Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a stunning late surge to defeat defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets in a last-ball thriller in the opening match of the WPL 2026 at Navi Mumbai.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians posted 154/6 in their 20 overs after early trouble. Lauren Bell’s incisive new-ball spell put MI on the back foot, but a counter-attacking 45 off 25 balls from Sajana Sajeevan revived the innings. She was well supported by Nicola Carey (40) as the pair stitched together a vital 82-run partnership to give Mumbai a competitive total.
RCB’s chase began at a frenetic pace, with Grace Harris firing them to 40/0 in just three overs, before a dramatic collapse saw Bengaluru slide to 65/5, swinging momentum firmly towards Mumbai. Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail led the fightback with the ball, while Carey impressed after an expensive start.
Just when Mumbai looked in control, Nadine de Klerk took charge. Earlier, she had already dismantled MI’s batting line-up with a brilliant spell of 4/26, earning her the Player of the Match honours. In the chase, she anchored the innings, adding a crucial partnership with Arundhati Reddy before carrying the responsibility deep into the final over.
The climax was pure drama. With 18 needed off the last over, bowled by Nat Sciver-Brunt, de Klerk held her nerve in spectacular fashion, going 0, 0, 6, 4, 6, 4 to seal victory off the final ball, finishing unbeaten on a match-winning 63 off 44 balls*.
Missed chances proved costly for Mumbai Indians, including a dropped catch and a missed run-out in the death overs, moments that ultimately turned the match. For RCB, it was a statement win to open their WPL 2026 campaign—one defined by composure under pressure and a truly clutch performance from Nadine de Klerk.
Quick Summary
Mumbai Indians (MI): 154/6 (20 overs)
RCB Women: 157/7 (20 overs)
Result: RCB won by 3 wicket
Source: WPL
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