RCB defeat defending champions MI on last ball in WPL 2026 opener
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 got off to a thrilling start on Friday, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pulling off a stunning three-wicket win over defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The match went down to the wire, with RCB chasing down the target of 155 runs on the very last ball of the innings.
MI, who were put in to bat first by RCB, got off to a decent start, with their openers laying a foundation for the rest of the innings. However, it was Sajeevan Sajana who stole the show, scoring a brilliant 45 off just 25 balls to help MI post a competitive total of 154-6 in their 20 overs. Sajana’s innings was a treat to watch, as she smashed boundaries and sixes with ease, taking the pressure off her teammates.
But RCB’s Nadine de Klerk was not to be outdone, as she picked up four wickets to restrict MI’s total. De Klerk’s bowling was a highlight of the RCB innings, as she used her variations to good effect, keeping the MI batters on their toes. Her four-wicket haul was instrumental in limiting MI to a score that RCB could chase down.
And chase it down they did, albeit in dramatic fashion. RCB’s innings got off to a rocky start, with their top order struggling to get going. But De Klerk, who had already made an impact with the ball, was not to be denied with the bat either. She played a match-winning innings of 63 not out off 44 balls, taking RCB over the line on the last ball of the innings.
De Klerk’s innings was a masterclass in calmness and composure under pressure. She rotated the strike beautifully, using her feet to good effect against the spinners, and hitting the odd boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking. As the innings wore on, De Klerk became more and more aggressive, taking on the MI bowlers and hitting them to all parts of the ground.
Despite De Klerk’s heroics, RCB’s chase was not without its hiccups. They lost wickets at regular intervals, and at one stage, it seemed like MI might just sneak in a win. But De Klerk was not to be denied, and she found able support from her teammates, who chipped in with valuable runs to take RCB over the line.
The win was a significant one for RCB, who will be looking to make a big impact in the WPL this season. They have a talented squad, and with De Klerk in this kind of form, they will be a force to be reckoned with. For MI, the loss will be a setback, but they will know that they have the talent and the depth to bounce back from this defeat.
As for De Klerk, she will be the player of the match, and deservedly so. Her all-round performance was a highlight of the match, and she will be one to watch out for in the rest of the tournament. With this win, RCB have made a statement, and they will be looking to build on this momentum in their next match.
The WPL 2026 promises to be an exciting tournament, with some of the best female cricketers in the world taking part. The opening match between RCB and MI set the tone for what is to come, and fans will be eagerly looking forward to the rest of the tournament.
In conclusion, the RCB vs MI match was a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire. De Klerk’s match-winning innings was the highlight of the match, and RCB will be hoping to build on this momentum in their next match. The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, and fans will be eagerly looking forward to the rest of the matches.
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