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) defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by three wickets in a nail-biting encounter at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Sports Academy. The match went down to the wire, with RCB chasing down the target of 155 runs on the last ball of the innings.
MI, who were put in to bat by RCB, got off to a decent start, with their openers putting on 31 runs for the first wicket. However, it was Sajeevan Sajana who stole the show with her explosive batting, scoring 45 runs off just 25 balls. Her innings was laced with five fours and two sixes, and it helped MI post a competitive total of 154-6 in their 20 overs.
Nadine de Klerk was the pick of the bowlers for RCB, picking up four wickets for 31 runs in her four overs. Her spell was instrumental in restricting MI to a total that was achievable for RCB.
RCB’s chase got off to a rocky start, with their openers struggling to get going. However, it was De Klerk who turned the tide in favor of RCB with her brilliant batting. She scored an unbeaten 63 runs off 44 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes in the process. Her partnership with Richa Ghosh was crucial in taking RCB closer to the target, and it was her six off the penultimate ball that set up the thrilling finish.
With two runs needed off the last ball, De Klerk smashed the ball to the boundary, securing a thrilling three-wicket win for RCB. The victory was a testament to RCB’s never-say-die attitude, and it sets them up nicely for the rest of the tournament.
The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with all teams looking to make a strong start. RCB’s win over MI has thrown open the competition, and it will be interesting to see how the other teams respond to the challenge.
For MI, it was a disappointing start to their title defense, but they will look to bounce back strongly in their next match. They have a strong squad and will be looking to make amends for the loss.
The WPL 2026 is a groundbreaking tournament that promises to take women’s cricket to new heights. With some of the best players from around the world participating, it is an exciting time for fans of the sport. The tournament is being televised live, and fans can also follow the action on various social media platforms.
In conclusion, RCB’s win over MI in the WPL 2026 opener was a thrilling encounter that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. With De Klerk’s brilliant batting and RCB’s never-say-die attitude, it was a match that will be remembered for a long time. The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, and fans can expect plenty of twists and turns as the competition unfolds.
About the Author
