Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season with a memorable three-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). The thrilling season opener was decided off the final ball at Navi Mumbai and set the tone for an exciting tournament ahead.

De Klerk Shines With Ball and Bat

Nadine de Klerk made an immediate impact in RCB colours. First, she led the bowling attack with an impressive spell of 4/25, restricting Mumbai Indians to a competitive but chaseable total.

Later, she anchored RCB’s chase with a calm and unbeaten 63 off 44 balls. Her composed innings, combined with timely boundaries, proved decisive in a tense finish.

MI Stumble Early After Being Sent In

Earlier, Mumbai Indians were asked to bat first and faced early pressure. Lauren Bell bowled a superb maiden over to start the innings and maintained tight lines with the new ball.

Her disciplined bowling paid off when she dismissed Amelia Kerr inside the powerplay. MI managed only 34/1 in the first six overs.

De Klerk Strikes as MI Lose Momentum

Mumbai’s problems increased when Natalie Sciver-Brunt was stumped smartly by Richa Ghosh off Nadine de Klerk’s bowling. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and young batter G. Kamalini then steadied the innings.

However, just as the partnership was growing, Shreyanka Patil removed Kamalini for 32 off 28 balls. Soon after, Harmanpreet edged De Klerk behind during her second spell, putting MI under pressure again.

Late Counter-Attack Lifts MI to 154

Dropped twice, Sajeevan Sajana made RCB pay. She put together a crucial counter-attacking partnership with Nicola Carey. The pair added momentum by scoring 14 runs off Radha Yadav in the 15th over, which brought up MI’s 100.

Sajana showcased her power-hitting with a rapid 45 off 25 balls, while Carey contributed a steady 40 off 29. Their 82-run partnership lifted Mumbai Indians to a competitive total of 154.

Despite the late surge, Nadine de Klerk stood out as RCB’s best bowler, finishing with excellent figures of 4/25.

RCB’s Chase Begins Fast but Falters

Chasing 155, RCB started strongly. Grace Harris hit a boundary off the very first ball, while captain Smriti Mandhana looked fluent during the powerplay.

However, Mumbai Indians fought back quickly. Shabnim Ismail dismissed Mandhana for 18, and Natalie Sciver-Brunt removed Harris for a quick 25 off 12 balls. As a result, RCB reached 54/2 at the end of the powerplay.

Richa Ghosh got an early reprieve when Saika Ishaque dropped a catch, but Mumbai soon capitalised. Amelia Kerr turned the game around by taking two wickets in one over, dismissing Radha Yadav (1) and Ghosh (6). At the halfway stage, RCB were struggling at 75/5.

Crucial Partnership Turns the Game

Under pressure, Nadine de Klerk joined hands with Arundhati Reddy to rebuild the innings. De Klerk attacked the spinners by using her feet, while Arundhati focused on rotating the strike.

Together, they added a vital 50-run partnership. The stand ended in the 16th over when Nicola Carey claimed her first WPL wicket by removing Arundhati for a valuable 20. Carey struck again on the final ball of the over to dismiss Shreyanka Patil, pushing RCB back into trouble.

Last-Over Drama Seals Famous Win

The closing stages were filled with drama. In the 19th over, de Klerk survived multiple chances. She was dropped twice and narrowly escaped a run-out. Prema Rawat ended the over with a boundary, leaving RCB needing 18 runs from the final six balls.

With de Klerk on strike, Natalie Sciver-Brunt bowled two dot balls to build pressure. However, de Klerk responded brilliantly. She smashed a six and a four to reach her maiden WPL fifty. She then finished the match in style, hitting the final two balls for six and four to seal a stunning three-wicket victory. De Klerk remained unbeaten on 63, which included seven fours and two sixes.