RCB defeat defending champions MI on last ball in WPL 2026 opener
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off in thrilling fashion on Friday, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pulling off a stunning three-wicket victory 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 into bat by RCB, got off to a solid start, with their openers laying a foundation for a big total. However, it was Sajeevan Sajana who stole the show, smashing 45 runs off just 25 balls to help MI post a competitive 154-6 in their 20 overs. Sajana’s innings was a treat to watch, as she hit four boundaries and two sixes to take the attack to the RCB bowlers.
But RCB’s Nadine de Klerk was the star of the show, picking up four wickets to restrict MI to a manageable total. De Klerk’s bowling figures of 4-0-24-4 were instrumental in keeping MI’s total in check, and her efforts were duly recognized by her teammates.
When RCB came out to bat, they knew they had a tough task ahead of them. But they were determined to make a statement in the WPL 2026 opener, and they got off to a solid start. De Klerk, who had already made a significant impact with the ball, continued her good form with the bat, smashing 63 runs off 44 balls to lead RCB’s charge.
De Klerk’s innings was a masterclass, as she hit seven boundaries and two sixes to take the attack to the MI bowlers. She was well-supported by her teammates, who chipped in with useful contributions to keep RCB’s run chase on track.
As the innings wore on, the tension began to build, with RCB needing 10 runs off the last over to win. But De Klerk, who was still at the crease, was not going to let the opportunity slip. She hit a boundary off the first ball of the last over, and then took a single off the next ball to bring the equation down to five runs off three balls.
The next two balls were dots, but De Klerk was not going to give up. She hit a boundary off the penultimate ball to bring the equation down to one run off one ball, and then hit a single off the last ball to seal the win for RCB.
The RCB players were ecstatic, as they celebrated their thrilling victory over the defending champions. De Klerk was mobbed by her teammates, who congratulated her on her match-winning performance. The RCB captain praised De Klerk’s effort, saying that she was the difference between the two teams.
The win was a significant one for RCB, as it marked their first victory over MI in the WPL. The team will be looking to build on this momentum, as they take on their next opponents in the tournament.
For MI, the defeat was a setback, but they will be looking to bounce back strongly in their next match. The team will be working on their strategy, as they look to defend their title in the WPL 2026.
The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several teams looking strong contenders for the title. The competition is expected to be fierce, with each team giving it their all to emerge victorious.
As the tournament progresses, we can expect to see some thrilling matches, with teams going all out to win. The fans will be treated to some exciting cricket, as the best players in the world take to the field to showcase their skills.
In conclusion, the WPL 2026 opener was a thrilling match, with RCB pulling off a stunning victory over defending champions MI. The match was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament, and we can expect to see many more thrilling matches as the WPL 2026 progresses.
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