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 innings.
MI, who were put in to bat first 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 with a blistering 45 off just 25 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Her innings was the highlight of MI’s batting effort, as they posted a total of 154-6 in their 20 overs.
Nadine de Klerk was the pick of the RCB bowlers, picking up four wickets for 26 runs in her four overs. Her spell was instrumental in restricting MI to a total that was chaseable for RCB. The other RCB bowlers also chipped in with wickets, with Shreyanka Patil and Renuka Singh picking up one wicket each.
In reply, RCB got off to a steady start, with their openers seeing off the new ball and laying a foundation for the chase. However, it was De Klerk who took center stage, smashing an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls to guide RCB to victory. Her innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she took on the MI bowlers and scored boundaries at will.
The RCB chase was not without its hiccups, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. However, De Klerk remained calm and composed, taking the game deep into the final over. With six runs needed off the last two balls, De Klerk hit a four off the penultimate ball to bring the equation down to two runs off the last ball.
In a thrilling finish, De Klerk hit the last ball of the innings to the boundary, securing a three-wicket win for RCB. The RCB players erupted in joy, as they celebrated a thrilling win over the defending champions.
The win was a significant one for RCB, as it marked a statement of intent in the WPL 2026. The team, which has been built around a strong core of players, will be looking to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.
For MI, the loss was a setback, but they will be looking to bounce back quickly. The team has a strong squad and will be looking to make a strong comeback in their next match.
The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several teams looking strong contenders for the title. The tournament will feature five teams, with each team playing the other four teams twice in the league stage. The top three teams will then qualify for the playoffs, with the top team getting a direct entry into the final.
The WPL 2026 is a significant milestone for women’s cricket in India, as it marks the first time that a professional women’s T20 league has been held in the country. The tournament has generated a lot of excitement, with several top players from around the world participating in the tournament.
In conclusion, the RCB vs MI match was a thrilling opener to the WPL 2026, with RCB pulling off a stunning win over the defending champions. The match set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament, with several teams looking strong contenders for the title.
About the Author
