GJ-W vs BLR-W Match Preview – The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is back with a blockbuster clash as Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W) take on the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (BLR-W). Both teams are looking to establish early dominance in the tournament. GJ-W, led by the tactical Ashleigh Gardner, will be eager to prove their mettle against Smriti Mandhana’s star-studded RCB unit.
GJ-W vs BLR-W Match Details
| Feature | Details |
| Match | Gujarat Giants Women vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Women |
| Series | Women Premier League (WPL) 2026 |
| Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Time | 07:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Dr. D. Y. Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| Live Telecast | JioHotstar, Star Sports |
GJ-W vs BLR-W Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
The Dr. D. Y. Patil Sports Academy is known for its balanced nature. Traditionally, the pitch offers good bounce and carry for the seamers in the early stages. However, as the game progresses, it becomes a batter’s paradise due to the quick outfields. Spinners will find some assistance if they vary their pace, but there is little room for error.
Weather Report
The weather forecast for Navi Mumbai is clear with no chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to hover around 24°C to 26°C. Humidity might play a factor in the second innings, potentially introducing dew, which usually encourages the captain winning the toss to bowl first.
GJ-W vs BLR-W Squads
Gujarat Giants Women Squad – Georgia Wareham, Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Kim Garth, Renuka Singh Thakur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Tanuja Kanwer, Yastika Bhatia, Ayushi Soni, Kashvee Gautam, Titas Sadhu, Kanika Ahuja, Bharati Fulmali, Anushka Sharma, Shivani Singh, Happy Kumari.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women Squad – Dayalan Hemalatha, Smriti Mandhana (C), Radha Yadav, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Pooja Vastrakar, Richa Ghosh, Georgia Voll, Prathyoosha Kumar, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, Gautami Naik, Prema Rawat.
GJ-W vs BLR-W Predicted Playing 11
Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W)
Beth Mooney (WK)
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge
Yastika Bhatia
Sophie Devine
Ashleigh Gardner (C)
Georgia Wareham
Tanuja Kanwer
Kashvee Gautam
Renuka Singh Thakur
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Titas Sadhu
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (BLR-W)
Smriti Mandhana (C)
Georgia Voll
Richa Ghosh (WK)
Grace Harris
Nadine de Klerk
Dayalan Hemalatha
Pooja Vastrakar
Shreyanka Patil
Radha Yadav
Arundhati Reddy
Lauren Bell
GJ-W vs BLR-W Match Prediction
This encounter is expected to be a high-scoring thriller. Royal Challengers Bangalore Women appear to have a more balanced bowling attack with the likes of Shreyanka Patil and Lauren Bell. However, Gujarat Giants Women possess incredible batting depth with powerhouse overseas players like Sophie Devine and Ashleigh Gardner.
Given the current form and squad balance, BLR-W holds a slight edge, but GJ-W’s ability to explode in the middle overs makes them a dangerous opponent.
Winner Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (BLR-W)
