MI vs RCB, WPL 2026: Nadine de Klerk’s All-Round Brilliance Seals Thrilling Win for RCB

Navi Mumbai, Jan 2026 : The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 began with a high-octane thriller as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) edged past Mumbai Indians (MI) by three wickets in the opening match at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. In a contest marked by momentum swings, disciplined bowling, and a dramatic finish, Nadine de Klerk emerged as the undisputed star, delivering a match-winning all-round performance to guide RCB to victory.

Put in to bat after losing the toss, Mumbai Indians endured a shaky start on a challenging surface. The defending champions struggled against incisive new-ball bowling, losing key wickets early. Amelia Kerr endured a torrid stay at the crease, managing just four runs off 15 deliveries before being dismissed. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Gunalan Kamalini, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also fell cheaply, leaving MI reeling at 67 for 4 and staring at the prospect of a below-par total.

Just when RCB appeared firmly in control, Sajeevana Sajjana and Nicola Carey staged a spirited counter-attack to revive the MI innings. Sajjana played with confidence and intent, scoring 45 runs off just 25 balls, laced with seven boundaries and a six. Carey provided solid support with a composed 40 off 29 balls. Their 82-run partnership steadied the innings and helped Mumbai regain lost ground, eventually guiding the team to a competitive total of 154 for 6 in 20 overs.

RCB’s bowling effort was led by Lauren Bell and Nadine de Klerk. Bell bowled with remarkable control, conceding only 14 runs in her four overs, which included an impressive 19 dot balls and the key wicket of Kerr. De Klerk complemented her brilliantly, picking up four wickets for 26 runs and repeatedly breaking MI’s rhythm in the middle overs. Shreyanka Patil chipped in with a wicket, ensuring RCB kept the scoring in check.

Chasing 155, RCB began confidently as Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana raced to 40 runs inside the first four overs. However, MI struck back quickly, triggering a collapse that saw RCB slump to 121 for 7. With the required run rate climbing and wickets tumbling, the match seemed to be slipping away from the Bangalore side.

It was then that Nadine de Klerk once again rose to the occasion. Displaying composure under pressure, she anchored the chase with an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. With 29 needed from the final two overs, de Klerk and Prema Rawat added crucial runs, scoring 11 in the 19th over before producing a dramatic final over. De Klerk’s clean hitting yielded 18 runs in the last over, sealing a memorable last-ball victory for RCB.

The match fittingly ended with de Klerk being named Player of the Match for her exceptional contributions with both bat and ball. Her performance set the tone for the WPL 2026 season, delivering an opening encounter that lived up to expectations and provided fans with a thrilling start to the tournament.

Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians Women: 154/6 (Sajeevana Sajjana 45, Nicola Carey 40; Nadine de Klerk 4/26)
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women: 157/7 (Nadine de Klerk 63*)
Result: RCB Women won by 3 wickets.

Team Maverick.