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MI vs RCB: Lauren Bell’s new-ball masterclass forces Amelia Kerr into unwanted WPL record

Kaushik Kashyap

Amelia Kerr sets new unwanted WPL record vs Lauren Bell. [Source - AFP Photos]Amelia Kerr sets new unwanted WPL record vs Lauren Bell. [Source - AFP Photos]

Mumbai Indians’ WPL 2026 campaign began on a cautious note as Amelia Kerr endured a scratchy start at the top. Opening the innings against RCB, the New Zealand all-rounder struggled to find timing, putting early pressure on the Mumbai Indians’ batting unit.

With Hayley Matthews sidelined due to illness, Amelia Kerr was promoted to open in the season opener at the DY Patil Stadium. Asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians had a tough start, as Amelia Kerr’s slow beginning inside the powerplay prevented them from capitalising on a surface that looked good for batting.

Amelia Kerr struggled early against Lauren Bell

Amelia Kerr’s early innings was dominated by Lauren Bell. The RCB pace spearhead was relentless with her lines, length and bounce, repeatedly beating the bat and not allowing Kerr to score off her first ten deliveries. Bell’s disciplined spell immediately set the tone, putting Kerr on the back foot.

The batter’s difficulties became evident as she finally managed her first run off the 11th ball, registering the second-most deliveries taken to get off the mark in WPL history, behind only Grace Harris’ 15-ball struggle in 2024.

Most balls taken to get off the mark in WPL

Balls
Player
Match
Year
15 Grace HarrisUPW vs MIW, Delhi2024
11Amelia KerrMIW vs RCBW, Navi Mumbai2026

The phase significantly dented Mumbai Indians’ powerplay output as Amelia Kerr could only manage 4 runs off 11 balls before being dismissed by Bell towards the end of the fifth over, allowing RCB to keep things tight after deciding to bowl first. As a result, Mumbai Indians put only 34 runs in the powerplay.

For Mumbai Indians, the sluggish start proved costly in the bigger picture. Amelia Kerr’s rare off day, combined with Lauren Bell’s dominance, ensured RCB stayed ahead early. Bell finished with impressive figures of 1 for 14 in her 4 overs, making it a tremendous debut for the RCB pace spearhead.