RCB defeat defending champions MI on last ball in WPL 2026 opener
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Friday. In a nail-biting finish, RCB managed to chase down the target of 155 runs on the last ball, defeating the defending champions by three wickets. The match was a testament to the excitement and competitiveness of the WPL, and it set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling tournament.
MI, who were put in to bat first, got off to a decent start, with their openers laying a solid foundation. However, it was Sajeevan Sajana who stole the show with her quickfire 45 off 25 balls. Her innings was a mix of powerful hitting and clever strokeplay, and it helped MI to post a competitive total. The MI innings was also marked by some impressive hitting from their middle order, with several players making valuable contributions.
However, the RCB bowlers were not to be underestimated, and they fought back strongly to restrict MI to 154-6 in their 20 overs. The pick of the RCB bowlers was Nadine de Klerk, who picked up four wickets and was instrumental in stifling the MI batting lineup. De Klerk’s bowling was a perfect mix of pace, variation, and accuracy, and she proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the MI batsmen.
When RCB came out to bat, they knew they had a challenging task ahead of them. The target of 155 runs was not an easy one to chase, especially against a strong MI bowling lineup. However, RCB were determined to make a statement, and they started their innings with a sense of purpose. The RCB openers got off to a solid start, laying a foundation that would be crucial in the chase.
As the RCB innings progressed, it became clear that De Klerk was going to be the key player for her team. She batted with a sense of calm and authority, taking on the MI bowlers with ease. Her 63 not out off 44 balls was a masterclass in batting, and it proved to be the difference between the two teams. De Klerk’s innings was a mix of powerful hitting, clever running, and smart decision-making, and it helped RCB to overhaul the target on the last ball.
The last ball of the match was a thrilling moment, with RCB needing two runs to win. De Klerk, who was on strike, smashed the ball to the boundary, securing a thrilling three-wicket victory for her team. The RCB players were ecstatic, and they celebrated their win with a sense of joy and relief. The defending champions, on the other hand, were left to ponder what could have been, and they will look to bounce back strongly in their next match.
The WPL 2026 opener was a testament to the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament. The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams giving it their all. In the end, RCB emerged victorious, but MI will take heart from their performance and will look to come back stronger. The tournament is shaping up to be an enthralling one, and cricket fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama in the days to come.
The win for RCB was a significant one, as it marked a statement of intent from the team. They have a strong squad, and they will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament. The team’s captain and coaches will be pleased with the performance, and they will look to build on this momentum.
For MI, the loss was a setback, but they will not be too disheartened. They have a strong team, and they will look to bounce back strongly. The team’s captain and coaches will be looking to identify areas for improvement, and they will work on rectifying those issues.
The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several teams looking strong. The competition is fierce, and every match is going to be a challenging one. Cricket fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama, and they will be eagerly looking forward to the next match.
In conclusion, the WPL 2026 opener was a thrilling encounter, with RCB emerging victorious against the defending champions, MI. The match was a testament to the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament, and it set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling few weeks of cricket. RCB will be looking to build on their momentum, while MI will look to bounce back strongly. The tournament is shaping up to be an exciting one, and cricket fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement.
About the Author
