite a concern. Despite getting just two runs in the first match, Richa will be raring to use the opportunity in the coming games and score big.

All-rounders: Kanika Ahuja, Poonam Khemnar, Heather Knight

Heather Knight had a great start to the season as she got 34 runs to her name off 21 balls, helping the side put up a fight in the chase against Delhi. Despite leaking 40 runs in her three overs, she was the only bowler who scalped two wickets for RCB against DC. There is a lot for her to look forward to and undoubtedly she will play a vital role going forward.  

Kanika Ahuja had a night to forget in the previous clash especially after getting dismissed for a duck during the chase. While playing against the best players in the world can be intimidating, the 20-year-old has the potential to give rival sides a run for their money. RCB will need to find a way to use her services in a more effective manner.

Poonam Khemnar could likely come in for Asha Shobana in the forthcoming match against Mumbai Indians. She has some experience under her belt and will be looking to impress in the upcoming match assuming she gets the nod. 

Bowlers: Renuka Singh, Megan Schutt, Preeti Bose

Renuka Singh was the most economical bowler of the lot in RCB's disastrous outing, especially with the ball in the first match. While there is still a lot for the pacer to improve, she will aim to turn things around in the forthcoming game against Mumbai.

Megan Schutt is the third leading wicket-takers in T20Is with 124 scalps to her name. However, her bowling exploits did not particularly come to fruition as she leaked runs at an economy rate of 11.25. Similarly, Preeti Bose, too was unable to provide vital breakthroughs during the crucial moments nor was she able to restrict the rival batters from scoring big. The forthcoming match will be an opportunity for the two to come out all guns blazing.

Royal Challengers Bangalore playing XI: Smriti Mandhana (c), Sophie Devine, Heather Knight, Disha Kasat, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Poonam Khemnar, Preeti Bose, Megan Schutt, Renuka Thakur Singh