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 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 putting on 31 runs for the first wicket. However, it was Sajeevan Sajana who stole the show with her blistering knock of 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.
The pick of the bowlers for RCB was Nadine de Klerk, who picked up four wickets for 32 runs in her four overs. De Klerk’s spell was instrumental in restricting MI to a manageable total, and it gave RCB a chance to chase down the target.
RCB’s chase got off to a rocky start, with their top order batsmen struggling to get going. However, it was De Klerk who once again proved to be the hero for RCB, this time with the bat. She smashed an unbeaten 63 runs off 44 balls, an innings that included seven fours and two sixes. Her partnership with RCB’s lower order batsmen was crucial in taking the team over the line.
The match was a nail-biter, with RCB needing 10 runs off the last over to win. De Klerk and her partner at the crease, Kanika Ahuja, kept their nerves calm and took RCB over the line, with De Klerk hitting the winning run off the last ball of the innings.
The win was a significant one for RCB, as it marked their first victory over MI in the WPL. It also gave them a crucial two points in the league table, and it set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
For MI, the loss was a disappointing one, especially given their status as defending champions. However, they will take heart from the fact that they pushed RCB all the way to the last ball, and they will look to bounce back in their next match.
The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be a highly competitive tournament, with all five teams looking strong on paper. The league stage will feature 20 matches, with each team playing the other four teams twice. The top three teams will then qualify for the playoffs, with the top two teams playing each other in the first qualifying final, and the third-placed team playing the fourth-placed team in the eliminator.
The WPL has been a huge success in its first two seasons, with the tournament providing a platform for women’s cricket in India to grow and develop. The tournament has attracted some of the biggest names in women’s cricket, and it has given Indian players a chance to rub shoulders with the best in the world.
The 2026 season promises to be even bigger and better, with the addition of two new teams and a slew of new players. The tournament will feature some of the most exciting and talented players in women’s cricket, and it is sure to be a treat for fans.
In conclusion, the WPL 2026 got off to a thrilling start on Friday, with RCB defeating MI by three wickets in a nail-biting encounter. The match was a testament to the excitement and drama that the WPL has to offer, and it set the tone for the rest of the tournament. With the league stage featuring 20 matches, and the playoffs promising to be even more intense, the WPL 2026 is shaping up to be a tournament to remember.
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