RCB starts WPL 2026 with a win, beat MI by 3 wickets; Nadine de Klerk* 63(44)

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off with a heart-stopping thriller at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCBW) clinched a sensational 3-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians Women (MIW). The protagonist of the night was South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who single-handedly turned the tide in a game that seemed to have slipped away from Bengaluru’s grasp. Chasing a target of 155, RCBW found themselves in a precarious position, needing 18 runs off the final four deliveries. In a stunning display of power-hitting, de Klerk smashed two boundaries and two sixes to seal the win on the very last ball.

Earlier in the day, RCBW captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision initially bore fruit as Nadine de Klerk dismantled the MIW top order, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 26. Mumbai was struggling after losing key wickets, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur and G. Kamalini. However, Sajeevan Sajana and Nicola Carey staged a gritty recovery for the defending champions. Their counter-attacking partnership helped MIW post a competitive total of 154 for 6, giving their bowlers a fighting chance.

In the second innings, the chase was neck-and-neck, but Mumbai’s disciplined bowling kept them in control for most of the death overs. Harmanpreet’s side looked set for a win until the final over drama unfolded. De Klerk, who had anchored the middle order with a composed 44-ball 63, shifted gears when it mattered most. Her ability to keep her cool under immense pressure left the Mumbai fielders and the crowd in awe, as she transformed a seemingly impossible task into a historic opening-night victory.

This win sets a high bar for the rest of the tournament, showcasing the growing competitiveness of the WPL. For RCBW, this victory serves as a perfect start to their campaign, fueled by de Klerk’s record-breaking all-round performance. Meanwhile, for the Mumbai Indians, it was a bitter pill to swallow after having the match within their control until the final few moments. The WPL 2026 has officially arrived with a bang, proving that no lead is safe in the shortest format of the game.