Navi Mumbai, January 9, 2026 - In a thrilling start to the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCBW) defeated the defending champions Mumbai Indians Women (MIW) by 3 wickets in a last-ball encounter at the DY Patil Sports Academy. Nadine de Klerk's exceptional all-round performance was the highlight of the match, as she took 4 wickets and scored a match-winning half-century.
Mumbai Indians Women, after opting to bat first, posted a total of 154/6 in their 20 overs. The innings saw a recovery led by Sajeevan Sajana (45 off 25) and Nicola Carey (40 off 29) after a shaky start. Lauren Bell's impressive opening spell put brakes on MI's powerful batting lineup, dismissing Amelia Kerr early. De Klerk's crucial wickets in the middle overs, including Harmanpreet Kaur, further stifled the MIW innings.
RCB's chase began briskly, but wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving them struggling at 65/5. Just as they had done last season against Gujarat Giants while hunting down a mammoth 202, RCB once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, with De Klerk at the heart of another unforgettable comeback. De Klerk then took charge, displaying remarkable composure and power. With 18 runs needed off the final over, de Klerk smashed boundaries to secure a dramatic victory. She finished with an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.
The match was a nail-biting affair, filled with twists and turns. MIW's Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that dropped catches and close margins contributed to the loss. RCBW captain Smriti Mandhana praised her team's confidence and determination.
The WPL 2026 opener set the stage for an exciting season. Nadine de Klerk's heroics ensured a memorable start for RCBW, while MIW will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches. The game highlighted the growing popularity and prestige of the WPL, promising thrilling cricket action in the days to come.
