RCB defeat defending champions MI on last ball in WPL 2026 opener
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off with a thrilling match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Friday. The highly anticipated match lived up to its expectations, with RCB emerging victorious by three wickets on the last ball of the match.
MI, who were put into bat by RCB, got off to a decent start with their openers, Sajeevan Sajana and Jemimah Rodrigues, providing a solid foundation. Sajana, in particular, was in impressive form, scoring a quickfire 45 off 25 deliveries. Her knock included several boundaries and sixes, which helped MI to post a competitive total.
However, the RCB bowlers, led by Nadine de Klerk, fought back strongly to restrict MI to 154-6 in their 20 overs. De Klerk was the star performer with the ball, picking up four wickets and conceding just 25 runs in her four overs. Her excellent spell helped to stem the flow of runs and put pressure on the MI batsmen.
In reply, RCB got off to a shaky start, losing a few early wickets. However, De Klerk, who had already made an impact with the ball, came to the rescue with the bat. She played a match-winning knock of 63 off 44 deliveries, which included several boundaries and sixes. Her partnership with another RCB batsman helped to steady the innings and take the team closer to the target.
As the match entered its final stages, RCB needed a few runs to win, and De Klerk was still at the crease. She played some clever cricket, rotating the strike and finding the boundaries when needed. With just a few balls left, RCB needed a few runs to win, and De Klerk was the key player.
On the last ball of the match, RCB needed just one run to win, and De Klerk was on strike. She played a clever shot, pushing the ball to the mid-off region and running a single to secure a thrilling three-wicket win for RCB. The RCB players were overjoyed, and De Klerk was mobbed by her teammates as they celebrated a memorable victory.
The win was a significant one for RCB, as it marked a strong start to their WPL 2026 campaign. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and make a strong push for the title. For MI, the defeat was a setback, but they will be looking to bounce back strongly in their next match.
The WPL 2026 is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, with several top teams and players in action. The league will feature some of the best women cricketers from around the world, and fans can expect some exciting matches and thrilling cricket.
In the end, RCB’s victory over MI was a testament to the team’s strength and determination. The match was a thrilling one, with several twists and turns, and the last-ball finish made it an unforgettable experience for the fans. As the WPL 2026 continues, fans can expect more exciting matches and thrilling cricket.
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