WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Top; All-Round Nadine De Klerk Owns Orange & Purple Caps

Nadine de Klerk’s all-round performance led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling three-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Premier

League (WPL) at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

After claiming 4-26 and restricting MI to 154/6, the seam-bowling all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, including 20 runs off the final four deliveries – two fours and two sixes – to guide RCB to victory on the last ball.

Coming in at 63/4, a calm and composed Nadine maintained her focus and carried her recent World Cup form into a high-quality innings that turned the game around. Her clutch hitting under pressure, along with receiving three lifelines in the 19th over, ensured RCB started the season with an exhilarating win, setting the stage for a tournament filled with intensity and excitement.

WPL 2026: MI Vs RCB – Highlights

WPL 2026 – Points Table

Team	Matches	Won	Lost	No Result	Points	NRR
Royal Challengers Bengaluru	1	1	0	0	2	0.150
Mumbai Indians	1	0	1	0	0	-0.150
Delhi Capitals	0	0	0	0	0	–
Gujarat Giants	0	0	0	0	0	–
UP Warriorz	0	0	0	0	0	–

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have started WPL 2026 flawlessly with a victory in their opening match, earning two points and positioning themselves at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, began their campaign with a loss and have yet to score any points. Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz are still awaiting their first matches of the season.

WPL 2026 – Orange Cap

Player	Team	Matches	Runs	Strike Rate	High Score
Nadine de Klerk	RCB	1	63*	143.18	63*
Sajeevan Sajana	MI	1	45	180.00	45
Nicola Carey	MI	1	40	137.93	40
G Kamalini	MI	1	32	114.28	32
Grace Harris	RCB	1	25	208.33	25

Nadine de Klerk leads the run charts after the first match of WPL 2026 with an unbeaten 63 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Her composed yet aggressive innings helped RCB secure a winning start. The Mumbai Indians batters are also prominent, with Sajeevan Sajana’s swift 45 and Nicola Carey’s steady 40 making significant contributions. G Kamalini added useful runs at the top, while Grace Harris, although lower on the list, impressed with her fast scoring rate.

WPL 2026 – Purple Cap

Player	Team	Matches	Wickets	Best Figures	Economy
Nadine de Klerk	RCB	1	4	4/26	6.50
Amelia Kerr	MI	1	2	2/13	3.25
Nicola Carey	MI	1	2	2/35	8.75
Lauren Bell	RCB	1	1	1/14	3.50
Amanjot Kaur	MI	1	1	1/18	6.00

Nadine de Klerk has also been the standout bowler of the season so far, taking four wickets for RCB in the opening match. Her disciplined performance made a significant impact, earning her the top spot on the wickets list. Amelia Kerr bowled tightly for Mumbai Indians, claiming two wickets with an excellent economy rate. Nicola Carey also took two wickets, albeit at a slightly higher expense. Lauren Bell showcased her control, and Amanjot Kaur contributed with one wicket.