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 looking to start their title defense on a strong note, won the toss and opted to bat first. Their decision seemed to be paying off as they got off to a solid start, with opener Sajeevan Sajana taking the lead. Sajana, who was in impressive form, smashed 45 runs off just 25 balls, including several boundaries and a six. Her knock set the tone for the rest of the MI innings, as they looked to post a competitive total.
However, the RCB bowlers, led by the impressive Nadine de Klerk, had other plans. De Klerk, who was one of the most expensive players in the WPL auction, proved her worth by picking up four crucial wickets and conceding just 25 runs in her four overs. Her spell helped to stem the flow of runs and restrict MI to a total of 154-6 in their 20 overs.
In reply, RCB got off to a shaky start, losing a few early wickets to the MI pace attack. However, De Klerk, who had already made an impact with the ball, walked out to bat and took charge of the RCB innings. She played a brilliant knock, smashing 63 runs off just 44 balls, including several boundaries and a six. Her partnership with the RCB middle order helped to steady the ship and take the team closer to the target.
As the match entered its final stages, the tension was palpable. RCB needed a few runs off the last few balls, and De Klerk was the key to their chances. She played some clever shots, using her feet well and finding the gaps in the field. With just one ball left to face, RCB needed two runs to win, and De Klerk was on strike. She took a deep breath, focused on the ball, and smashed it to the boundary, securing a thrilling three-wicket victory for her team.
The win was a significant one for RCB, who had been looking to make a statement in the WPL 2026. The team had been built around a few key players, including De Klerk, and it was heartening to see them perform well on the big stage. For MI, the loss was a setback, but they would take heart from the fact that they had pushed RCB all the way to the last ball.
The WPL 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several teams looking strong and capable of making a push for the title. RCB, with their star-studded lineup and impressive performance in the opener, would be one of the teams to watch out for. As for MI, they would look to bounce back from this loss and assert their dominance in the tournament.
The match was a thrilling advertisement for the WPL, which is looking to establish itself as one of the premier women’s cricket tournaments in the world. The league has attracted some of the biggest names in women’s cricket, and the standard of play has been high. With several exciting matches lined up in the coming days, fans of women’s cricket are in for a treat.
In conclusion, the RCB vs MI match was an exciting opener to the WPL 2026, with RCB emerging victorious on the last ball. The match showcased the talent and skill of the players involved and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. As the WPL 2026 continues to unfold, fans can expect more thrilling matches and outstanding performances from the world’s best women cricketers.
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