WPL 2026, RCB Vs MI Top Performer: Nadine De Klerk Stars With Ball & Bat In Thrilling Win

Nadine de Klerk excelled with both ball and bat, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling three-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the Women’s

Premier League (WPL) at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

The 25-year-old all-rounder claimed four wickets for 26 runs, helping RCB limit MI to 154 for 6 after choosing to field. She then played a decisive role in the run chase, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Chasing a target of 155, RCB were at 137 for 7, needing 18 runs in the final over. De Klerk hit a six and a four from the third and fourth deliveries, leaving eight runs required from the last two balls. She struck a six on the penultimate delivery and then finished the match with a four from Nat Sciver-Brunt’s last ball to secure a dramatic win. RCB finished at 157 for 7 in 20 overs, with Prema Rawat also remaining not out on 8.

WPL 2026: MI Vs RCB – Highlights

The South African was adjudged the ‘Player of The Match’ for her all-round effort.

“I guess with cricket sometimes if it’s your day, you just have to make sure that you cash in. So yeah, obviously lucky with a few chances going my way,” she said after the match.

Other Performers –

Sajeevan Sajana starred for Mumbai Indians. Walking in with MI in trouble at 67 for 4, she played a fearless knock of 45 off just 25 balls. Her seven fours and one six, along with an 82-run partnership with Nicola Carey (40), completely changed the momentum and lifted MI to a competitive 154 for 6.

With the ball, Nicola Carey, impressed with two important wickets. Amelia Ker too claimed two wickets while keeping things tight. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Shabnim Ismail, and Amanjot Kaur chipped in with one wicket each, helping trigger RCB’s collapse.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris gave RCB a flying start, but their quick dismissals led to a dramatic collapse that proved costly. At the start, Lauren Bell kept things tight with her economical line and length, along with swing.

(With inputs from Agencies)