Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) elected to bowl first against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL). RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana cited dew as a factor in their decision. MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur also noted dew but expressed confidence in her team, despite all-rounder Hayley Matthews being unavailable due to illness. This marks the first WPL season held in the January-February window.