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Nadine de Klerk pulls off the impossible as RCB edge Mumbai Indians in WPL 2026 opener

Kaushik Kashyap

RCB beat Mumbai Indians by 3 wickets. [Source - AFP Photos]RCB beat Mumbai Indians by 3 wickets. [Source - AFP Photos]

RCB edged Mumbai Indians by 3 wickets in a thrilling opener of WPL 2026. A batting masterclass and all-round performance from Nadine de Klerk, backed by disciplined bowling, helped RCB secure their first win of the tournament at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday, January 9.

Here, we take a look at the complete highlights of Match 1 of the Women’s Premier League 2026 between Mumbai Indians and RCB, as it unfolded at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Friday, January 9.

Lauren Bell dominates early, but Sajeevan Sajana guides Mumbai Indians to respectable total

Mumbai Indians struggled after being asked to bat first, scoring just 34 in the powerplay for the loss of one wicket. Amelia Kerr, who opened for Mumbai Indians in absence of Hayley Matthews, struggled to get going and fell cheaply for 4 off 15 balls, with Lauren Bell causing major trouble early on.

After the powerplay, Nadine de Klerk struck immediately, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt and putting Mumbai Indians under pressure. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener G Kamalini tried to rebuild, but both were dismissed by the 11th over. RCB appeared in full control, looking to restrict the defending champions to a low total.

However, Mumbai Indians got some fightback from Sanjeevan Sajana and Nicola Carey. Sajana, dropped early, went on to score 45 off 25 balls, while Carey added 40 off 29 as well to take Mumbai Indians reach a competitive 154. With the ball, Nadine de Klerk took 4 wickets, but it was Lauren Bell’s 1/14 in her 4 overs stood out for RCB.

Nadine de Klerk pulls off a last-ball heist to stun Mumbai Indians

Chasing 155, RCB got off to a flying start, smashing 40 runs in the first three overs. Mumbai Indians responded sharply, dismissing both openers, Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris, inside the powerplay with 57 on the board. Post powerplay, RCB collapsed as Amanjot Kaur and Amelia Kerr claimed three quick wickets, putting RCB in tantrums.

Nadine de Klerk and Arundhati Reddy joined hands in the middle as RCB were 75 for 5 at the halfway stage, needing a strong recovery to stay alive. The duo responded with composure, stitching together a crucial 50-run stand that steadied the innings and kept RCB firmly in the hunt.

With the equation down to 29 off 12, de Klerk kept her calm to take the chase into the final over. Needing 18 off the last 4 balls, the South African smashed two sixes and two fours to seal a last-ball thriller, remaining unbeaten on 63 off 44 and stunning Mumbai Indians.