The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has wasted no time living up to its reputation for edge of the seat drama, kicking off with a bang and performances that demand attention.
As former Indian cricketer Ravichandra Ashwin wrote on X, “The WPL has started with a bang, last ball finish, 200 plus score which was closely contested by UPW, and a thumping comeback win for MI.” From Nadine de Klerk’s all-round heroics to Phoebe Litchfield’s fireworks and Chinelle Henry’s defiant counterpunch, the first three matches have set a blistering tone. Let’s dive into the action that’s got all buzzing.
It all began on January 9 at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged Mumbai Indians in a heart stopping opener. RCB scored 157/7 on the last ball they were chasing 154, thanks to steady contributions, but that chase turned into a rollercoaster. Slumping to 117/6, against the defending champions RCB mounted a stunning comeback, only for Nadine de Klerk to steal the show. The South African allrounder, living up to her WC promise, first ripped through MI with 4 wickets while bowling dismantling the middle order at a miserly economy.
Then, bat in hand, she unleashed 63* off 44 balls, finishing with a boundary on the last ball to seal a three-wicket win. De Klerk’s Player of the Match masterclass wasn’t just stats; it was pure clutch under pressure, turning a potential collapse into RCB’s dream start. Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy sparkled, but it was de Klerk who etched her name in WPL lore. From MI batting unit Sajeevan Sajana performed with excellence scoring 45 runs off 25 balls including 7 boundaries and 1 six. Proved her presence in the very first match.
The fireworks escalated on January 10 as Gujarat Giants unleashed against UP Warriorz, smashing a monstrous 207 on the batting friendly DY Patil pitch. Giants’ batters feasted on the pace and bounce, piling on boundaries in a total that screamed intimidation. UPW, though, refused to fold quietly. Led by 22-year-old Phoebe Litchfield, Ashwin’s well-deserved “pick of the week,” they mounted a fierce chase.
Litchfield’s 78 off 40 balls was poetry in motion with 8 boundaries and 5 sixes at a staggering 195 strike rate, keeping UP alive till the death. Despite falling 10 runs short, her explosive innings showcased why she’s a future star, blending Australian flair with ice cool temperament. Sajeevan Sajana’s first-match cameo for MI added flair.
His tweet further read, “There have been some wonderful young talents on display so far, Nadine De Klerk living upto the promise she showed in WC, Chinelle Henry with the bat, Sajeevan Sajana with the bat in the 1st game for MI.
Despite all these top performances, my pick of the week till now has to be Phoebe Litchfield.
This girl is going to be some player 🔥”
MI bounced back ferociously on January 10 against Delhi Capitals, thumping them by 50 runs after posting 195. Post their RCB heartbreak, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side channeled the pain into a clinical display, power hitting and smart bowling stifling DC. Chasing 196, Delhi crumbled to 33/4 early, but Chinelle Henry mounted a lone warrior fightback: 56 off 33 balls at 169 strike rate, laced with 5 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her aggressive strokeplay dragged DC to 145 all out, injecting respect into a one-sided affair. Henry’s grit highlighted DC’s never say die spirit.
Ashwin’s shoutout to players like Nadine de Klerk, Phoebe Litchfield, Chinelle Henry, and Sajana Sajeevan have dazzled, blending top tier skill with match defining moments. With WPL filled with young as well as experienced talents it promises more chaos and dynamic matches. Many more players will impress fans with their performances. It’s just the start of WPL 2026. It is just heating up.
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