RCB defeat defending champions MI on last ball in WPL 2026 opener
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off in style on Friday, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pulling off a thrilling three-wicket win 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 last ball of the match.
MI, who were put into 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 aggressive 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 34 runs in her four overs. Her bowling spell was instrumental in restricting MI to a total that was achievable for RCB.
In reply, RCB got off to a shaky start, losing their first wicket in the second over. However, De Klerk, who had earlier picked up four wickets, walked out to bat and played a match-winning innings. She scored 63 runs off 44 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, and remained not out till the end.
RCB’s chase was not without its hiccups, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. However, De Klerk held firm, playing some exquisite shots to keep the scoreboard ticking. With 10 runs needed off the last over, De Klerk smashed a four off the first ball to reduce the equation to six runs off five balls. She then took a single off the next ball, and the new batsman, who was on strike, managed to get a single off the next ball.
With four runs needed off three balls, De Klerk smashed another four to bring the equation down to zero runs needed off two balls. She then took a single off the next ball, and the new batsman, who was on strike, managed to get a single off the last ball to seal the win for RCB.
The win was a thrilling one for RCB, and it sets them up nicely for the rest of the tournament. For MI, it was a disappointing loss, but they would take heart from the fact that they pushed RCB to the limit.
The WPL 2026 is set to be an exciting tournament, with some of the best women cricketers from around the world taking part. The tournament features five teams, including RCB, MI, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. The tournament will be played over the course of a month, with the final scheduled to take place on April 26.
The WPL has been a long time coming, and it is a significant step forward for women’s cricket in India. The tournament has generated a lot of excitement, and it is expected to be a huge success. With the quality of cricket on display, it is sure to attract a large audience and inspire a new generation of women cricketers.
In conclusion, the WPL 2026 got off to a thrilling start, with RCB pulling off a last-ball win over MI. The tournament promises to be an exciting one, with some of the best women cricketers from around the world taking part. With its mix of experienced players and young talent, the WPL 2026 is sure to be a huge success and a significant step forward for women’s cricket in India.
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