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Smriti Mandhana irritated over intrusion; shoos cameraman away in WPL 2026

Akshita Patel

Smriti Mandhana irriated by WPL cameraman [Source: @RCBtweetzz/X.com]Smriti Mandhana irriated by WPL cameraman [Source: @RCBtweetzz/X.com]

The opening match of the WPL 2026 between RCB and Mumbai Indians had everything from drama, emotions, and pressure moments to a stunning last-over finish. Even before a single ball was bowled, a small event involving Smriti Mandhana had set everyone abuzz.

By the end of the night, it was Nadine de Klerk who walked away as the star of the show after pulling off an unforgettable win for RCB.

Smriti Mandhana loses patience with the cameraperson 

Ahead of the match, a video of Smriti Mandhana went viral on social media. The RCB captain was seen practising her shots during throw-downs when a cameraperson came very close to her. 

Mandhana was clearly not happy with the interruption. She paused, looked irritated, and gestured for some space so she could continue her practice. 

It was only a small incident, although fans were quick to pick up on it. Fans have rallied in support of Mandhana, with many arguing that players require concentration and space before an important match.

With the pressure of leading a team and opening the batting, such interruptions can be frustrating. Mandhana handled it calmly, but her expression said it all. 

The video went viral, and this became an extra talking point prior to the big match. 

Mandhana’s slow start in the WPL opener vs MI

Smriti Mandhana looked decently in touch when the match began. She opened the innings alongside Grace Harris and played some crisp shots through the off side.

She scored 18 runs off 13 balls, hitting four boundaries, and helped RCB get off to a positive start. However, her stay at the crease was short. Smriti was dismissed by Shabnim Ismail, caught in the deep, just as RCB were building momentum. 

While Mandhana did not go on to play a big innings, her intent was clear. She wanted to attack and set the tone.

Regardless, her 40-run opening stand with Harris allowed RCB to get a foundation in what turned out to be a nail-biting chase.

Nadine de Klerk’s heroics seal a dramatic win for RCB

If Smriti Mandhana’s moment made headlines before the game, Nadine de Klerk owned the night after it. RCB were struggling at 65/5 while chasing 155. 

The Mumbai Indians were on top, and the match seemed to be slipping away. But de Klerk had other ideas. She played with patience, rebuilt the innings, and kept RCB in the hunt. 

As wickets fell around her, she stayed calm. When 18 runs were needed in the final over, most thought the game was over. Then de Klerk produced magic.

She smashed a six, then a four, then another six and another boundary to finish the match in style. The RCB dugout erupted. De Klerk finished unbeaten on 63 off 44 balls, completing one of the best chases in WPL history

Earlier, she had also taken four wickets with the ball, making her performance even more special. Klerk almost didn’t let RCB feel the void of Ellyse Perry, who withdrew from WPL 2026 before the auction.